PG vs VG: A Simple Guide to Choosing the Right Vape Juice Ratio

That satisfying kick at the back of your throat when you vape? That’s the work of an ingredient called PG. Those big, dense clouds you see some vapers produce? That’s all thanks to its partner, VG.

These two simple ingredients are the foundation of every single e-liquid, and figuring out which one you prefer is the key to unlocking your perfect vape. Here’s everything you need to know about PG and VG, including their differences.

PG vs VG: A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	PG (Propylene Glycol)	VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
Throat Hit	Strong, sharp sensation	Smooth, gentle feel
Flavour	Carries flavour brilliantly	Slightly sweet, can mute flavours
Vapour Clouds	Minimal vapour production	Thick, dense clouds
Viscosity	Thin, watery consistency	Thick, syrup-like texture

What is PG (Propylene Glycol)?

PG is a thin, colourless liquid that forms the backbone of many e-liquids. Think of it as the workhorse that delivers both flavour and nicotine to your taste buds.

Its thin consistency flows easily through coils, making it perfect for smaller devices like pod systems and vape pens. PG gives you that sharp sensation at the back of your throat – what vapers call “throat hit”. Former smokers often prefer this because it mimics the feeling of smoking a cigarette.

The main downside? Some people (around 10%) experience minor sensitivity to PG. Symptoms include a dry throat or slight irritation. If this happens, switching to a higher VG blend usually solves the problem.

What Are the Pros of PG?

For most vapers, especially those of the MTL (mouth-to-lung) variety, propylene glycol is their bread and butter. It has no taste of its own and carries the flavours of vape juice efficiently.

When vaping was in its early stages, most e-liquids had a 70/30 PG ratio, which makes sense, as it comes closest to replicating the “hit” you get from tobacco. This means it’s well-suited to ex-smokers (especially those who had a heavy habit) who want to make a seamless transition to vaping. It is also much thinner than VG and produces a lot less vapour, making it perfect for stealth vaping.

What Are the Cons of PG?

Despite their long-standing popularity, high PG ratio vape juice is not for everyone. Some may find the “throat hit” PG provides to be too harsh and, for some people, it can even be the cause of a sore or burning throat.

Also, due to the relatively small amount of vapour high PG ratio e-liquid produces, it is not suited to sub ohming. In fact, for those cloud-chasers among you, we strongly advise you don’t use high PG vape juice in your sub ohm kits, as it will produce a harsh and burnt flavour which would be unpleasant to say the least!

What is VG (Vegetable Glycerin)?

VG is the cloud maker. This thick, viscous liquid comes from vegetable oils and creates those impressive vapour plumes you see experienced vapers producing.

Unlike PG’s sharpness, VG feels smooth and slightly sweet on the inhale. That natural sweetness adds a pleasant undertone to your e-liquid, though it can sometimes mask delicate flavours. Its thick consistency works best in powerful sub-ohm devices designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.

The trade-off with high-VG juice is maintenance. Its thickness can gunk up coils faster than PG-based liquids, meaning you’ll replace them more often. But for cloud chasers, that’s a small price to pay for those satisfying plumes.

What Are the Pros of VG?

In recent years, Vegetable Glycerine has really come into its own in the vaping world. High VG or 50/50 vape juice have become a lot more popular—with good reason! If you’re a bonafide vapour junky, high VG e-liquid is a necessity.

When vaped, these e-liquids produce thick plumes of vapour and provide a much gentler “hit” than PG. Also, the fact that VG is 100% natural may make it more attractive to health-conscious vapers who don’t react well to synthetic ingredients. Finally, high VG ratios can also be used in MTL tanks, so you don’t have to be a cloud-chaser to opt for a smoother hit if your throat has been taking a beating from high PG blends.

What Are the Cons of VG?

We’ve already established how VG doesn’t pack as much of a punch as PG. If you’re a recent ex-smoker who couldn’t care less about puffing out the ultimate smoke ring, then high VG vape juice probably isn’t for you.

Additionally, although high-VG vape juice can be used in mouth-to-lung kits, because of VGs viscosity, it can clog your vape coils and potentially shorten their lifespan. If you use high VG e-liquid for your MTL e-cig, we advise cleaning your coils regularly.

Understanding E-Liquid Ratios (50/50 vs 70/30)

E-liquid ratios tell you the percentage of VG to PG in your juice. The first number always refers to VG. Here’s what each common ratio offers:

1. 50/50 (Balanced) The Swiss Army knife of e-liquids. You get decent throat hit, good flavour, and respectable clouds. This ratio works in almost any device, making it perfect for beginners or anyone using standard starter kits and pod systems.

2. 70/30 (High VG) The gold standard for sub-ohm vaping. This ratio produces impressive clouds while maintaining good flavour. The higher VG content means a smoother throat hit, which suits direct-to-lung vaping perfectly. Remember – the “70” refers to VG, not PG.

3. 80/20 (Max VG) Cloud chaser territory. This ratio creates maximum vapour density with an ultra-smooth hit. You’ll need a powerful device with excellent wicking to handle the thick liquid. Flavour tends to be more subtle at this ratio.

How to Choose the Best PG/VG Ratio for Your Vaping Style

Your ideal ratio depends on two things: what you want from your vape and what device you’re using.

For a Strong Throat Hit & Flavour (MTL) Go for 50/50 or higher PG ratios. These work brilliantly in pod systems and give you that satisfying throat sensation. The thinner liquid wicks easily in smaller coils, preventing dry hits. Plus, you’ll taste every note of your favourite flavours.

For Big, Dense Clouds (DTL) Pick 70/30 VG/PG or higher. These ratios shine in sub-ohm tanks and powerful mods. You’ll produce impressive clouds while enjoying a smooth, comfortable inhale. Just make sure your device can handle the thicker liquid.

For Stealth Vaping Stick with high PG ratios like 50/50. Less vapour means less attention – perfect for discrete puffs when you’re out and about.

For a Balanced Experience Can’t decide? Start with 50/50. It’s versatile enough to work well in most situations and gives you a taste of what both PG and VG offer. You can always experiment from there.

Answering Your Top PG vs VG Questions (FAQ)

Finding Your Perfect Blend

Finding your ideal PG/VG ratio is a fun part of the vaping journey. There’s no “best” blend—only the one that’s perfect for you.

If you’re just starting out, a 50/50 e-liquid is a foolproof choice. It works in most kits and gives you a great taste of what both PG and VG have to offer. From there, you can experiment and see what you enjoy most. Don’t be afraid to try different things, and be sure to show your support by purchasing your vape juice at MIST!