PG/VG ratio is the split between propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) in your e-liquid. Choose 50/50 for pod kits and mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, and choose 70/30 for sub-ohm tanks and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping.
Check the ratio against your device before you order from Vape Lounge Online. The right match prevents dry hits, leaks, and wasted liquid.
What Does PG/VG Ratio Mean on an E-Liquid Bottle?
The PG/VG ratio is the percentage split between propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine in the liquid base. A 50/50 bottle holds 50% PG and 50% VG. A 70/30 bottle holds 70% VG and 30% PG.
This guide writes every ratio as VG/PG, the format most UK brands print. A few brands print PG/VG instead, so check the order on the label before you buy. A bottle marked 70VG/30PG holds 70% VG, and a bottle marked 30PG/70VG means the same split.
What Do PG and VG Each Do in Your Vape?
Propylene Glycol (PG)
PG is a thin, colourless liquid that carries flavour well and delivers a sharp throat hit. Most flavourings dissolve in PG, so high-PG liquid tastes sharper. High-PG liquid also wicks fast through small coil ports, which suits pod kits and vape pens.
A small number of vapers react to PG with throat irritation. Switch to a higher-VG blend if irritation happens.
Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
VG is a thick, mildly sweet liquid made from plant oils such as palm, soy, and coconut. VG produces dense clouds and a smooth inhale with a softer throat hit. Thick VG wicks slowly, so low-power coils struggle to keep pace.
Which PG/VG Ratios Do UK Vapers Use Most?
UK shelves stock 4 main ratios, and each ratio suits a different setup:
- 50/50 balances flavour, throat hit, and vapour for pod kits and MTL vaping.
- 60/40 adds a smoother inhale for refillable pods with wider airflow.
- 70/30 produces large clouds and a soft hit for sub-ohm tanks.
- 80/20 maximises vapour for high-power DTL setups running 40W to 90W.
Nic salts and prefilled pods almost always use 50/50. Shortfills almost always use 70/30. The label therefore tells you which device the liquid was built for.
Which PG/VG Ratio Suits Your Vape Device?
Pod Kits and MTL Devices
Choose 50/50 for pod kits and MTL vape pens running coils above 1.0 ohm at 10W to 25W. Thin liquid wicks quickly through narrow coil ports, which prevents dry hits. Pod kits such as the Vaporesso XROS 5 and Uwell Caliburn G5 run best on 50/50.
Refillable pods with 0.6 ohm to 0.8 ohm coils also handle 60/40. Stay at 50/50 if you want the firmest hit.
Sub-Ohm Tanks and DTL Devices
Choose 70/30 or 80/20 for sub-ohm tanks with coils below 1.0 ohm at 40W to 90W. Thick liquid keeps pace with a hot coil that drinks liquid fast. Thin 50/50 liquid floods these tanks and leaks from the airflow slots.
How Does Your Ratio Change Throat Hit and Flavour?
Higher PG gives a stronger throat hit and sharper flavour. Higher VG gives a smoother hit and a rounder flavour. A 50/50 liquid delivers a firm, cigarette-like hit. An 80/20 liquid delivers almost none.
Ex-smokers usually prefer 50/50 for this reason, especially in nic salt strengths of 10mg to 20mg. Vapers who switch from freebase to nic salts keep the same ratio. They feel a smoother hit at the same strength.
How Does PG/VG Ratio Affect Coil Life?
The wrong ratio shortens coil life to under 7 days. Thick VG gunks small coil ports and causes dry hits in pod kits. Thin PG floods open sub-ohm coils and causes leaks.
Match the ratio to the coil, and a pod coil lasts 7 to 14 days. Sweet dessert flavours gunk coils faster at any ratio, so rotate between 2 flavour profiles.
Does Your Ratio Change Nicotine Strength or Cost?
No, the ratio does not change nicotine strength. Strength comes from the mg/ml printed on the bottle, capped at 20mg/ml in the UK.
Ratio does change how fast you use liquid. A sub-ohm vaper on 70/30 uses 5ml to 10ml (0.17 to 0.34fl oz) a day. A pod vaper on 50/50 uses 2ml to 3ml (0.07 to 0.10fl oz).
The Vaping Products Duty adds £2.20 per 10ml (0.34fl oz) from 1 October 2026 at every ratio. Heavier liquid use therefore costs more in duty.
How to Choose Your PG/VG Ratio in 3 Steps
To choose your PG/VG ratio, follow 3 steps in order:
- Check your coil resistance, since coils above 1.0 ohm suit 50/50 and coils below 1.0 ohm suit 70/30 or higher.
- Match your draw style, since MTL suits 50/50 and DTL suits 70/30.
- Test a 10ml (0.34fl oz) bottle before you commit to a larger size.
Buy 1 bottle per device if you vape both a pod kit and a sub-ohm tank. Label each bottle with its device, so you never fill a pod with thick liquid by mistake.
| Task | Timing | Method | Difficulty |
| Read the ratio label | Before buying | Find the VG/PG numbers on the bottle front | Easy |
| Check the label order | Before buying | Confirm whether the brand prints VG/PG or PG/VG | Easy |
| Match ratio to coil | Before ordering | Pair coils above 1.0 ohm with 50/50, below 1.0 ohm with 70/30 | Easy |
| Test a new ratio | First bottle | Vape a 10ml (0.34fl oz) bottle for 3 to 5 days | Easy |
| Adjust for coil gunk | Every 7-14 days | Drop to a thinner ratio if coils clog early | Moderate |
Choosing the right PG/VG ratio comes down to 3 factors: coil resistance, draw style, and throat hit. Match those factors to your device, and every puff delivers the flavour and vapour you expect. Shop 50/50 nic salt e-liquids and 70/30 shortfills today to find the ratio built for your kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 50/50 the best PG/VG ratio for beginners?
Yes, 50/50 suits most beginners because it balances throat hit, flavour, and vapour in pod kits.
Can you use 70/30 e-liquid in a pod kit?
No, most pod coils use narrow ports that thick 70/30 liquid clogs.
Does PG/VG ratio affect nicotine strength?
No, nicotine strength comes from the mg/ml on the label, not from the ratio.
Does higher VG mean bigger clouds?
Yes, VG produces denser vapour than PG at the same wattage.
Is the ratio written the same way on every bottle?
No, most UK brands print VG/PG, but a few print PG/VG, so check the label order.