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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. In short, PG vs VG comes down to flavor or clouds.
Updated October 10, 2026
This guide explains what each one does, which ratio fits your device, and our best-selling e-liquids for every ratio. If you’re also choosing between freebase and nic salt, read our freebase vs salt nicotine guide too.
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.
- For example, 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.
However, some people find propylene glycol harsh on the throat. In that case, 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: as a result, it can soften some flavors slightly.
Because vegetable glycerin is thick, it soaks into coils slowly. So high-VG juice works best in sub-ohm tanks and other large coils.
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. Also, vape juice with nicotine is addictive and is 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 rarely pick pure PG or pure VG. Instead, you pick a ratio.
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.
So what is the right VG ratio for you? It depends on your device more than on your taste.
How to choose your PG and VG ratio
- Start with your device. Choosing PG vs VG comes down to your device first. Small pod kits need thinner juice, so 50/50 is the safe pick. However, 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. As a rule of thumb, coils under 1 ohm 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. In that case, try a 50/50 juice instead.
Best-selling e-liquids by VG ratio
These are our all-time best sellers in each group, from a 50/50 salt to a 70/30 freebase. Each card shows the PG and VG blend from the product’s own page. It also says who each one suits best and one thing to know before you buy.
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, bought by 2,300+ customers.
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 also a best-selling mint salt for pod kits, bought by 1,300+ customers.
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. In fact, it’s our number one best seller, bought by 17,000+ customers.
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, with 12,000+ customers.
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. So far, 11,000+ customers have bought it.
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. So far, 6,700+ customers have bought it.
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?
When it comes to PG vs VG for flavor, PG usually tastes sharper because it carries flavor 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. That’s because 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. So it’s made for drippers and high-wattage tanks, not pod kits.
Do disposable vapes use PG and VG too?
Yes. Disposables come filled with e-liquid made from PG and VG, already matched to the device. So 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. Customer counts are rounded down and come from paid orders. Vape products may contain nicotine, which is addictive, and are for adults 21 and older.