Complete Guide to VG & PG Ratios

August 07, 2025 — By Irfan Aleem

If you’re new to vaping, you’ve probably seen terms like VG and PG on e-liquid bottles and wondered what is VG and PG are in a vape juice. Don’t worry, these aren’t as complicated as they sound. VG and PG simply refer to the two main ingredients in your e-liquid (besides nicotine and flavour). 

This complete guide will explain what VG and PG mean, how the VG/PG ratio affects your vaping experience, and help you find the perfect mix for your needs. We’ll cover everything in easy, human terms, whether you’re a beginner asking “what are VG and PG?” or an advanced vaper fine-tuning your cloud production. Let’s dive in!

 

What Are VG and PG? (Vape Juice Basics)

VG and PG are the common abbreviations for the two key components of any standard e-liquid: Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). These are the liquids that make up the bulk of your vape juice, carrying the flavour and nicotine. Here’s a simple breakdown of each:

  • VG ( Vegetable Glycerine): VG is a clear, slightly sweet and syrupy liquid derived from vegetable oils. It’s 100% natural and is widely used in food, cosmetics, and medicines. In vaping, VG is responsible for producing thick, dense vapour clouds and giving a smooth inhale with a gentle throat hit. In other words, a high VG vape juice will create big clouds and a milder feel on the throat. (Fun fact: VG is so safe it’s even used in foods and skin products – it’s generally recognised as safe for consumption by the FDA).
  • PG (Propylene Glycol): PG is a clear, colourless and nearly odourless liquid that’s a bit thinner than VG. It’s a synthetic liquid (in the same chemical group as alcohol) commonly used as a food additive and in products like medicines and asthma inhalers. PG’s main role in e-liquid is to carry flavour well and provide the “throat hit” that mimics the sensation of smoking. A high PG vape liquid gives more of that sharp, strong throat hit and intense flavour, but produces smaller clouds. PG itself has almost no taste, so it won’t alter your e-juice flavour. (PG is also considered safe as a food additive – it’s been “generally recognised as safe” (GRAS) by U.S. regulators for decades.)

In summary, what are VG and PG? They are simply the two base liquids in your e-juice. VG (sometimes written as “V.G ”) means Vegetable Glycerine, and PG means Propylene Glycol. So whenever you ask what VG mean or what a PG is in vaping, the answer is that they are the building blocks of your vape juice. Both VG and PG are found in many everyday products, so they’re quite familiar compounds. For example, VG is used in sweeteners and soaps, and PG is used in food flavourings and even theatrical fog machines. Pretty neat, right?

VG vs PG: Understanding the Difference

Now that we know what they are, let’s look at VG vs PG and how they differ in your vaping experience. In other words, VG versus PG, what’s the actual difference when you vape? Here’s a quick VG vs PG comparison of key factors:

Aspect

VG (Vegetable Glycerine)

PG (Propylene Glycol)

Throat Hit

Smooth and mild – less throat hit, making inhales gentler.

Strong and sharp – more throat hit (similar to smoking) for a pronounced feel.

Vapour Production

High vapour – produces dense, thick clouds (great for cloud-chasers).

Lower vapour produces smaller, thinner clouds (more discreet).

Flavor Intensity

Slightly mutes flavour compared to PG (VG is a bit sweet, which can soften flavours).

Carries flavours very effectively, giving a more intense flavour from your e-liquid.

Consistency (Viscosity)

Thick liquid – higher viscosity (like syrup), which makes it slower to wick into coils.

Thin liquid – lower viscosity (closer to water), so it soaks into wicks easily.

Usage in Devices

Best for high-power devices and sub-ohm coils. Needs more heat/power to vaporise due to thickness. Not ideal for small coil openings.

Best for low-power devices and starter kits. Wicks quickly in tiny coils. Not suited for sub-ohm (can burn harshly at high power).

Key Experience

Smooth inhale, big clouds – ideal for direct-to-lung vaping and a gentler feel.

Strong throat hit, intense flavour – ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping and replicating a cigarette hit.

 

As you can see, VG and PG each bring different qualities to your vape juice. Neither is “better” overall; it’s about what experience you prefer and what equipment you’re using. Here are the differences explained in plain terms:

Throat Hit vs Smoothness: PG provides the pronounced “throat hit” (that punchy feeling at the back of your throat) that many ex-smokers crave, while VG makes the vapour feel smoother and easier on the throat. If you find strong throat hits too harsh or you have a sensitive throat, juices higher in VG will feel more gentle. Conversely, if you miss the sensation of smoking, a higher-PG blend gives that bite.

Vapour Clouds: Ever see those vapers blowing huge clouds? That’s the VG working! Higher VG content leads to thicker, billowy clouds of vapour. VG is what produces those big, dense clouds when you exhale. PG, on the other hand, creates much less vapour, so high-PG liquids are better if you want to be discreet (often called “stealth vaping”). Think of VG vs PG like the difference between fog and mist: VG is like a heavy fog, PG is like a light mist.

Flavour Carrying: PG is a superb flavour carrier – it’s excellent at delivering the flavour notes of your e-liquid prominently. VG has a slightly sweet taste of its own and can mute flavours a tiny bit. This doesn’t mean VG liquids taste bad (far from it), just that a 50/50 or high-PG juice might taste a bit more intense or sharp compared to a high-VG of the same flavour. Most e-juice recipes balance VG/PG to get the best of both – smooth vapour and good flavour.

Consistency and Wicking: VG is much thicker in consistency, whereas PG is runny. This VG vs PG consistency difference matters for your coils. Thick VG juice can have trouble soaking into the small wicking ports of certain coils (especially the kind of coils you find in basic mouth-to-lung kits or pod systems). High-PG (thinner) liquid wicks easily even in tiny coil openings. This is why using a super high VG juice in a small, low-power device can cause issues; the thick liquid might not flow fast enough, leading to dry hits or even coil clogging over time. On the other hand, if you pour a very high-PG (thin) liquid into a powerful sub-ohm tank, it may flood the coil or result in a harsh vape. In short, PG vs VG in device compatibility is crucial: small coils like thinner (PG) juice, big coils can handle thicker (VG) juice.

Who Prefers What: PG (higher PG blends) are typically preferred by new vapers or those using basic kits, especially ex-smokers who want that cigarette-like hit. VG (higher VG blends) are loved by hobbyist vapers and “cloud-chasers” who use more advanced kits or sub-ohm tanks to blow big clouds with a smooth inhale. Don’t worry, you don’t have to choose one or the other completely – most e-liquids actually mix both VG and PG to give a balanced experience. That’s where ratios come in!

What Is VG/PG Ratio? (PG vs VG Ratio Explained)

After knowing what is VG PG? Then comes the ratio of these terms. When you see something like “70/30” or “50/50” on an e-liquid bottle, that’s referring to the VG/PG ratio. This ratio tells you the proportion of Vegetable Glycerine to Propylene Glycol in the vape juice. It’s often written as VG/PG (though some labels might list PG/VG – it means the same thing, just make sure you know which number is which). For example, a 70/30 vape juice typically refers to a mix of 70% VG and 30% PG (this is a standard ratio for sub-ohm or “high VG” liquids). Likewise, 50/50 vape juice is a 50/50 blend of VG and PG, providing a balanced composition. Understanding what PG/VG means is important because it directly affects how that e-liquid will perform:

High VG ratios (e.g. 70/30, 80/20, or Max VG) – the liquid is thicker, produces more vapour, and has a smoother hit. High-VG juice is generally used for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, bigger vape kits, or sub-ohm tanks. For instance, a 70/30 vape juice is a popular choice for people using advanced vape kits who want rich clouds and a silky smooth inhale.

Balanced 50/50 ratio – a 50/50 VG/PG mix gives you some of the best of both worlds: a moderate throat hit, good flavour, and decent vapour. These work great in most starter kits, pod systems and mouth-to-lung devices. If you’re unsure what to start with, you can’t go wrong with a 50/50 e-liquid. (Many nicotine salt e-liquids and beginner-friendly juices come in 50/50.) In fact, a 50/50 vape juice closely mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette, making it ideal for those transitioning from smoking.

High PG ratios (e.g. 30/70, which would be 30% VG / 70% PG) – these are less common nowadays, but you might encounter 60/40 or 40/60 (VG/PG) in some special cases. A higher PG content means a stronger throat hit and very quick wicking, but not much cloud. High PG vape juice was more popular in early vaping days when folks wanted to replicate a cigarette feel closely. Today, if you want a high-PG option, you’ll mostly find them in low-VG cigarette-like flavours or certain 10ml classic freebase liquids. For example, a 40% VG / 60% PG blend might be chosen by an ultra MTL purist or someone who needs that extra throat kick.

Common VG/PG Ratios: Here in the UK, the most common ratios you’ll see are 50/50, 70/30, and sometimes 60/40. Many popular e-liquid brands offer their juices in 50/50 (for MTL devices/nic salts) and in high-VG 70/30 shortfills for sub-ohm vapers. Some specialised cloud-chasing liquids might go 80/20 or even Max VG (which basically means VG with just a drop of PG for flavour). On the other hand, nic salt e-liquids and most 10ml bottled juices for basic kits are typically 50/50 VG/PG.

If you’re wondering, “PG VG ratio – does it matter?”, the answer is yes! The PG/VG ratio impacts how the e-juice feels and performs. Let’s illustrate with two popular examples: 50/50 vs 70/30:

50/50 vs 70/30: A 50/50 liquid will work smoothly in virtually any device (it’s not too thick or too thin), hitting a noticeable throat and clear flavour. A 70/30 (high VG) liquid will be smoother on the throat and blow thicker clouds, but it’s best suited for more powerful vapes (sub-ohm coils). If you put a 70/30 juice in a tiny, low-power pod, you may encounter issues such as weak hits or coil flooding. Conversely, a 50/50 in a high-power sub-ohm mod might feel a bit harsh or not produce as much vapour as you expect. It’s all about the right tool for the job.

70/30 vape juice (High VG) is one of the most popular ratios for experienced vapers using sub-ohm tanks – it gives a smooth draw and big clouds without being too thick to manage. You’ll find lots of shortfill e-liquids in 70/30, meaning they are intended to be used with separate nicotine shots if needed. For example, many 100ml shortfill bottles are formulated at a 70/30 VG/PG ratio. These are perfect for direct lung vaping on higher-watt devices. If you see a juice labelled “High VG” or “70VG/30PG”, you can expect huge vapour production and a velvet-smooth inhale.

50/50 vape juice is ideal for beginners or anyone using a simple kit or wanting a bit more throat hit. It’s a balanced vape – medium vapour, medium throat hit. These liquids are often sold in smaller bottles with nicotine included (like 10ml bottles at various strengths), but you can also find 50/50 shortfill bottles (e.g. 50ml or 100ml 0mg) for those who want larger volumes. Yes, 50/50 shortfill e-liquids do exist – some manufacturers cater to MTL vapers who want to buy 50ml+ of juice and add nic shots for convenience. If you’re looking for 50/50 vape juice 100ml size, you’ll typically find them labelled as “50/50 PG/VG” shortfills (since UK law limits nicotine to 10ml containers, larger bottles like 100ml are nicotine-free until you add your own nicshot). These balanced-ratio shortfills allow mouth-to-lung vapers to enjoy bulk e-liquid without compromising on the VG/PG mix they need.

To sum up, the PG/VG ratio (or VG and PG ratio) simply indicates the mix of the two ingredients. The higher the VG number, the thicker and smoother the liquid; the higher the PG, the stronger the hit and flavour. Knowing this, you can choose the right ratio for your device and personal preference.

High VG vs High PG E-Liquids: Pros, Cons and Uses

Let’s talk extremes for a moment , high VG vs high PG vape liquids. By “high” we generally mean liquids where one of the components dominates (above ~70%). What are the pros and cons of each, and who are they for?

High VG Vape Juice (e.g. 70% VG or more)

A high VG vape juice is any liquid with a VG content of around 70% up to 100%. Many popular shortfills and cloud-chucking liquids fall in this category (70/30, 80/20, etc.). Here are the key points about high VG:

Pros of High VG

  • Super Smooth Hits: The throat hit is very gentle. Even at lower nicotine levels, high-VG blends feel smooth and can be easier on the throat for chain vaping.
  • Massive Vapour Production: If you love blowing huge clouds, high VG is the way to go. VG is responsible for dense vapour, so the more VG, the bigger (and denser) the clouds. Great for tricks or just for that satisfying voluminous exhale.
  • Ideal for DTL and Sub-Ohm: High VG liquids shine in advanced kits, sub-ohm tanks, and powerful mods. These devices can vaporise the thick liquid efficiently, resulting in rich flavour and clouds. Sub-ohm vapers almost always use high-VG juices to avoid harshness at high power.

Cons of High VG

  • Requires the Right Device: Because VG is thick, using a high VG juice in a small or low-power device can cause problems. It may not wick fast enough, leading to dry hits or even coil burning. You might also experience coil clogging or gunking if the coil isn’t designed for such thick liquid. (VG’s sweetness can caramelise on coils over time, shortening coil life.) In short, high VG is not ideal for tiny coil setups or older clearomisers; they’ll struggle.
  • Reduced Throat Hit: For some, this isn’t a con, but if you want a noticeable throat hit, high VG alone might feel too mellow. You may need to use a higher nicotine strength or switch to some PG to get that “kick.”
  • Slight Flavour Mellowing: High VG juices can sometimes have slightly less intense flavour compared to a 50/50 blend, because PG is a better flavour carrier. Juice makers often compensate by adding a bit more flavour concentrate in high-VG recipes. Overall, you’ll still get great taste, just perhaps a tad softer edges on very subtle flavour notes.

Who should use High VG? If you have a sub-ohm kit, an advanced mod, or enjoy Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping with lots of vapour, high VG is for you. Cloud-chasers and hobbyists typically prefer 70/30 and higher. Also, if you find your throat gets irritated by PG, switching to a higher VG ratio can help (some people are mildly sensitive to PG and experience dryness or a sore throat from high-PG liquids).

Brands often label their shortfills or larger bottles as High VG – for example, Careless 100ml shortfills (70VG) at Greet Vape are designed for sub-ohm vaping with a generous VG content. These types of juices work best in kits like sub-ohm tanks, advanced pods, or high-wattage mods that can handle thicker liquids. If that’s your setup, check out our range of high-VG shortfill e-liquids (70/30 blends) – they’ll give you the smooth clouds you’re after!

High PG Vape Juice (e.g. 60%+ PG)

A high PG vape juice is one with more Propylene Glycol than VG – for example, 60/40 (VG/PG) or even 50/50 is relatively higher in PG compared to typical sub-ohm juice. In the early days of vaping, 70% PG / 30% VG was common, but today, “high PG” usually refers to anything above a 50/50 balance in favour of PG. Let’s weigh the pros and cons:

Pros of High PG

  • Strong Throat Hit: High-PG liquids deliver that robust throat hit similar to smoking a cigarette. This can be more satisfying for recent ex-smokers or those who want a firmer sensation from their nicotine. If you find 50/50 is not hitting hard enough, a bump in PG can do it.
  • Excellent Flavour Delivery: With more PG, the flavour in your e-liquid can shine brightly. You might notice sharper, more pronounced flavour notes. For example, a menthol or tobacco flavour in a high-PG mix can feel extra bold and immediate.
  • Great for Low-Power & MTL Devices: High PG juice is thin and wicks easily, so it’s perfect for small coil systems, older e-cigs, and mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits. If you’re using a basic vape pen or a pod designed for MTL, a high-PG or 50/50 liquid is usually recommended. You’ll get a nice hit even at lower power because PG carries the nicotine hit efficiently. Many nic salt e-liquids are around 50/50 VG/PG, which gives a fairly high PG effect (smooth yet satisfying in low-power devices). Also, PG produces less visible vapour, which some users prefer for discretion.

Cons of High PG

  • Harsh on Throat (for some): The flip side of that strong throat hit is that it can be too harsh or irritating for certain vapers. Some folks experience dryness, a sore throat, or even a slight cough with high PG levels. PG is known to cause dry mouth/throat because it’s a humectant (it absorbs moisture). If you vape a high-PG juice constantly, stay hydrated and monitor how your throat feels.
  • Not for High Power: Do NOT use a high-PG liquid in a high-power, direct-lung device – your throat will likely feel like it’s on fire! Because PG is thin, it will run through the coil too quickly in a powerful kit, potentially causing spitback or overheating. Plus, the throat hit will be extremely strong and unpleasant at large vapour volumes. High PG juices are meant for low-wattage, higher-resistance coils. Trying to vape, say, a 30PG/70PG (which is very high PG) on a sub-ohm coil will result in a very nasty, burnt experience. So stick to using high PG in the proper MTL tanks or older-style clearomizers.
  • Low Vapour Production: If big clouds are your thing, high-PG juices will disappoint – they produce minimal vapour. This isn’t exactly a “con” if you want stealth, but cloud-chasers will find high-PG blends unsatisfying in terms of visuals. Think of high-PG vaping like taking a quick puff of a cigarette: you get the nicotine and throat feel, but not much show.

Who should use High PG? High-PG liquids are best suited for new vapers, MTL vapers, or those using fundamental devices (such as basic vape pens, older generation e-cigs, or low-wattage pod systems). If you are just quitting smoking and want something that feels closer to a cigarette, a higher PG ratio can be beneficial. Many 10ml bottled e-liquids in tobacco or menthol flavours come in 50/50 or 60/40 VG/PG for this reason. Also, if you don’t care about clouds at all and prioritise a stealthy vape with a solid throat punch, a higher PG blend might be your go-to.

Just remember, PG and VG both have their place – you can adjust the ratio as needed if one feels too strong. For instance, some vapers who find 70% PG too harsh might opt for a 60% PG/40% VG mix or stick to a 50/50 ratio. At Greet Vape, we offer a wide range of options suitable for MTL kits – from classic high-PG 10ml e-liquids to balanced 50/50 vape juice blends. If you need help picking one, just ask!

Choosing the Right VG/PG Ratio for You

So, PG vs VG – which is better for you? The answer depends on your vaping style, your device, and personal preference. Here are some quick tips to help you choose the optimal VG/PG ratio.

Know Your Device: Check What Type of Vape Kit You Have

If you use a basic starter kit, a pod system, or any MTL device (with coil resistance above ~1Ω), go for 50/50 or higher PG (e.g. 50/50, 60/40). These devices are built for thinner liquids. A balanced 50/50 vape juice will give you a satisfying hit without overwhelming the coil. Many nic salt liquids (great for pods) are 50/50 VG/PG, which is perfect. For example, Elfliq Nic Salt 10ml e-liquids are 50/50 blends ideal for small pod kits, delivering smooth flavour and a decent throat hit in devices like the Elf Bar Mate pods.

If you use an advanced or sub-ohm kit (low resistance coils below 1Ω, higher wattage), opt for 70/30 or other high-VG liquids. These devices thrive on thicker juice. A high VG shortfill will produce the clouds and smoothness you want, and your coil can handle it. For instance, our Careless 100ml shortfills are 70VG/30PG mixes, made for sub-ohm tanks – perfect for your cloud-chucking mod. Using a 50/50 in a powerful sub-ohm kit isn’t inherently dangerous, but you might find it harsh and lacking in vapour; conversely, using a high VG in a tiny kit can cause dry hits or coil clogs. Match your juice to your device’s intended ratio.

Throat Hit vs Smoothness: Decide What Kind of Throat Sensation you Enjoy

Do you want a noticeable throat hit (that little scratch or punch in the throat)? If so, lean toward a more PG rating. A 50/50 or 40PG/60VG (i.e. slightly PG-heavy) could be good. Many ex-smokers find 50/50 satisfying because it provides a hint of that familiar sensation. If 50/50 isn’t hitting enough, try a 40VG/60PG blend (if available) or increase nicotine a bit (nicotine level also affects throat hit).

Do you prefer a smooth inhale with minimal throat irritation? Then go higher VG. Ratios like 70/30 or 80/20 will considerably smooth out the inhale. This is great for those who cough easily or just don’t like the sharpness in their throat. Additionally, at higher VG, you can take bigger puffs (in a direct-to-lung style) comfortably, which produces more vapour per hit.

Nicotine Strength Consideration

If you vape higher nicotine (e.g., 12mg, 18mg, or nic salts at 20mg), you’ll likely be using a 50/50 juice anyway, because high nicotine and high VG together are usually not common (most high nicotine juices are designed for MTL devices). High nicotine itself adds throat hit. Meanwhile, if you vape low nicotine (3mg, 6mg) on a big device, those typically come in high-VG form. So your nicotine level and ideal VG/PG often correlate. For instance:

  • High nic (MTL) -> 50/50 or 60/40 VG/PG.
  • Low nic (Sub-Ohm) -> 70/30 VG/PG or similar high VG.
    • Experiment and Adapt

      There’s no one-size-fits-all. You might start with 50/50 vape liquids as a beginner (common and versatile). Over time, you might try a 70/30 to see if you like more vapour and find it suits your new sub-ohm device. Or vice versa, you might realise you want more throat hit and shift from 70/30 down to 50/50 or even a special 40/60 mix. Feel free to experiment – just do so within the safe operating range of your device (don’t put max VG in a tiny pod or high PG in a cloud-blaster mod, without expecting some issues).

      Any Sensitivities

      A small percentage of people have a sensitivity or mild allergy to PG. If you notice that vaping makes you unusually dry, or you get a sore throat or irritated sinuses often, and you’re using higher-PG juice, consider trying a higher VG ratio to see if it helps. VG is generally hypoallergenic. There are even 100% VG e-liquids (or max VG with only flavourings in PG) on the market for those who need to avoid PG entirely. Just note, 100% VG is very thick – only use it in appropriate setups. On the flip side, very few, but some, people might not tolerate VG well (perhaps glycerin upset). In that rare case, a high PG could be suitable for them. Most people, however, handle both fine.

      Finally, a quick recap of what PG VG means: when you see a ratio, remember the first number is VG and the second is PG (in most labelling conventions, especially in the UK). So, 80/20 means 80% VG / 20% PG, which is a high VG ratio. A 30/70 would likely be reversed labelling (some brands might list PG first), so check if it says explicitly VG/PG. When in doubt, ask or look up the product description. At Greet Vape, the UK’s leading vape shop, we list the VG/PG ratios clearly for our e-liquids. For example, in our product titles or descriptions, such as “ Double Menthol – 50/50 10ml” or “ Cherry – 70VG/30PG shortfill”, you can easily find the right blend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does PG/VG mean on my e-liquid bottle?

PG/VG refers to the Propylene Glycol / Vegetable Glycerine content. It indicates the ratio of PG to VG. For instance, if a label says “PG/VG: 50/50” (or sometimes written as “VG/PG 50/50”), it means that e-liquid is an equal half-and-half mix of PG and VG. If it says “70/30”, usually it implies 70% VG and 30% PG (since many modern juices emphasise the VG first). In short, PG/VG means the blend of the two base liquids in your juice. It’s important because it influences throat hit, flavour, and which devices the juice works best in.

I’m a beginner – What VG/PG ratio should I start with?

For most beginners (especially if you’re using a starter kit or pod device), a 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid is a great starting point. It provides a nice balance of throat hit and flavour, and it will work well with beginner-friendly vape pens or pod kits. Many starter kit bundles in the UK come with 50/50 liquids. Once you get a feel for it, you can decide whether to try something different. If you feel it’s too harsh, you might opt for a 60VG/40PG or 70VG/30PG ratio; if you want a stronger hit, you could try a 60PG/40VG (though these are rarer). But 50/50 is the safe bet to mimic a smoking experience and ensure compatibility with basic devices.

What is better, VG or PG?

It’s not about one being “better” universally; it’s about what’s better for you. VG and PG do different things. VG is better for smoothness and clouds, PG is better for throat hit and flavour intensity. The “best” e-liquids usually combine both in some ratio to give a balanced vaping experience. If you’re a cloud enthusiast with a powerful vape, high VG is better for your needs. If you’re a recent ex-smoker looking for a similar feel to a cigarette in a small device, higher PG is better for that purpose. Most people find their sweet spot somewhere in the middle. So instead of thinking VG vs PG as one must win, think of it like a balance scale – you adjust it to get the vaping experience you enjoy most.

Can I use a high VG juice in my small pod kit (or vice versa)?

Not really recommended. While you can physically fill any juice in any device (it won’t explode or anything), the performance will likely suffer if the ratio isn’t suited. High VG juice (say 70/30) in a tiny low-watt pod might lead to weak hits, dry hits or coil flooding because the thick liquid struggles to wick, and the device may not vaporise it efficiently. You could also burn out the coil faster.

Conversely, using a very high PG juice (like a 50/50 or 40/60) in a sub-ohm tank at 50+ watts can result in an overly harsh inhale and possibly leaking (since the thin liquid can oversaturate the wicking). The general rule: MTL/Pod devices => 50/50 or so, DTL/Sub-ohm devices => 70/30 or so. If you really want to use that high VG shortfill in a pod, consider a pod device specifically rated for 70/30 (some newer pods with mesh coils can handle 70VG), and make sure to prime the coil well.

And if you have only high-PG liquid but a big tank, use it at the very low end of the wattage range and expect a sharper throat hit. But ideally, stick to the appropriate juice for the kit. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s recommendation or ask our Greet Vape support which VG/PG is best for your particular device – we’re happy to help.

Does the VG/PG ratio affect nicotine absorption or satisfaction?

It can, indirectly. PG tends to carry nicotine a bit more effectively in the vapour, meaning a higher-PG liquid can feel slightly stronger in nicotine hit than a high-VG liquid at the same nicotine level. VG produces thicker vapour, but that vapour might have slightly less nicotine per puff than a PG-rich vapour.

That said, the difference isn’t usually extreme. It’s more about throat feel – sometimes people think a higher-PG 6mg hits “harder” than a high-VG 6mg, partly due to throat hit differences. Nicotine satisfaction also depends on the device: a sub-ohm with high VG might deliver more total nicotine per puff because you inhale more vapour volume, even if the concentration is lower. For example, a 3mg high VG on a sub-ohm could satisfy like a 12mg 50/50 on a tiny pen, because the sub-ohm produces huge vapour.

So, adjust your nicotine strength when switching styles: if moving from MTL 50/50 to DTL 70/30, you usually lower your nic (e.g., from 12mg down to 3-6mg). If going the other way (DTL to MTL), you might increase the nic for satisfaction. The VG/PG ratio itself doesn’t chemically change the nicotine, but it influences how it’s delivered to you.

Conclusion

We hope this guide demystified the whole VG/PG ratio topic for you. In essence, VG and PG are simply the two core ingredients in your e-liquid, each with its unique role. The VG vs PG debate isn’t about winners, but about finding the right mix for your vaping style. Beginners usually start with balanced 50/50 vape juices for a reason – they offer a great middle ground. As you explore, you might find you love the smooth clouds of a high VG 70/30 shortfill, or you can’t live without the punch of a high PG blend. What is VG PG? It’s the yin and yang of vape juice, and you get to decide the balance that makes your vaping experience perfect.

Feel free to try different VG/PG ratios and see how the experience changes. Vape safely (use the right liquid in the correct device to avoid issues), and remember that flavour and enjoyment are personal – there’s no wrong answer, only what you prefer. If you have more questions about VG, PG, or need help picking an e-liquid (perhaps you’re eyeing a 70/30 vape juice but not sure if your kit can handle it), drop by Greet Vape or contact us. We’re here to help UK vapers find their perfect vape. Happy vaping!

Irfan Aleem

Director, Greet Vape

Irfan is the Director of Greet Vape and brings over 15 years of hands-on experience in the UK vaping industry. Known for his sharp commercial insight and grounded leadership style, he specialises in retail growth, sales training, and product strategy. His work sits at the intersection of business performance and education, with a focus on real-world results.