One of the most frequent questions that we get from new vapers relates to the PG VG ratio meaning. Or, the VG PG ratio? Some ask us which is better, PG or VG? First, it is not really about which is better. The PG VG ratio depends more on how you vape. It depends on what vape mod or e-cigarette that is being used. There is both PG and VG in virtually all e-liquid blends. The ratio is the key to determining which e-liquid is right for any given vaping device.
- As a general rule, e-liquids that have more VG than PG are designed for e-cig mods that use atomizers with less than 1.0 ohms of resistance. This is otherwise known as sub ohm vaping. Temperature control vaping also uses atomizers less than 1.0 ohms.
- E-liquids that have 50% or more PG are designed for e-cigarettes that use atomizers above 1.0 ohms in resistance.
- Also as a general rule, PG e-liquids produce less vapor but a stronger hit.
- VG e-liquids produce a more gentle vapor, but much more vapor.
That is a quick overview of what the PG VG ratio meaning is about. Keep reading for a more detailed explanation. To really understand this concept from the foundation, we will start at the beginning. The best place to start is to talk about what PG is and what VG is! So let’s get started.
What Is VG?
VG stands for vegetable glycerin. VG is a thick liquid that is typically extracted from the oils of palm plants. The advantage of VG for vaping is the tremendous amount of vapor that can be produced from a small amount of liquid. It is a clear, odorless liquid that has a slightly sweet taste.
Vegetable glycerin is used in a vast range of everyday items. For example, it is commonly found in foods where it is used as both a preservative and sweetener. VG is used in medications, cosmetics, and skin care products. It has been determined as safe. The designation is GRAS, which stands for generally recognized as safe.
Please be advised that just because vegetable glycerin is recognized as safe, we are not saying that vaping is safe. Studies are ongoing.
Vegetable glycerin is used at least in some ratio in almost all e-liquids. It does not carry the flavor as well as PG, but the vapor production is incredible. VG is the preferred ingredient for sub ohm vaping and the best e-liquid for cloud chasing. Cloud chasing may not be the best choice for new vapers. Sub ohm vaping and cloud chasing require some experience and knowledge to fully enjoy.
Max VG e-liquids may contain as much as 90% VG. Even max VG will still have some PG for the flavor.These types of liquids are the choice for the enthusiasts looking for maximum vapor production.
What Is PG?
PG stands for propylene glycol. PG is a clear, odorless, and tasteless liquid. It can be produced as a byproduct of fermentation, from fossil fuel processing, or from synthetic production. For vapor products, PG usually comes from synthetic production. This substance is not new. In fact, humans have been using it for more than a century in a number of everyday products. PG is a humectant and can absorb moisture. It is used in foods, toothpaste, shampoo, medications, and it makes vapor!
Propylene glycol has been used to make vapor for a very long time. The stage smoke that is used in theater productions and movies comes from stage foggers. The liquid in stage foggers is propylene glycol. Stage hands have been working around it for decades. PG not only makes vapor, it is also capable of carrying flavor.
While PG does not make as much vapor as VG, the advantage is the intensity of the hit as well as the flavor. PG has been known to cause throat irritation and it can be harsh for some people. Vapers that find PG harsh would probably be happier with a VG e-liquid or at least a 50/50 blend. Because PG absorbs water, it is a good idea for vapers to increase hydration. While generally recognized as safe, we cannot claim that it is safe to vape. Studies are ongoing.
Nicotine In PG and VG E-liquids
The amount of nicotine used in VG and PG e-liquids is very different. The nicotine in e-cigs that use e-liquids with at least 50% PG usually have nicotine levels ranging from 6 mg to 24 mg. The amount of nicotine in VG e-liquids is much less because much more vapor is inhaled, which means less nicotine is needed to achieve a satisfying vape.
- The nicotine level in e-liquids with 50% or more PG content range from 3 mg to 24 mg. Some PG e-liquids may even have more nicotine. The most common nicotine levels for PG liquids are 12 mg, 18 mg, and 24 mg.
- In the case of VG e-liquids, the nicotine levels range from 0 mg to 6 mg. The most common nicotine levels are 3 mg and 6 mg. Because of the sheer amount of vapor produced, 6 mg is usually all that is required for a satisfying vape.
Common Nicotine Levels
PG e-liquids
- 0 mg – non nicotine vaping
- 6 mg – mild nicotine hit
- 12 mg – moderate nicotine hit
- 18 mg – strong nicotine
- 24 mg – bold nicotine strength
VG e-liquids
- 0 mg – non nicotine vaping
- 3 mg – moderate nicotine
- 6 mg – strong nicotine hit
Figuring out the right nicotine level may require some trial and error. But adult tobacco consumers are aware of their typical use and can make an educated guess based on the range of available options.
PG VG Ratios
These are the most common PG VG ratios:
- 70% PG / 30% VG – this type of e-liquid is not used much anymore. A 70% PG ratio works best in cigalike style e-cigarettes and devices that use atomizers over 2.0 ohms in resistance.
- 50% PG / 50% VG – the most common PG e-liquid used today. This ratio of VG/PG is ideal for today’s basic mods with atomizer resistance levels between 1.0 ohms and 2.0 ohms.
- 70% VG / 30% PG – the most common VG e-liquid ratio. Designed for use with atomizers below 1.0 ohms. Particularly for atomizers from 0.5 ohms to 0.8 ohms. This ratio is a blend designed to produce ample vapor from sub ohm vaping while at the same time maintaining a crisp flavor.
- 80% VG / 20% PG – this VG PG ratio is the sweet spot for most sub ohm vapers. Terrific for atomizers 0.5 ohms or below. At this ratio, the vapor production is immense and there is still enough flavor to be truly enjoyable.
- Max VG – at least 90% VG and designed for maximum cloud production. Used by competition cloud chasers. The flavor profile is sometimes faint, but this ratio is more about the vapor.
PG VG Ratio Meaning
To recap, PG VG ratio meaning refers to the amount of propylene glycol versus vegetable glycerin in e-liquids. Each of these e-liquid ingredients produces a distinct feature when vaping. The PG is a strong hit that carries flavor and the VG is more mild and produces more vapor. Make sure that you are aware of the atomizer resistance of the e-cig that you are using so you can choose the right PG/VG e-liquid ratios.
If using a sub ohm vape tank, please be advised that you should only use tanks that have pyrex glass or quartz glass tanks. The best sub ohm tanks will come with an appropriate glass tank.
Adult tobacco consumers that are interested in vapor products but have not used an e-cig before, check out our vaping for beginners guide.
