Quick answer: PG is thin and carries flavor and throat feel; VG is thick and makes smoother, denser vapor. Use 50/50 or a higher-PG mix in pod kits and small mouth-to-lung tanks, and 25% PG / 75% VG or Max VG in sub-ohm tanks. 50/50 is our standard and works in most devices.
Every bottle of e-liquid is mostly two ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). The ratio between them changes how a juice tastes, how it feels on the throat, how much vapor it makes and which devices it works in. This guide explains what each one does, how to read a ratio, and how to pick the right mix for your setup.
What PG and VG are
- Propylene glycol (PG) is a thin, clear liquid. In e-liquid it carries flavor well and gives a sharper feel on the throat.
- Vegetable glycerin (VG) is thick and slightly sweet. It makes denser, smoother vapor and softens the throat feel.
Flavorings and nicotine are mixed into this PG/VG base. Because the base makes up most of the bottle, the ratio has a big effect on the experience.
How to read a ratio
Ratios are written PG first, then VG. A 50% PG / 50% VG bottle is half of each. A 25% PG / 75% VG bottle is mostly VG, often called “high VG”. “Max VG” means as much VG as the recipe allows, with only the small amount of PG that comes from the flavorings.
PG vs VG at a glance
| Higher PG | Higher VG | |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Sharper, more pronounced | Smoother, slightly sweeter, a little muted |
| Throat feel | Stronger “throat hit” | Softer |
| Vapor | Thinner, less visible | Thicker, denser clouds |
| Thickness | Thin, wicks fast | Thick, wicks slower |
| Best devices | Pod kits, small mouth-to-lung tanks | Sub-ohm tanks, higher-wattage kits |
Which ratio fits your device
Pod kits and small mouth-to-lung tanks
These use small coils and small wicking holes, so thinner liquid works best. A 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG mix wicks reliably and keeps flavor sharp. Very thick, high-VG juice can wick too slowly in these devices and taste burnt.
Sub-ohm tanks
Sub-ohm tanks have larger coils and wicking ports built for thicker liquid. 25/75 PG/VG or Max VG gives the smooth, dense vapor these tanks are made for. Thin, high-PG juice can flood or leak in some sub-ohm tanks. Sub-ohm tanks also use much more juice per day; see how much vape juice per day.
Salt nicotine pod devices
Salt nicotine is usually vaped in low-power pod devices, so salt juices are made with more PG. Our Salt eJuice comes in 100% PG, 75/25 and 50/50.
The six mixes we offer
We fill every bottle to order, so you choose the ratio on any of our e-liquid flavors:
- 75% PG / 25% VG: the sharpest flavor and strongest throat feel; for mouth-to-lung devices.
- 60% PG / 40% VG: a slightly smoother version of the above.
- 50% PG / 50% VG (Standard): our most popular mix, and a safe choice if you are not sure; works in most pod kits and many tanks.
- 40% PG / 60% VG: a step toward smoother vapor; good in tanks that run warm.
- 25% PG / 75% VG: smooth and cloudy; made for sub-ohm tanks.
- Max VG: the thickest and smoothest; best in high-wattage sub-ohm setups.
Not sure yet? A sample pack lets you try five flavors in one mix before buying larger bottles.
Signs your ratio is off
- Burnt or dry taste, even with a fresh coil: the juice may be too thick for the device. Try a higher-PG mix.
- Leaking, gurgling or spitting: the juice may be too thin for the tank. Try a higher-VG mix.
- Too harsh: more VG softens the throat feel. Lowering your nicotine strength also helps.
- Flavor seems weak: a little more PG sharpens it. You can also add 15% or 35% extra flavor to any bottle.
Mixing your own
If you make your own e-liquid, you control the ratio exactly. We sell unflavored PG and VG separately and a ready-mixed flavorless base in your choice of mix and nicotine strength. Our DIY e-liquid guide walks through the math step by step.
PG vs VG FAQ
Is PG or VG better?
Neither is better on its own. PG favors flavor and throat feel, VG favors smoothness and vapor. The right choice depends mostly on your device: higher PG for pod kits and mouth-to-lung tanks, higher VG for sub-ohm tanks.
What is the most common ratio?
50/50 is the most common all-round mix, and it is our standard. 70/30 VG/PG (written 30/70 PG/VG) and higher-VG mixes are common for sub-ohm vaping.
Does the ratio change the flavor?
Yes. The same flavor tastes a little sharper at higher PG and a little smoother and sweeter at higher VG. The flavor recipe itself stays the same.
Can I mix two bottles with different ratios?
Yes. The result lands between the two. For example, equal parts 50/50 and Max VG gives roughly a 25/75 mix.
Why is my high-VG juice thicker in the winter?
VG thickens when it is cold. Letting the bottle sit at room temperature for a while helps it wick normally again.
Keep e-liquid in its childproof-capped bottle and away from children and pets. For adults 21+. Nicotine is an addictive chemical.
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