To replace smoking with fewer cravings and a smoother switch, the right balance of Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG) can be the deciding factor.
From first refill to advanced kits, this guide helps you choose the right VG/PG ratio based on your device type, nicotine strength and how much vapour you want.
What Are PG and VG in Vape Juice?
Both chemical compounds play a vital role in the ingredients list of your favourite vape juice. Whether it is large clouds of vapour you are after or a tight throat hit, VG and PG act as the all-important base. Let’s break down the key differences between the two:
Propylene Glycol (PG)
- Stronger throat hit after inhale
- Greater efficiency in carrying nicotine and flavour
- Faster heat-up time and coil absorption
- Thinner vape juice with smaller clouds
- Odourless with minimal natural flavour, relying more on other flavourings
Vegetable Glycerine (VG)
- Thicker vape juice creates bigger cloud production
- Sweeter natural flavourings
- Weaker nicotine carrying
- A smoother inhale
- Slower heat-up time
Higher VG isn’t automatically better - it’s about balance. The right VG/PG ratio brings out the best of both ingredients, depending on how and why you vape.
Why VG/PG Ratio Matters to Your Vape Experience
Vaping is directly linked to three key psychological factors in life: health, finances and habits.
The feeling it produces for ex-smokers who are used to the daily routine of nicotine inhalation is paramount.
In addition, from a financial perspective, getting the vape juice and kit choices correct the first time will save money versus previous smoking habits.
Therefore, the VG and PG ratio is hugely important to get the intake that matches your expectations and goals to quit nicotine or, at the very least, continue with a familiar habit.
In fact, for the first time on record, around 10% of UK adults now vape compared with about 9.1 % who smoke cigarettes, with approximately 5.4 million vapers outnumbering around 4.9 million smokers in 2024 according to the Office for National Statistics.
Getting that balance makes a crucial difference in whether you stray back to smoking or find the right setup.
Common VG/PG Ratios Explained
60/40 High PG – Strong Throat Hit and Minimal Cloud
Best for: Cigalikes, vape pens and pod kits, MTL devices, beginners, ex-smokers
- Balanced throat hit and vapour for former smokers switching.
- Strong flavour clarity to replace disposables.
- Excellent coil saturation for refillable pod kits, vape pens and cigalikes.
50/50 VG/PG – The Balanced All-Rounder
Best for: Pod kits or vape pens, MTL or RDL kits
- A versatile vape juice for any vape kit, often available as a 50/50 nic salt.
- Can be vaped with either a mouth-to-lung style to mimic smoking or as a restrictive direct lung vape for a little more cloud and less of a throat hit (ideally a refillable vape kit that supports both).
- Great balance of cloud production and draw.
70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG – Smooth but Still Flavourful
Best for: Advanced pod and restricted DTL kits, Sub-ohm kits, DTL vaping, high-wattage devices
- Thick, dense clouds to support powerful high-wattage Sub-Ohm vapes.
- Work equally well with open airflow for voluminous cloud control.
- Supports low resistance vape coils for an optimised experience featuring a smoother inhale.
100% VG – A PG-Free Option for Sensitive Vapers
Best for: Vape mods or Sub-Ohm pod kits
- A popular choice with vapers who have an intolerance to PG.
- Maximum flavour and cloud generation.
- Less throat hit, focusing on the smoothest draw.
VG/PG Ratio and Throat Hit: What to Expect
There are traditionally two types of vapers – those who did smoke and want a familiar draw, throat hit, and nicotine satisfaction that makes the switch feel natural. Others come to vaping later, drawn to smoother nicotine delivery and flavour intensity.
For the former, you will be used to high PG vapes (maybe even the first generation cigalikes that resemble a cigarette in throat hit and look). You miss that sharp kick on the back of the throat and therefore prefer freebase nicotine vape juice with less cloud production via VG.
Meanwhile, the latter, who never smoked and likely first picked up a disposable, are used to 20mg or 10mg nic salt kits or vape juice. They will likely be a 50/50 VG and PG hit that offers more cloud and less of a harsh feeling.
If you:
- Miss the “hit” of cigarettes, opt for a higher PG vape
- Find vaping harsh or cough-inducing? Why not try a higher VG vape juice?
How VG/PG Ratio Affects Flavour
Certain flavour profiles perform better at specific VG/PG ratios because each base ingredient carries taste differently. With a naturally sweeter richness, high VG is a great choice for desserts found in Shortfills, such as Dinner Lady pastry flavours.
Prefer to keep it classic with tobacco flavours? A 50/50 or slightly higher PG vape juice will create the authentic earthy notes associated with tobacco, which derives from the tobacco plant.
For menthol vape juice, a high PG blend gives a vape that oomph for a cooling exhale effect and mint or menthol notes of flavour.
Over the past few years, we have seen an explosion of fruit flavours in the vape market, mainly due to the rise (and fall) of single-use disposable vape kits. These are often 50/50 or high PG, to feel the true power of those flavours with extra flavourings.
Device Compatibility: Matching VG/PG to Your Vape Kit
Now that you know which vape juice ratio is right for you, it is time to pick or swap your vape kit for the best type to match your device. Here is a brief checklist of recommended pairings:
Cigalikes
Recommended ratio: High PG
- Thin enough to wick properly with classic wick technology
- Prevents coil flooding or burning
- Ideal for freebase for that traditional, stronger throat hit
- Suits low cloud production
Refillable Pod Kits or Vape Pens with Low-Resistance Coils
Recommended ratio: Higher VG 60/40 or 70/30
- Slightly thicker
- Better vapour without damaging coils through frequent clogging
- Warmer temperature than high PG vapes
- Can be vaped in a restrictive or loose direct lung
- Suits lower nicotine strengths – less intense
Sub-Ohm & High-Power Kits
Recommended ratio: 70/30 VG/PG or higher
- Prevents leaking
- Handles high heat
- Smoother flavour from more power
- Produces dense clouds
- Less throat hit
VG/PG Ratio and Nicotine Strength
What stage are you in your nicotine cessation path?
Just switching from heavy cigarette smoking will likely mean you are at 20mg nic salt or 18mg freebase nicotine currently.
If you can see the end in sight and are close to going cold turkey with no nicotine, this is a great step towards a healthier future.
That is why pairing the right ratio of VG or PG with a suitable nicotine strength is another important consideration.
If you’re reducing nicotine but still want satisfaction, balancing VG/PG correctly is just as important as strength.
Those vaping close to 0mg at either 6mg or 3mg will prefer a high VG shortfill or 100% vape juice, which will be less harsh on the throat and the opposite sensation to smoking.
Any strength higher than this will require a balanced vape juice of PG and VG, with increasing strength matched by PG intensity.
Common VG/PG Mistakes to Avoid
- Using high VG in small pod kits
- Assuming thicker juice = better quality
- Ignoring coil resistance limits
- Choosing a ratio based on trends instead of the device
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Ideal VG/PG Balance
We hope this guide has helped to clarify the differences between VG and PG to understand their importance as ingredients for vaping.
Used in many products across the food, medicine and cosmetics industries, it is often misunderstood due to its abbreviation.
However, its role is crucial to find your ideal VG and/or PG blend. Always decide on your goals and pair accordingly. For cigarette smokers seeking a similar draw, aim for high PG vape juice with cigalikes or vape pens.
If you like more cloud, a warmer temperature and less of a throat hit, higher VG vape juice at a lower nicotine strength will boost your chances of reaching zero nicotine vaping.
Get more from every refill. Shop Vsavi’s vape juice collection and find the perfect vape kit to match your VG/PG ratio, taste preferences, and daily vaping routine.