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Vaping 101 Guides
What Is PG and VG in E-Liquid? PG vs VG Ratios Explained
PG and VG make up most of every vape juice. PG is propylene glycol, a thin liquid that carries flavor and gives a sharper throat hit. VG is vegetable glycerin, a thick liquid that makes smooth, dense vapor. The VG ratio on the bottle shows how much of each it has. PG vs VG mostly comes down to flavor versus clouds.
Updated October 10, 2026
Choosing between freebase and nic salt too? Our freebase vs salt nicotine guide covers that side.
The short version
- PG (propylene glycol) is thin, so it carries flavor well and gives a stronger throat hit.
- VG (vegetable glycerin) is thick, so it makes bigger clouds and a smoother hit.
- 50/50 suits pod kits and nic salts, while 70/30 suits sub-ohm tanks.
- Thick, high-VG juice can soak into small pod coils too slowly, so match the ratio to your device.
- Check which number is which: 70VG/30PG means 70% VG and 30% PG.
What is propylene glycol (PG)?
Propylene glycol is a clear, thin and nearly odorless liquid. Its chemical name is 1,2-propanediol. It is also a common food ingredient, and the FDA lists it as safe for food use (21 CFR 184.1666). In vape juice, PG does three jobs:
- Carries flavor: PG holds flavorings well, so flavors taste sharper.
- Adds throat hit: it also gives the catch in the throat that many former smokers like.
- Wicks fast: thin juice soaks into small coils quickly, so it suits pod kits.
Some people find propylene glycol harsh on the throat, though. For them, a higher VG ratio usually feels smoother.
What is vegetable glycerin (VG)?
Vegetable glycerin, also called glycerol, is a thick and slightly sweet liquid made from plant oils. The FDA also lists glycerin as safe for food use (21 CFR 182.1320). In vape juice, VG does three jobs too:
- Makes the vapor: more VG means denser, bigger clouds.
- Smooths the hit: it feels softer on the throat than PG.
- Adds a little sweetness: that can soften some flavors slightly.
Because vegetable glycerin is thick, it soaks into coils slowly. High-VG juice works best in sub-ohm tanks and other large coils for that reason.
Both PG and VG are approved for food, but that approval covers eating them, not inhaling them when heated. Researchers are still studying the long-term effects of vaping. Vape juice with nicotine is also addictive, and it’s only for adults 21 and older.
PG vs VG at a glance
Here is PG vs VG side by side.
| Trait | PG (propylene glycol) | VG (vegetable glycerin) |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Thin and runny | Thick and syrupy |
| Throat hit | Stronger | Smoother |
| Flavor | Sharper, carries flavor well | Slightly sweet, a bit softer |
| Vapor | Thinner clouds | Bigger, denser clouds |
| Best devices | Pod kits and MTL coils | Sub-ohm tanks and drippers |
Most vape juice blends the two, so you pick a ratio rather than pure PG or pure VG.
Common PG and VG ratios
Bottles show the blend as two numbers, such as 70VG/30PG. That means the juice is 70% VG and 30% PG. Here is what each common VG ratio is for:
- 50/50: strong flavor and throat hit with lighter clouds, so it’s best for pod kits, MTL vaping and nic salts.
- 60/40 to 65/35: a balance of flavor and clouds, so it suits pod mods and starter kits.
- 70/30: a smooth hit and big clouds, so it’s made for sub-ohm tanks and pod mods with low-ohm coils.
- 80/20 and up: the smoothest hit and the biggest clouds, so it’s best for rebuildable drippers and high-wattage builds.
What’s the right VG ratio for you? It depends on your device more than your taste.
How to choose your PG and VG ratio
- Start with your device. It matters more than taste when choosing PG vs VG. Small pod kits need thinner juice, so 50/50 is the safe pick, but sub-ohm tanks handle 70/30 easily.
- Then pick your nicotine type. Nic salts are usually 50/50 for pod kits, while freebase juice is often 60/40 to 70/30.
- Check the coil. Coils under 1 ohm usually suit higher VG, while coils of 1 ohm and up suit 50/50.
- Watch for dry hits. If a pod tastes burnt, the juice may be too thick for it, so try a 50/50 juice instead.
Best-selling e-liquids by VG ratio
These are our all-time best sellers for each PG and VG blend, from a 50/50 salt to a 70/30 freebase.
Lower VG ratio: 50/50 to 60/40
Strawberry POM NKD 100 Salt 30ml
Kiwi, strawberry and pomegranate with a cool menthol finish, by Naked 100. It’s also our top-selling salt.
Best for: pod kits, if you like a cool finish.
Good to know: It has menthol, so skip it if you don’t want cooling.
Sweet spearmint gum, by Mad Hatter. It’s one of our best-selling mint salts for pod kits.
Best for: mint fans with a pod kit.
Good to know: At 50/50, it’s too thin for most sub-ohm tanks.
A warm glazed donut with a hint of cinnamon, by Loaded. It’s our number one best seller.
Best for: sub-ohm tanks and pod mods with low-ohm coils.
Good to know: The 120ml bottle is big, so it’s a lot to buy if you only want to try it.
Higher VG ratio: 65/35 to 70/30
Pineapple, strawberry and creamy coconut, by Naked 100. It’s our second best seller, too.
Best for: tanks, if you want a smooth tropical flavor.
Good to know: The coconut makes it creamy rather than tart.
Blue by Keep It 100 Vape Juice 100ml
Tart blue raspberry with sweet strawberries, by Keep It 100. Because it’s 70/30, it suits sub-ohm tanks.
Best for: fans of sweet and sour blue raspberry.
Good to know: It has no menthol, so pick ICED Blue if you want it cold.
Killer Kustard Vapetasia 100ml
Sweet vanilla custard, by Vapetasia. Since it’s 70/30, it makes smooth, big clouds.
Best for: custard fans with a sub-ohm tank.
Good to know: At 70/30, it’s too thick for most small pods.
PG and VG FAQ
Is PG or VG better for flavor?
For flavor, PG usually tastes sharper, because it carries flavorings well. VG is a little sweet and can soften some flavors, but it makes bigger clouds.
Which VG ratio is best for pod kits?
Most pod kits work best with 50/50 juice, especially nic salts. Otherwise, thick, high-VG juice can soak into small pod coils too slowly and cause dry hits.
Which VG ratio is best for sub-ohm tanks?
Sub-ohm tanks usually work best with 70/30 or higher VG. Their larger coils wick thick juice easily and make dense clouds.
What if PG feels harsh on my throat?
Some vapers find PG harsh. In that case, a higher VG ratio, such as 70/30, usually feels smoother. If the irritation doesn’t go away, stop vaping and talk to a doctor.
What does max VG mean?
Max VG juice is mostly vegetable glycerin, often 80% or more, with a little PG for flavor. It’s made for drippers and high-wattage tanks rather than pod kits.
Do disposable vapes use PG and VG too?
Yes. Disposable vapes come filled with e-liquid made from PG and VG, already matched to the device. That means you don’t need to pick a ratio.
Find your blend
Shop freebase vape juice for tanks, or nic salts for pod kits.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. PG and VG ratios come from each product’s own page. Vape products may contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are for adults 21 and older.