Choosing the right e-liquid isn’t just about finding a flavour you enjoy. The VG/PG ratio plays a major role in how your vape performs, influencing everything from flavour intensity and vapour production to throat hit, coil life, and overall vaping experience.
Whether you’re switching from disposable vapes to a refillable device and Empty vape or looking for the best e-liquid for your current setup, understanding the PG VG ratio will help you avoid common problems such as leaking, burnt coils, poor flavour, or weak vapour.
You’ll usually see ratios like 50/50, 70/30, or 80/20 printed on every bottle of e-liquid. These numbers represent the balance between Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). Choosing the right combination depends on your vape device, coil resistance, nicotine type, and personal preference.
We’ll explain what PG and VG are, compare the most common VG/PG ratios, help you choose the best option for your device, and answer the questions UK vapers search for most.
Every e-liquid is made using two primary base ingredients:
These ingredients carry the nicotine and flavourings while determining how the e-liquid behaves inside your vape device.
Propylene Glycol is a thin, clear, odourless liquid that has been used safely for many years in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.
In e-liquids, PG is responsible for:
Because it’s thinner than VG, PG absorbs into cotton more easily, making it ideal for pod systems and mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices.
If you’re looking for crisp flavour and a sensation similar to smoking, higher PG ratios are often the better choice.
Vegetable Glycerine is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid derived from vegetable oils.
Its primary purpose is to create vapour.
Higher VG e-liquids provide:
Because VG is much thicker than PG, it requires larger coil openings and higher wattages to wick properly.
This is why most sub-ohm tanks are designed for high VG e-liquids.
The VG/PG ratio simply shows how much Vegetable Glycerine and Propylene Glycol are present in the e-liquid.
For example:
| Ratio | Meaning |
| 50/50 | 50% VG and 50% PG |
| 60/40 | 60% VG and 40% PG |
| 70/30 | 70% VG and 30% PG |
| 80/20 | 80% VG and 20% PG |
Some brands write the ratio as PG/VG, while others use VG/PG. Although the order may vary, the purpose is the same – to show the balance between the two ingredients.
The ratio you choose affects:
| Feature | Higher PG | Higher VG |
| Flavour | Excellent flavour clarity | Slightly smoother flavour |
| Vapour Production | Moderate | Dense clouds |
| Throat Hit | Strong | Smooth |
| Liquid Thickness | Thin | Thick |
| Best Device | Pod kits & MTL | Sub-ohm kits |
| Coil Compatibility | Small coils | Large coils |
| Nicotine Type | Nic salts & freebase | Mostly shortfills |
Neither PG nor VG is better than the other.
The right choice depends entirely on your vape setup and the type of vaping experience you’re looking for.
A 50/50 blend is the most versatile e-liquid available.
Because the liquid is relatively thin, it wicks quickly and performs exceptionally well in refillable pod kits and starter devices.
For most people switching from disposable vapes, 50/50 remains the best starting point.
A 60/40 ratio offers a balanced experience between flavour and cloud production.
It delivers a slightly smoother inhale than 50/50 while still maintaining excellent flavour.
This ratio works well in many modern refillable vape kits that sit between traditional MTL and restricted direct-lung (RDL) vaping.
It’s a great option if you want a little more vapour without sacrificing flavour.
A 70/30 ratio is one of the most popular choices for sub-ohm vaping.
The higher VG content creates thicker clouds while still delivering satisfying flavour.
Max VG liquids are designed primarily for experienced users with powerful devices.
Because these liquids are extremely thick, they require large coil openings and sufficient wattage to wick efficiently.
If used in the wrong device, they can lead to burnt coils and poor performance.
Unless you’re using a dedicated sub-ohm setup, there’s usually little benefit in choosing Max VG.
The best VG/PG ratio isn’t the same for everyone.
Before buying an e-liquid, ask yourself these questions:
A pod kit generally performs best with thinner 50/50 liquids, while a powerful sub-ohm tank is designed for thicker 70/30 blends.
If you enjoy discreet vaping with a cigarette-like inhale, a balanced or higher PG ratio is usually the better choice.
If your priority is producing dense clouds with a smoother inhale, a higher VG ratio is more suitable.
Nicotine salts are commonly available in 50/50 blends because they wick efficiently in pod systems and provide a smooth inhale even at higher nicotine strengths.
Shortfills, on the other hand, are usually available in 70/30 VG/PG because they are intended for sub-ohm vaping.
If flavour clarity is your main priority, you’ll generally achieve better results with 50/50 or 60/40 blends.
While higher VG liquids still produce excellent flavour, they tend to soften sharper notes slightly in exchange for smoother vapour and larger clouds.
| Vaping Style | Recommended Ratio |
| Beginner | 50/50 |
| Nic Salts | 50/50 |
| Pod Kits | 50/50 |
| MTL Vaping | 50/50 |
| RDL Vaping | 60/40 |
| Sub-Ohm | 70/30 |
| Cloud Chasing | 80/20 |
| Strong Flavour | 50/50 or 60/40 |
If flavour is your top priority, you’ll want an e-liquid that delivers crisp, well-defined notes without sacrificing overall performance. While flavour concentrates play a major role, the VG/PG ratio also has a noticeable impact on how those flavours are delivered.
PG is thinner than VG and carries flavour molecules more efficiently, which is why higher PG blends often produce a cleaner, more pronounced taste. VG, on the other hand, adds a slight sweetness and creates denser vapour, which can soften some flavour notes.
Here’s a quick guide:
| Preference | Recommended VG/PG Ratio |
| Maximum flavour clarity | 50/50 |
| Balanced flavour and vapour | 60/40 |
| Smooth flavour with bigger clouds | 70/30 |
Dessert, bakery, and creamy flavours often perform exceptionally well with 70/30 VG/PG, while fruit, menthol, tobacco, and beverage flavours usually feel brighter and more defined in 50/50 blends.
Ultimately, the best PG/VG ratio for flavour depends on your device and personal preference. A quality coil and the correct wattage can have just as much impact as the e-liquid itself.
Cloud production depends largely on the amount of VG in your e-liquid.
Because Vegetable Glycerine is thicker, it produces denser and longer-lasting vapour when heated.
For larger clouds, consider the following:
| Goal | Recommended Ratio |
| Moderate vapour | 50/50 |
| Balanced clouds | 60/40 |
| Thick clouds | 70/30 |
| Maximum cloud production | 80/20 (Max VG) |
Keep in mind that high VG liquids require compatible hardware. Using an 80/20 e-liquid in a small pod device can lead to poor wicking, dry hits, and burnt coils.
One of the biggest mistakes new vapers make is choosing an e-liquid based only on flavour rather than coil compatibility.
As a general rule:
Lower resistance coils require higher VG e-liquids, while higher resistance coils work better with balanced or higher PG blends.
Recommended Ratio:
These coils are designed for mouth-to-lung vaping and lower wattages. Their smaller wicking ports perform best with thinner e-liquids.
Ideal for:
Recommended Ratio:
The 0.8Ω coil sits between traditional MTL and restricted direct-lung vaping.
It can comfortably handle slightly thicker liquids than a 1.2Ω coil but generally isn’t designed for Max VG e-liquids.
This is why many refillable pod kits perform best with 50/50 nic salts or a 60/40 freebase blend.
Recommended Ratio:
60/40 or 70/30
A 0.6Ω coil offers more flexibility.
If you’re using moderate wattage and enjoy a warmer vape with increased vapour production, this ratio provides an excellent balance of flavour, smoothness, and cloud production.
Recommended Ratio:
A 0.4Ω coil is designed for sub-ohm vaping.
Its larger cotton ports and higher wattage allow it to vaporise thicker liquids efficiently.
Using a thin 50/50 liquid in a powerful sub-ohm tank may result in:
For the best experience, stick with high VG shortfills specifically designed for sub-ohm devices.
Check our guide if you go deeper for e-liquid.
| Device | Recommended Ratio |
| Disposable-style refillable pod | 50/50 |
| Pod Kit | 50/50 |
| Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Kit | 50/50 |
| Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL) Kit | 60/40 |
| Sub-Ohm Tank | 70/30 |
| High-Wattage Mod | 70/30–80/20 |
If you’re unsure which ratio to choose, always check your coil manufacturer’s recommendations first.
Even experienced vapers occasionally choose the wrong VG/PG ratio. Avoiding these common mistakes can improve flavour, extend coil life, and reduce maintenance.
Most refillable pod kits are designed for thinner 50/50 liquids. Thick e-liquids may struggle to wick efficiently, causing dry hits.
Thin e-liquids can flood large sub-ohm coils, leading to leaking, gurgling, and spit-back.
The resistance printed on your coil is one of the most important factors when choosing an e-liquid.
Taking repeated puffs without allowing the wick to resaturate can burn the cotton, regardless of which VG/PG ratio you’re using.
Always allow a new coil to soak in e-liquid for several minutes before vaping to avoid premature burning.
Possible causes include:
Switching from a 50/50 liquid to a 70/30 blend may solve leaking issues in sub-ohm devices.
Burnt hits usually happen because the wick isn’t staying saturated.
Possible reasons include:
Weak flavour isn’t always caused by the e-liquid itself.
Check the following:
Sometimes switching from a 70/30 blend to a 50/50 e-liquid noticeably improves flavour.
For most beginners, 50/50 VG/PG is the best choice because it offers balanced flavour, a satisfying throat hit, and excellent compatibility with refillable pod kits.
Most vapers find 50/50 or 60/40 provides the clearest and most accurate flavour.
A 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG blend works best because thicker e-liquids match the larger wicking ports found in sub-ohm coils.
A 50/50 or 60/40 blend usually delivers the best balance of flavour, vapour production, and coil performance.
Generally, yes. PG carries flavour more effectively, while VG focuses on creating smoother vapour and larger clouds.
No. Higher VG only performs well in devices designed to handle thicker e-liquids.
Yes. Mixing different ratios is perfectly acceptable and can help you achieve a balance that suits your device and vaping style.
No. Your nicotine strength remains the same. The ratio only changes how the vapour feels and how efficiently your device handles the e-liquid.
Most disposable-style vaping products use 50/50 VG/PG nic salts, making the same ratio the closest match when switching to a refillable pod kit.
High VG doesn’t directly burn coils. Problems occur when the liquid is too thick for the coil to absorb quickly enough, causing the cotton to dry out.
Some advanced pod kits support 70/30 liquids, but most standard pod devices perform better with 50/50 blends. Always check your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Yes. Using an e-liquid that’s suitable for your coil helps improve wicking efficiency and can reduce premature coil wear.
Choosing the right VG/PG ratio is one of the easiest ways to improve your vaping experience. Rather than focusing solely on flavour names or nicotine strength, take a moment to consider your device, coil resistance, and preferred vaping style.
For most refillable pod kits and beginners, 50/50 VG/PG remains the safest and most versatile option. If you’re using a sub-ohm device and enjoy producing larger clouds, 70/30 VG/PG is generally the better choice. Meanwhile, experienced users with powerful setups may benefit from 80/20 (Max VG) blends designed specifically for high-wattage vaping.
There isn’t a single “best” VG/PG ratio for every vaper. The right choice is the one that matches your hardware and delivers the balance of flavour, vapour, and throat hit you’re looking for. By understanding how different ratios affect performance, you’ll enjoy a smoother vape, better flavour, longer-lasting coils, and a more satisfying overall experience.
