What Is The Best PG/VG Ratio For Vaping?

Have you ever wondered why some vape liquids deliver a satisfying throat hit while others focus more on producing huge vapour clouds? The answer lies in the PG/VG ratio. And we can understand how troubling understanding these ratios can be, especially if you're a beginner.

But don't worry; from newbies to experts, all vapers should know the basics of these vaping fundamentals. And that's why we've sorted out this detailed guide, which will surely help you pick the best E-liquid by PG/VG ratio!

Understanding The Game Of PG & VG Ratios

Before helping you sort out which PG and VG ratio might be better for you, here's a brief on the difference between both;

Propylene Glycol (PG)

Propylene glycol is a clear, odourless liquid commonly used in various products, including food, medicines, and cosmetics. Though in vaping, it serves a few important purposes:

Thinning Agent: PG is used to dilute the thick and sticky liquid in e-cigarettes, making it easier to vaporise.
Flavour Carrier: It helps carry the flavour of the e-liquid, making your vaping experience more enjoyable.
MTL Throat Hit: PG provides a mouth-to-lung (MTL) throat hit similar to that of traditional tobacco cigarettes, which some vapers find satisfying.

Vegetable Glycerine (VG)

On the other hand, vegetable glycerine is a sweet and thick liquid derived from vegetable oils. In vaping, it plays a vital role as well:

Vapour Production: VG produces the thick clouds of vapour that most vapers enjoy.
Sweetness: It adds a slightly sweet taste to the e-liquid, enhancing the overall flavour.
Smoothness: VG contributes to a smoother vaping experience, reducing the throat hit compared to PG.

Difference Between Common PG & VG Ratios

Now, here's a brief insight into the common ratios of PG and VG available in the market. And to help you understand things better, we've further discussed each depending on the vaping experience, flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.

50/50 (PG/VG)

This is the most common type of ratio and has an equal quantity of each PG and VG. Here's the list of its characteristics;

Flavour: Good flavour reproduction, but not as pronounced as in higher VG blends.
Throat Hit: Moderate
Vapour Production: Moderate
Nicotine Strength: Moderate

Now, a 50/50 ratio is usually suitable for;

Starter Kits: Suitable for beginners using basic devices with higher ohm coils.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Devices: Works well in devices that simulate the sensation of smoking.

Higher PG Concentrations (70/30 & 80/20)

As most vapers prefer a higher concentration of PG in their e-liquids for intense flavour and stronger throat hits,

here's a detailed list of all characteristics associated with this base ingredient;

Flavour: Enhanced flavour due to higher PG content.

Throat Hit: Stronger at higher PG levels.

Vapour Production: Lower vapour production compared to higher VG blends.

Device Compatibility: Suitable for various devices, including MTL tanks, basic starter kits, and vape pens.

Nicotine Strength: Higher PG ratios often use higher nicotine strengths.

Higher VG Concentrations (70/30 & 80/20)

Similar to PG, many vapers opt for higher VG concentration in their vape devices and here are the characteristics;

Flavour: Adequate yet slightly less pronounced than high PG blends.

Throat Hit: Smooth compared to high PG blends.

Vapour Production: High

Device Compatibility: Ideal for sub-ohm tanks and high-powered devices, including the DTL (direct-to-lung) ones.

Further, higher VG e-liquids are often preferred by people participating in cloud-chasing competitions and are ideal for sub-ohm vaping, which requires coil resistance of less than 1 ohm.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Ratio

There are a few additional factors you should know of when choosing a certain PG and VG ratio; we've listed them below;

● Personal Preference

Since everyone has different preferences regarding the vaping experience, choosing the ratio depending on your personal choice is better. While some users prefer a higher PG ratio for a stronger throat hit and more flavour, others favour a higher VG ratio for smoother inhales and increased vapour production. So, don't let others' opinions affect your final choice.

● Device Compatibility

The type of vaping device you use can influence the optimal PG/VG ratio. For example, high-PG e-liquids are often recommended for basic vape pens and smaller devices, as they work well with higher-resistance coils. On the other hand, sub-ohm tanks and more advanced mods can handle higher-VG e-liquids, producing massive clouds. So, understanding your device's capabilities is important to avoid issues like dry hits or poor wicking.

● Nicotine Level

The PG/VG ratio can affect the delivery of nicotine in your e-liquid. PG is a better carrier for nicotine, providing a stronger throat hit. If you prefer higher nicotine levels, a higher PG ratio might be suitable.

Conversely, if you're using lower nicotine levels or prefer a smoother vaping experience, a higher VG ratio could be more appropriate.

● Allergies & Sensitivities

Some vapers also complain about allergies or sensitivities to either PG or VG. So, make sure you're aware of the adverse reactions you might catch from these substances. However, the chances of these ingredients causing a reaction are pretty rare.

How To Find The Right Balance Between PG & VG Ratios?

Since this section will help you refine your preferences better, we've listed 4 tips you should memorise while trying to find the right balance;

Understand PG & VG Properties

First and foremost, try to understand the properties and differences between PG and VG, which we've discussed above as well. Then, consider your preferences and priorities regarding throat hit, flavour intensity, and vapour production when choosing the ratio.

Experiment

It's better to start with a 50/50 PG/VG ratio, which is a balanced mix of both properties. From there, you can experiment by adjusting the ratio in increments of 5% to find the combination that suits your preferences.

For example, if you prefer stronger throat hits and flavour, lean towards higher PG ratios, i.e., 60/40 or 70/30. And if you're more of a vapour person, go for higher VG ratios such as 30/70 or 20/80.

Consider Your Device & Coil

Different devices and coils perform better with specific PG/VG ratios. Sub-ohm tanks and direct-to-lung (DTL) devices often work well with higher VG ratios, while mouth-to-lung (MTL) setups may benefit from higher PG ratios.

High VG liquids may not wick efficiently in certain setups, leading to dry hits, so it's better to match your e-liquid with the capabilities of your device.

Adapt To Changing Preferences

Your preferences may evolve over time, so be open to adjusting the PG/VG ratio accordingly. You can consider having multiple e-liquids with different ratios for variety and flexibility.

Our Verdict: Change Ratios Gradually

Though we've discussed the battle of PG and VG ratios in this blog quite briefly, we suggest sticking to the regular ratio of 50/50 if you're a beginner and haven't smoked cigarettes either. Since vaping can be addictive due to the presence of nicotine in it, it's better to keep the habit minimal.

However, if you're not a beginner or have smoked previously as well, you may experiment with different ratios and staying attuned to your preferences will help you find the perfect balance for your vaping experience for sure.

That being said, we'll end this blog here; we hope you enjoyed reading this informative guide!