PG vs VG: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters in Vaping?

When choosing an e-liquid, there’s one important detail that many new vapers overlook: the PG/VG ratio. You’ve probably seen these letters on your vape juice bottle—something like 70/30 VG/PG or 50/50 PG/VG—but what do they actually mean? More importantly, how do they affect your vaping experience?

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between PG (Propylene Glycol) and VG (Vegetable Glycerin), how they influence flavor, throat hit, cloud production, and device compatibility, and help you decide which blend is best for your vaping style.

1. What Are PG and VG?

Both PG and VG are odorless, colorless liquids that serve as the base of all e-liquids. They’re what carry the flavor and nicotine when you inhale vapor. While they may look similar, they behave very differently when heated—and that’s where things get interesting.

PG (Propylene Glycol)

• Thin in consistency

• Low vapor production

• Strong throat hit (similar to smoking)

• Carries flavor more effectively

• Common in: 50/50 blends, high-nicotine juices, and MTL (mouth-to-lung) vapes

VG (Vegetable Glycerin)

• Thick and syrupy

• Produces large vapor clouds

• Smoother throat hit

• Slightly sweet taste

• Common in: high-VG blends, sub-ohm vaping, and cloud chasing

2. Key Differences Between PG and VG

Let’s explore how these two ingredients affect your vaping experience across different factors:

PG is the better flavor carrier of the two. E-liquids with a higher PG ratio deliver sharper, more pronounced flavors. That’s why you’ll often find tobacco, menthol, and high-nicotine juices with more PG—they benefit from a more intense taste.

VG, on the other hand, can slightly mute some flavors. However, it pairs well with dessert, custard, or fruit blends because its natural sweetness enhances creamy and sugary notes.

Best for flavor clarity: Higher PG
Best for dessert-style richness: Higher VG

4. Throat Hit

Throat hit refers to the sensation you feel in your throat when inhaling vapor. PG delivers a stronger throat hit, closely mimicking the feeling of traditional cigarettes. This makes high-PG juices ideal for former smokers or vapers who enjoy a more tactile inhale.

VG provides a smooth, soft inhale. It’s ideal for those who find strong throat hits irritating or are using high-wattage devices where too much harshness can be unpleasant.

Best for a cigarette-like hit: Higher PG
Best for a smooth, gentle draw: Higher VG

5. Vapor Production (Clouds)

If you’ve ever seen someone blow massive clouds while vaping, they’re likely using a high-VG e-liquid. VG is thicker and vaporizes into dense, voluminous clouds, making it perfect for cloud chasing and direct-lung (DL) vaping styles.

PG doesn’t produce much vapor. It’s better suited for discreet vaping, where big clouds aren’t necessary or welcome.

Best for cloud chasing: Higher VG
Best for stealth vaping: Higher PG

6. Device Compatibility

The PG/VG ratio you choose should depend heavily on what type of device you’re using.

• Low-wattage devices / pod systems (MTL)

Use 50/50 or high-PG e-liquids. These are thinner and wick more efficiently in small coils.
Too much VG in these systems can lead to dry hits or coil clogging.

• Sub-ohm tanks / high-wattage mods (DL)

Use 70/30 or high-VG e-liquids. These devices are designed for thicker e-liquids and have coils that can handle more vapor production.

Using high-PG juices in these setups might result in leaks or an overly harsh experience.

7. Nicotine Strength and PG/VG Ratios

Nicotine strength plays an important role in deciding the right ratio.

• High nicotine (12mg – 20mg): Usually paired with 50/50 or high-PG e-liquids and low-power devices.

• Low nicotine (3mg – 6mg): Best with high-VG blends in high-powered mods for smoother hits.

Note: Nicotine salts (nic salts) often come in high-PG 50/50 blends, designed for mouth-to-lung devices and faster absorption with less throat irritation.

8. Allergies and Sensitivities

A small number of vapers may be sensitive or allergic to PG, experiencing symptoms like sore throats, headaches, or skin irritation.

If you notice these issues, consider switching to a high-VG or 100% VG e-liquid. VG is plant-based and generally well-tolerated, though it’s thicker and may not suit all devices.

9. How to Choose the Right PG/VG Ratio

Here’s a quick guide based on your vaping preferences:

• Strong throat hit and flavor:70/30 PG/VG or 50/50
• Smooth clouds and minimal throat hit:70/30 VG/PG or 80/20 VG
• Discreet, cigarette-style vaping:50/50 or high-PG
• Cloud chasing with big mods: High-VG (70% or more)
• Sensitive to PG: 100% VG or max-VG

Some e-liquids allow you to choose your PG/VG ratio, or you can even mix your own if you’re into DIY e-juice. This gives you full control over throat hit, flavor intensity, and vapor output.

Just make sure your coil and tank are compatible with your chosen ratio—otherwise, you could damage your coil or ruin the flavor.

The PG/VG ratio is far more than just a number on the bottle—it’s one of the most critical factors in shaping your vaping experience. Whether you prefer sharp flavor, a strong throat hit, or big fluffy clouds, understanding the differences between PG and VG will help you choose the perfect e-liquid for your needs.

Next time you’re shopping for vape juice, take a moment to check the PG/VG ratio. It might just be the key to unlocking your ideal vape.