What Do VG/PG Ratios Mean and Why Do They Matter?

If you have ever picked up a bottle of e-liquid and seen something like "50/50" or "70/30" written on the label, you might have wondered what those numbers actually mean. Don't worry, you are not alone. Almost every new vaper asks this same question at some point.

Those numbers are talking about VG and PG. These two ingredients make up most of the liquid inside your vape, and the ratio between them changes how your vape looks, feels, and tastes. Once you understand this, choosing the right e-liquid becomes a lot easier.

Let's break it down in simple words.

What Are VG and PG?

Every e-liquid bottle is made up of a few basic things: VG, PG, flavourings, and sometimes nicotine. VG and PG are the two main liquids that carry everything else and turn into the vapour you breathe out.

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerine. It is a thick, slightly sweet liquid that comes from plant oils. Because it is thick, it produces big, fluffy clouds of vapour. It also feels smooth and gentle on the throat.

PG stands for Propylene Glycol. It is a thinner, watery liquid that does not have much taste on its own. It is really good at carrying flavour, so liquids with more PG tend to taste stronger and more accurate to the flavour name on the bottle. PG also gives a sharper "throat hit," which is that slight scratchy feeling at the back of your throat when you inhale, similar to what smokers are used to.

Both of these ingredients are common and are used in many everyday products like food, cosmetics, and medicines, which is why they are considered safe bases for e-liquids.

Here is a simple side-by-side look at the two:

So What Does the Ratio Actually Mean?

When you see a ratio like 50/50 or 70/30 on a bottle, it is telling you how much VG and PG is inside, written as a percentage.

• 50/50 means the bottle has 50% VG and 50% PG. This is a balanced mix.
• 70/30 means 70% VG and only 30% PG. This has more cloud and smoothness, less throat hit.
• 80/20 or higher VG means even bigger clouds and a softer feel, popular with cloud-chasers.

There is no single "correct" ratio. It really depends on what kind of vaping experience you are looking for, and also what kind of device you are using.

A quick look at the common ratios and what they are generally good for:

Why the Ratio Actually Matters

You might be thinking, does this small difference in percentage really change that much? Yes, it actually does, in quite a few ways.

1. It Changes How Much Vapour You Get

If you love watching big clouds roll out when you exhale, you will want a liquid that leans heavily towards VG, like a 70/30 or higher blend. VG is naturally thicker, and that thickness is exactly what creates those large, soft clouds.

On the other hand, if you are not fussed about clouds and just want something simple and low-key, a 50/50 mix or a PG-heavy liquid will suit you better.

2. It Changes How Strong the Flavour Tastes

PG is excellent at holding onto flavour. So a liquid with more PG will usually taste closer to what it says on the label. If you switch to a very high VG liquid, sometimes the flavour feels a little muted because VG's natural sweetness can slightly cover it up.

3. It Changes the Throat Hit

This is a big one, especially for people who used to smoke and are now switching to vaping. PG hits a stronger throat that feels a bit similar to a cigarette. VG feels much smoother and softer. If you found your first vape too harsh, it might have had too much PG for your liking, and switching to a higher VG option like a 50/50 e-liquid or a VG-heavy short fill could feel much nicer.

4. It Changes Which Device Works Best

This part is really important, so pay attention here. Thick VG liquid does not move well through a tight, low-power device. If you try to use a very high VG liquid in a small pod kit that is not built for it, you might get a weak vapour, a dry hit, or a burnt taste. This is because the thick liquid cannot soak into the small coil fast enough.

That is why:

• 50/50 e-liquids work great in smaller pod kits and starter devices because they are thin enough to move through a tight coil easily.
• High VG liquids (70/30 and above) work best in bigger mods and tanks that are designed with wider airflow and stronger coils to handle the thicker liquid.

So really, choosing the right ratio is not just about taste preference; it is also about matching the liquid to your device so that everything works smoothly.

Which Ratio Should You Choose?

Since everyone's taste is different, here is a simple way to think about it:

If you are new to vaping or just quit smoking, a 50/50 mix is usually the easiest place to start. It gives a balanced throat hit, decent flavour, and works well with the small, simple pod kits most beginners use. You will also find that nic salt e-liquids are almost always made in a 50/50 style, since they are designed for exactly this kind of smooth, quick nicotine delivery in small devices.

If you want big clouds and a smoother feel, and you already have a proper tank or mod, then go for a higher VG blend, something like 50ml or 100ml short fill e-liquids, which are almost always mixed at 70/30 or higher.

If you want the strongest, most true-to-label flavour, and throat hit does not bother you, then a liquid with more PG could be your best match.

There is really no shame in trying a few different ratios until you find the one that feels right for you. Vaping is personal, and what feels perfect for one person might feel too harsh or too weak for another.

A Quick Note on Nicotine Strength Too

While you are picking your VG/PG ratio, it is worth also thinking about your nicotine strength, since the two work together. Higher VG short fills are usually paired with lower nicotine or a separate nicotine booster shot, while 50/50 nic salts already come mixed at higher strengths for a quicker, smoother hit. Getting both the ratio and the strength right makes a real difference to how satisfying your vape feels.

Summary

VG and PG might just look like two letters on a bottle, but they actually control a huge part of your vaping experience: the cloud size, the flavour strength, the throat hit, and even which device works best for you. Once you understand the basic difference, picking the right e-liquid stops feeling confusing and starts feeling simple.

If you are still not sure which ratio suits you, that is completely normal, and this is exactly where Fogfathers can help. We have been a trusted UK vape shop since 2014, offering a carefully chosen range of e-liquids, kits, and disposables, all tested and approved by a team of experienced vapers. Whether you shop online or visit our store in Hayes, West London, our team is always happy to guide you towards the right VG/PG ratio for your taste and your device.