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When you pick up a bottle of vape juice you will notice two letters on the label that appear almost everywhere: PG and VG. They are the base ingredients of e liquid and understanding them can completely change how you experience vaping. If you have ever wondered why some liquids feel smooth while others deliver a stronger throat hit or why some create huge clouds and others are more discreet, the answer lies in PG and VG.
What does PG mean?
PG stands for propylene glycol. It is a thin, odourless liquid that has been used for decades in products ranging from food flavourings to pharmaceuticals. In vape juice it plays a very specific role. PG is the carrier for flavour concentrates and nicotine. Because it is thinner in consistency it absorbs flavour very well and delivers it with clarity when you inhale.
Vapers who use high PG liquids usually notice that the flavour feels sharper and more defined. Another quality of PG is throat hit. This is the sensation you feel at the back of the throat when you inhale, often compared to the hit you would get from smoking a traditional cigarette. For people who are making the switch from smoking to vaping, this throat hit can feel familiar and make the transition easier.
However PG is not without its downsides. Some people find high PG ratios slightly irritating, especially if they are sensitive to it. A higher PG liquid also tends to produce smaller clouds, which might not suit cloud chasers or those who enjoy a thick vapour experience.
What does VG mean?
VG stands for vegetable glycerine. It is a thicker liquid, naturally sweet in taste, and widely used in food and skincare products. In vape juice VG is responsible for vapour production. The higher the VG content, the bigger and denser the clouds you will see when you exhale.
VG is smoother on the throat than PG, which makes it popular with vapers who find strong throat hits uncomfortable. Because of its slight sweetness, VG can also affect the overall flavour profile of the juice, often making it taste rounder and smoother. This is why high VG e liquids are the go to choice for sub ohm vaping, where the device is designed to produce large clouds and a smoother inhale.
The thickness of VG has a practical effect too. It can be harder for certain coils to absorb. Small starter kits or pod systems with tiny wicking holes can struggle with high VG liquids, leading to dry hits or poor performance. On the other hand, advanced kits with larger coils are built to handle high VG blends with ease.
Common PG VG ratios
E liquids come in many different PG and VG ratios, each with their own benefits. Some of the most common include:
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50/50: This is a balanced mix that delivers both decent flavour and reasonable vapour production. It works well in starter kits and pod systems.
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70VG/30PG: This ratio is favoured by sub ohm vapers who want bigger clouds and a smoother inhale while still keeping enough PG to carry flavour.
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High PG (70PG/30VG or above): These blends provide stronger flavour definition and a noticeable throat hit, making them better suited for mouth to lung devices.
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Max VG (80VG or more): Designed for cloud chasing and direct to lung vaping, max VG juices create dense vapour clouds and a very smooth throat feel.
Each ratio is suited to different styles of vaping. Choosing the right one depends on your device, your preferences for flavour and vapour, and whether you value throat hit or smoothness more.
PG VG and nicotine
Nicotine strength is also influenced by the PG VG ratio. High PG liquids are more effective at carrying nicotine, which is why traditional 10ml bottles and nic salts often use a 50/50 or higher PG ratio. These are commonly chosen by newer vapers who want a strong and satisfying nicotine delivery.
High VG shortfills, usually sold in 100ml bottles, come with no nicotine but leave space for nic shots. Because VG is thicker and smoother, the nicotine hit feels gentler even at higher strengths. Sub ohm vapers often prefer this as it allows them to enjoy the act of vaping without the harshness that a high PG blend would bring at the same strength.
Which ratio should you choose?
The best ratio depends on how you like to vape. If you are just starting out with a small pod kit and you want a sensation close to smoking, a 50/50 or high PG blend is often the right choice. If you enjoy producing big clouds and you are using a more powerful sub ohm device, then a 70VG blend or max VG juice will suit you better.
It is also worth considering where you usually vape. High VG juices create larger clouds which may not be discreet if you are in public places. High PG juices create less vapour, which can feel more discreet in social settings.
PG VG and coil life
Another factor to keep in mind is how PG and VG affect coil longevity. High VG liquids are thicker and sweeter, which can sometimes cause coils to clog more quickly. This is particularly noticeable with dessert or sugary flavours. High PG liquids, being thinner, tend to extend coil life slightly as they wick faster and leave less residue.
This is not a hard rule though as flavouring ingredients also have a big role in coil lifespan. Still, knowing that VG is thicker helps you make better choices if you want to balance cloud production with coil performance.
Final thoughts
PG and VG might look like confusing terms at first but they are simply the foundations of every bottle of vape juice. PG provides flavour sharpness and throat hit. VG creates clouds and adds smoothness. The balance between them shapes your entire vaping experience.
If you want clarity of flavour and a cigarette like throat hit, lean towards higher PG liquids. If you want big vapour clouds and a softer inhale, go with higher VG juices. Many vapers experiment until they find the sweet spot that matches their device and their style.
Understanding PG and VG not only helps you pick the right juice but also avoids frustration with your device. The right ratio ensures your coil wicks properly, your flavour shines, and your vapour feels exactly how you like it. Next time you see PG and VG listed on your bottle, you will know exactly what it means and how it shapes the vape you enjoy.
If you are ready to explore a wide range of flavours, browse our full 100ml vape juice collection where you can find options to match every style of vaping.
If you are learning the base liquids and want a wider view of ingredients, read what is vape juice made of. If flavour is your next question after ratios, compare tips in best vape liquid for flavour.