PG/VG: what do the 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70 ratios change?
Coming from a product page? This guide opens in a new tab: close it to get back to your product exactly as you left it (ratio and nicotine strength already chosen) and complete your purchase. If the guide opened in the same tab, use your browser's "Back" button.
On an e-liquid label, you will find two numbers separated by a slash: 70/30, 50/50, 30/70… This is the PG/VG ratio. Here, in a few minutes, is what it actually changes.
PG and VG: what are we talking about?
An e-liquid is a mix of two liquid bases, flavorings and, depending on the case, nicotine. The two bases have different roles:
- PG (propylene glycol) is a very thin liquid. It carries flavors well and gives the throat sensation, known as the "hit".
- VG (vegetable glycerin) is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid. It produces the visible vapor and gives a softer sensation.
How to read the ratio
In France, it is written PG/VG: the first number is the share of PG, the second that of VG. A 70/30 e-liquid therefore contains 70% PG and 30% VG.
Careful: some websites write it the other way round (VG/PG). If in doubt, look at the packaging: the mention "30 VG" means 30% glycerin, i.e. a 70/30 ratio.
The three most common ratios
| PG/VG ratio | Throat sensation | Flavor | Vapor | Texture |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70/30 | pronounced | clear | light | thin |
| 50/50 | balanced | balanced | a little more present | medium |
| 30/70 | soft | softer | dense | thick |
These differences are general: they vary with the flavor and the device. The more PG, the more the throat sensation and the clarity of the flavors stand out. The more VG, the denser the vapor and the softer the sensation.
The right ratio depends mostly on your device
This is the most important criterion, and it can be found in your equipment's manual: the coil resistance, expressed in ohms (Ω).
- Resistance above about 1 Ω (compact devices, tight draw): PG-rich liquids, such as 70/30, suit well.
- Resistance below about 1 Ω: 50/50 is a good compromise.
- Very low resistance (around 0.2 Ω, "sub-ohm" devices with an airy draw): VG-rich liquids, such as 30/70.
A liquid that is too thick for the device feeds the coil poorly and can give a burnt taste. Conversely, a very thin liquid is not well suited to a device designed for dense vapor.
And nicotine?
At the same strength, a PG-rich liquid is often perceived as "stronger" in the throat than a VG-rich one. If you change ratio, it is therefore normal to feel a difference, even with the same nicotine strength.
A useful point: a study of adult users concluded that the ratio had little influence on most of the criteria measured, apart from a throat sensation judged stronger with more PG. It is therefore mostly a matter of feel and comfort.
50 mL bottles and boosters
Liquids in the 50 mL format are sold without nicotine: you can add boosters. The booster is also a PG/VG mix, which slightly changes the final ratio. To keep it, it is better to choose a booster whose ratio is close to that of the liquid (for example a 50/50 booster with a 50/50 liquid).
To choose: three questions
- What is the resistance of my device? It is shown in the manual or on the coil itself.
- Which throat sensation do I prefer? Pronounced: more PG. Soft: more VG.
- How much vapor? Discreet: more PG. Dense: more VG.
There is no absolute "best" ratio: there is the one that suits your device and your preferences. If in doubt, ask a professional with your equipment at hand.
Ready to choose? Close this tab to return to your product, or discover our selection: Alfaliquid e-liquids · all e-liquids.
Informational content for adults. The nicotine contained in these products is highly addictive. Use by non-smokers is not recommended.