What Is PG/VG Ratio in Vape Juice? UK Guide (2026)
If you've ever looked at a bottle of vape juice and wondered what 50/50, 70/30, PG or VG actually means, you're not alone.
The PG/VG ratio is one of the most important things to understand when choosing an e-liquid for your vape.
Different ratios are suited to different types of devices and vaping styles. Choosing the right one can help your vape perform properly while giving you the experience you're looking for.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly what PG and VG are, what the different ratios mean and which PG/VG ratio is generally best for pod kits.
What Does PG and VG Mean?
PG stands for propylene glycol, while VG stands for vegetable glycerine.
Both are commonly used as the base ingredients in e-liquid.
They help carry the flavouring and nicotine while producing vapour when heated by the coil.
The amount of each ingredient is usually displayed as a ratio.
For example:
50/50 = 50% PG and 50% VG
70/30 = 70% VG and 30% PG
The first number normally represents VG and the second represents PG, although you should always check the manufacturer's labelling.
What Is PG?
PG, or propylene glycol, is a thinner liquid commonly used in e-liquid.
It is known for providing:
- Stronger flavour delivery
- A more noticeable throat sensation
- A thinner e-liquid consistency
Because PG is thinner than VG, higher-PG e-liquids are often suitable for smaller pod systems designed for MTL vaping.
What Is VG?
VG, or vegetable glycerine, is thicker than PG.
It is commonly associated with:
- Larger vapour production
- A smoother inhale
- A thicker e-liquid consistency
Higher-VG e-liquids are commonly used in devices designed for higher power and greater vapour production.
What Does 50/50 Vape Juice Mean?
A 50/50 e-liquid contains approximately equal proportions of PG and VG.
This ratio is particularly common in:
- Pod kits
- MTL devices
- Nicotine salt e-liquids
- Lower-powered vape devices
The thinner consistency can allow the e-liquid to work effectively with many smaller coils.
If you're using a refillable pod kit, a 50/50 e-liquid may be a suitable starting point, provided it is recommended for your particular device.
What Does 70/30 Vape Juice Mean?
A 70/30 e-liquid usually contains 70% VG and 30% PG.
Because VG is thicker, these e-liquids are generally more suited to devices designed to handle higher-VG liquids.
They are commonly associated with:
- Sub-ohm vaping
- Higher-powered devices
- Larger vapour production
A 70/30 e-liquid may not be suitable for every pod kit, so always check the manufacturer's recommendations before using it.
Which PG/VG Ratio Is Best for Pod Kits?
For many traditional MTL pod kits, 50/50 e-liquid is a common choice.
Its relatively balanced consistency can work well with smaller coils and lower-powered devices.
However, there is no single PG/VG ratio that is right for every pod kit.
Always check:
- The manufacturer's recommendations
- The coil resistance
- The recommended wattage
- The type of e-liquid intended for the device
Using an unsuitable e-liquid can contribute to issues such as leaking, flooding or poor performance.
PG/VG Ratio for Nicotine Salts
Nicotine salts are commonly available in 50/50 formulations.
This makes them a popular choice for MTL pod systems.
If you are using a refillable pod kit, check the e-liquid bottle and your device specifications to ensure they are compatible.
For more information about nicotine strengths, read our guide on the best nicotine strength for pod kits UK.
Does PG/VG Affect Flavour?
Yes, the PG/VG ratio can affect the overall vaping experience.
Higher-PG e-liquids are generally associated with stronger flavour delivery, while higher-VG liquids are often associated with a smoother experience and larger vapour production.
However, the flavour you experience also depends on:
- The e-liquid flavour
- Your coil
- Your device
- Wattage
- Airflow
- Coil condition
Does PG/VG Affect Vapour Production?
Yes.
VG is the ingredient primarily associated with vapour production.
Generally:
More VG = more vapour
More PG = less vapour
This is one reason higher-VG liquids are commonly used in more powerful devices.
If you use a smaller MTL pod kit, you generally don't need a high-VG e-liquid simply to produce vapour.
Can the Wrong PG/VG Ratio Cause Leaking?
It can contribute to performance problems.
For example, using an e-liquid that is too thin for a particular device may allow too much liquid into the coil, potentially contributing to flooding or leaking.
If you're experiencing leaks, read our guide on why your vape is leaking and how to fix it.
Can PG/VG Cause Gurgling?
An unsuitable e-liquid can sometimes contribute to excess liquid reaching the coil.
This can result in:
- Gurgling
- Bubbling
- Spitback
- Reduced vapour production
If your vape is gurgling, read our guide on why your vape is gurgling and how to fix it.
You can also read our guide on why your vape is spitting and how to fix spitback.
PG/VG Ratio and Coil Resistance
Your coil resistance is another important factor when choosing an e-liquid.
Lower-powered MTL coils are generally designed around thinner e-liquids, while higher-powered devices may be designed for thicker, higher-VG liquids.
Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific coil.
Using the right e-liquid for your coil can help maintain consistent flavour and vapour production.
What PG/VG Ratio Should Beginners Use?
If you're new to refillable pod vaping, a 50/50 e-liquid is a common starting point for many MTL pod systems.
It is widely available and works with many lower-powered pod devices.
However, your device should always take priority.
Before purchasing e-liquid, check which PG/VG ratios your pod kit and coil are designed to handle.
If you're completely new to pod vaping, our guide on how to choose the right pod kit for MTL vaping is a good place to start.
How to Choose the Right Vape Juice
When choosing an e-liquid, consider:
1. Your Device
Check what your manufacturer recommends.
2. Your Coil
Look at the coil resistance and recommended wattage.
3. Your Vaping Style
MTL and higher-powered vaping generally use different types of e-liquid.
4. Your Preferred Flavour
Choose an e-liquid flavour you'll actually enjoy using regularly.
5. Nicotine Strength
Choose an appropriate nicotine strength based on your needs and the product's intended use.
🎁 Find the Right E-Liquid at Vaperz Way
At Vaperz Way, we stock a range of nicotine salts from popular brands, including Elux nicotine salts, which are among our best-selling e-liquids.
If you're using a refillable pod kit, make sure you check the PG/VG ratio and nicotine strength before purchasing.
You can also explore our range of pod kits and find a device suited to your preferred vaping style.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 50/50 mean in vape juice?
50/50 means the e-liquid contains approximately equal amounts of PG and VG.
Is 50/50 good for pod vapes?
50/50 e-liquid is commonly used with many MTL pod kits, but you should always check your device and coil manufacturer's recommendations.
Is 70/30 better than 50/50?
Neither is universally better. They are designed for different devices and vaping styles.
Is PG or VG better for flavour?
PG is generally associated with stronger flavour delivery, while VG is more associated with vapour production and a smoother experience.
Is 50/50 vape juice good for nicotine salts?
Yes, 50/50 formulations are commonly used for nicotine salt e-liquids and many MTL pod systems.
Can the wrong PG/VG ratio make a vape leak?
An e-liquid that is unsuitable for your device can contribute to flooding or leaking, depending on the device and coil.
Final Thoughts
Understanding VG/PG ratios makes choosing the right e-liquid much easier.
For many MTL pod users, 50/50 e-liquid is a popular option because its consistency is well suited to many lower-powered pod systems.
Higher-VG ratios are generally more appropriate for devices designed for higher power and larger vapour production.
The most important thing is to check your device and coil specifications before choosing an e-liquid.