Introduction:

If you are new to vaping, stepping into a vape shop or browsing an online store like UK Vape Deals can feel overwhelming. You expect to pick a flavour and a device, but suddenly you face a confusing sequence of numbers: 50/50, 70/30, or 80/20. What do these numbers mean, and why do they matter so much?

These numbers represent the PG/VG ratio of your e-liquid. Choosing the right PG/VG ratio is one of the most important decisions you will make as a new vaper. It dictates how your e-liquid behaves, how it tastes, and how it feels when you inhale.

Want to chase massive clouds? Or maybe you’re looking for intense flavour? Or do you just want to replicate the familiar feel of a traditional cigarette? Your PG/VG ratio controls the entire experience.

This guide will break down exactly what PG and VG are and how they affect your vape.

We’ll also cover how to choose the perfect ratio for your specific device and vaping style.

What Are PG and VG?

Every bottle of e-liquid on the market relies on two primary base ingredients: PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin). These two base liquids are mixed with liquid nicotine and food-grade flavourings. This creates the e-liquid you vape. The specific balance between PG and VG changes the physical properties of the liquid.

PG (Propylene Glycol)
Propylene Glycol is a thin, runny, and virtually tasteless organic compound. Because it lacks a distinct taste of its own, it carries artificial vapour compounds incredibly well.

• It delivers a stronger, sharper throat hit that closely mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette.
• It produces less visible vapour, making it ideal for discreet vaping.
• It is widely used in everyday consumer products, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.
• For a small number of users, high levels of PG can cause minor throat dryness or irritation.

VG (Vegetable Glycerin)
Vegetable Glycerin is a thick, highly viscous liquid extracted from plant oils. It has a naturally sweet taste and a much thicker consistency than PG.

• It is entirely responsible for producing large, dense, and voluminous vapour clouds.
• It delivers a much smoother, milder throat hit, making high-nicotine vaping more comfortable.
• Because of its natural sweetness and thick texture, it can slightly mute artificial flavour intensity compared to PG.
• VG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from its surroundings, which can sometimes cause a dry mouth.
• It is generally better tolerated by users who have sensitivities or mild allergies to PG.

Common PG/VG Ratios Explained

Walking through the different ratios helps you understand exactly what you are putting into your device. Here are the most common blends you will encounter and what they offer.

50/50 PG/VG: The Beginner’s Best Friend

This is the most balanced and versatile ratio available on the market. Mixing equal parts of PG and VG means you get the best of both worlds. – Crisp flavour

• Satisfying throat hit
• Moderate vapour production

Best for: Beginners, MTL vaping, pod systems, prefilled pod kits, vape pens, and low-wattage starter kits. If you are buying your first vape from UK Vape Deals, 50/50 is the perfect answer.

60/40 PG/VG: Slightly More Kick

This blend features a small shift toward PG, which amplifies the throat hit and sharpens the flavour clarity. The liquid remains thin enough to wick perfectly in most beginner and intermediate devices. You will rarely experience flooding or wicking issues with a 60/40 blend.

Best for:

• Ex-smokers who need a stronger, more aggressive throat hit to satisfy their physical cravings.
• MTL vapers who want a slightly more intense draw.

70/30 VG/PG: The Sub-Ohm Sweet Spot

Here, the balance tips heavily toward VG. A 70/30 liquid produces noticeably larger clouds while still maintaining a reasonable amount of flavour. This ratio is where DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping truly begins to shine. Because the liquid is much thicker, you need a more powerful device with low-resistance coils to vaporise it properly.

Best for: Sub-ohm tanks, DTL vapers, and intermediate users who are graduating from basic MTL setups into more advanced hardware.

80/20 VG/PG: Cloud Chaser Territory

This ratio is heavily VG-weighted to provide maximum vapour density. At this level, the flavour becomes slightly softer and more diffuse, but the cloud production is highly impressive. You’ll need a high-wattage device with sub-ohm coils for this e-liquid. This is because of its thick, syrup-like consistency.

Best for:

• Dedicated cloud chasers
• Highly experienced vapers
• Users operating high-powered box mods or RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomisers)

100% VG: Maximum Smoothness

This is pure VG with absolutely no PG mixed in. It produces the largest possible clouds, the smoothest inhale, and virtually zero throat hit. While the flavour is somewhat muted, it provides an incredibly dense vapour experience. This is the primary choice for vapers dealing with severe PG sensitivities.

Best for: PG-sensitive users, advanced competitive cloud chasers, and anyone seeking maximum smoothness.

How PG/VG Ratio Affects Your Vaping Experience

Understanding how the ratio shifts your experience makes shopping for e-liquid much easier. Use this breakdown to see how high PG and high VG compare.

Factor	High PG	High VG
Flavor Intensity	Strong & sharp	Softer & smoother
Throat Hit	Noticeable & strong	Mild & smooth
Cloud Production	Low to moderate	High to very high
Liquid Consistency	Thin & runny	Thick & viscous
Device Compatibility	Low-power, MTL devices	High-power, sub-ohm devices
Nicotine Delivery	Faster, sharper	Slower, smoother

Choosing Your Ratio Based on Device Type

Your chosen device matters just as much as your personal preference. Using the wrong ratio in the wrong vape causes immediate problems. Putting thick, VG-heavy e-liquid into a small pod system will result in dry hits and burnt coils.

On the other hand, putting thin, PG-heavy e-liquid into a large sub-ohm tank is a recipe for disaster. This will cause leaking and flooding.

Pod Systems & Starter Kits → 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG

These thinner liquids work best with pod vape kits and beginner-friendly devices available at UK Vape Deals.

Vape Pens → 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG
Similar to pod systems, vape pens rely on smaller wicking ports. Thin liquids prevent leaking out of the airflow holes and ensure consistent flavour delivery with every puff.

Sub-Ohm Tanks → 70/30 VG/PG
Sub-ohm tanks feature thicker coils and much wider wicking ports. These large ports easily absorb high-VG liquids without drying out. This ratio pairs beautifully with wattages of 40W and above.

RDAs & Advanced Setups → 80/20 or 100% VG
Rebuildable atomisers utilise large amounts of organic cotton. They are purpose-built to handle thick, high-VG liquids at extreme wattages without burning.

Choosing Your Ratio Based on Vaping Style

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vapers → 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG
MTL vaping mimics cigarette smoking closely. It involves a tight draw, a strong throat hit, and higher nicotine strengths. High-PG ratios deliver exactly that experience. Nicotine salts ranging from 10mg to 20mg pair perfectly with MTL ratios.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vapers → 70/30 VG/PG
DTL vaping features an open, airy inhale that goes straight into the lungs. You get much more vapour, a smoother hit, and you typically use lower nicotine strengths (like 3mg or 6mg freebase). High-VG liquids produce the voluminous clouds that DTL vapers love.

Cloud Chasers → 80/20 or 100% VG
Greatest cloud output requires the most VG. High-wattage box mods paired with sub-ohm coils push thick VG liquid hard. This produces the dramatic, dense vapour required for cloud chasing.

Flavor Chasers → 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG
Since PG carries flavour compounds far more efficiently than VG, a higher PG ratio guarantees a crisper, more defined taste. This is particularly important if you enjoy complex fruity, menthol, or rich tobacco profiles.

PG/VG Ratios and Nicotine: What You Need to Know

Your nicotine strength must align perfectly with your PG/VG ratio and device type to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

• You should only use these in low-wattage MTL devices. High PG (50/50, 60/40): These ratios are fully compatible with nicotine salts (10mg to 50mg depending on your region).
• High PG (50/50, 60/40): These ratios are fully compatible with standard freebase nicotine (6mg to 18mg).
• High VG (70/30, 80/20): You should only use low-strength freebase nicotine (0mg to 6mg) with high VG liquids.

High-strength nicotine in a DTL cloud-producing setup delivers too much nicotine to your system at once. This can quickly cause nicotine sickness, leading to dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Never use high-strength nicotine salts in a powerful sub-ohm DTL device.

PG/VG Sensitivities and Health Considerations

PG Sensitivity
A small percentage of vapers are sensitive to Propylene Glycol. This can lead to throat irritation, excessive coughing, or mild allergic reactions. If you notice persistent throat discomfort that does not go away after a few days, try shifting to a higher VG ratio. Moving to a 70/30 blend or even 100% VG liquids usually solves the problem entirely.

VG and Dehydration
Vegetable Glycerin is highly hygroscopic. It actively absorbs moisture from your mouth and throat as you inhale. This can lead to dry mouth, sore throats, and general dehydration.

If you are a heavy DTL vaper using high-VG liquids, remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

General Advice
If you are transitioning away from smoking for the first time, begin with a 50/50 ratio at an appropriate nicotine strength. This provides the most familiar experience. Once your physical dependency decreases, you can gradually reduce your nicotine. Many vapers also shift toward higher VG ratios as their hobby evolves.

Quick Reference: PG/VG Ratio at a Glance

Need a quick reminder before you buy? Use this handy reference table to match your ratio to your needs.

Ratio	Best For	Device	Throat Hit	Clouds
50/50	Beginners, MTL	Pod, pen	Strong	Low
60/40 PG	Ex-smokers	Pod, pen	Very strong	Low
70/30 VG	Intermediate DTL	Sub-ohm tank	Moderate	High
80/20 VG	Cloud chasing	Box mod, RDA	Mild	Very high
100% VG	PG sensitivity	Advanced only	None	Maximum

FAQs: Choosing PG/VG Ratios

What is the best PG/VG ratio for beginners?

A 50/50 PG/VG ratio is ideal for beginners. It provides a balanced experience with decent flavour, a noticeable throat hit, and moderate vapour production. It works well with most starter kits and pod systems.

What is the difference between PG and VG?

• PG (Propylene Glycol): Thin, carries flavour well, delivers a stronger throat hit, and produces less vapour.
• VG (Vegetable Glycerin): Thick, slightly sweet, produces large clouds, delivers a smoother throat hit, and mutes flavour slightly.

Which PG/VG ratio is best for cloud chasing?

For maximum cloud production, use a high VG ratio like 80/20 or 100% VG. These ratios work best with high-powered devices like box mods and RDAs.

Can I use high VG e-liquids in a pod system?

No, high VG e-liquids (e.g., 70/30 or 80/20) are too thick for pod systems and can cause wicking issues or dry hits. Stick to 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG ratios for pod systems and starter kits.

Can I use nicotine salts with high VG e-liquids?

No, nicotine salts are designed for low-wattage MTL devices and work best with high PG ratios like 50/50 or 60/40. Using nicotine salts in high VG e-liquids can cause nicotine sickness.

What should I do if I experience throat irritation from vaping?

If you experience throat irritation, you may have a sensitivity to PG. Try switching to a higher VG ratio, such as 70/30 or 100% VG, to reduce irritation.

What is the best PG/VG ratio for MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping?

MTL vapers should use 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG ratios. These ratios provide a tight draw, strong throat hit, and higher nicotine delivery, which closely mimic the sensation of smoking.

What is the best PG/VG ratio for DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping?

DTL vapers should use 70/30 VG/PG ratios. These provide smoother hits, larger clouds, and lower nicotine strengths, ideal for sub-ohm tanks and high-powered devices.

How do I choose the right PG/VG ratio for my device?

• Pod systems & starter kits: 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG.
• Sub-ohm tanks: 70/30 VG/PG.
• RDAs & advanced setups: 80/20 or 100% VG.

Does VG cause dehydration?

Yes, VG is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from your mouth and throat. To avoid dry mouth and dehydration, drink plenty of water, especially if you use high VG e-liquids

Final Thoughts

Stepping into the world of vaping requires learning a few new concepts, but mastering your e-liquid ratio is the most rewarding step you can take. For most beginners, a 50/50 PG/VG blend is the absolute ideal starting point. It works flawlessly in almost every beginner-friendly device on the market. This balanced ratio delivers a satisfying throat hit. It also provides a vibrant flavour experience without being too complex.

As you grow more comfortable with vaping, you can experiment with higher VG ratios. This opens the door to bigger clouds and smoother inhales, letting you create a more personalised experience.

For the best vaping experience, always choose high-quality e-liquids and devices from UK Vape Deals, where you can find everything from prefilled pod kits to premium e-liquids.

The secret to a great vape is simple: match your liquid ratio to your device, your nicotine needs, and your vaping style. Follow these guidelines, and you will be well on your way to enjoying a satisfying, tailor-made vape every single time you press the button.