In brief

VG means Vegetable Glycerin.

PG means Propylene Glycol.

VG usually makes liquids thicker and vapour heavier. PG carries flavour and throat hit more directly.

When buying e-liquid, you often see ratios such as 50/50, 70/30 or VG/PG. At first, those numbers look technical. In daily use, they are very practical: they explain why a liquid works perfectly in one device but leaks, tastes weak or feels burnt in another.

VG and PG are the base ingredients in which flavourings and, depending on the product, nicotine are dissolved. They are not a minor detail. The ratio helps determine whether a liquid is thin or thick, whether it creates more vapour, how clear the flavour feels and how noticeable the throat hit is.

VG stands for Vegetable Glycerin, also called glycerol. In e-liquids, VG mainly supports a smoother and denser vapour feel. The higher the VG content, the thicker the liquid usually becomes.

More VG often suits open devices, larger coils and higher power. In very small pods or tight MTL devices, however, a VG-heavy liquid may wick too slowly. That can lead to dry hits, weaker flavour or a slightly burnt taste.

PG stands for Propylene Glycol. In e-liquids, PG is mainly used as a carrier for flavourings and nicotine. It is thinner than VG and often makes flavour feel clearer and more direct.

A higher PG content can make the throat hit more noticeable. That can be useful for adult smokers switching to vaping who want a more cigarette-like feel. Too much PG, however, may feel dry or scratchy to some users.

50/50 means the liquid contains roughly equal parts VG and PG. These liquids are common because they work reliably in many pod systems and MTL devices. They are neither too thick nor too thin.

For many adult switchers, 50/50 is a sensible starting point. The liquid wicks well, flavour comes through clearly and vapour production stays controlled.

70/30 usually means 70 percent VG and 30 percent PG. These liquids are thicker and create more vapour. They often fit better with open devices, sub-ohm coils and DTL setups.

In small pods, 70/30 can become problematic if the liquid cannot wick fast enough. Typical signs are dry flavour, slight burning or inconsistent vapour output.

A liquid works well only when it reaches the coil properly. If it is too thick for a small device, the coil may not be supplied fast enough. If it is too thin for a very open system, it may leak more easily or feel less dense.

VG/PG is therefore not only about taste. It is a technical match. When testing a new liquid, check flavour and nicotine strength, but also the base ratio.

For MTL and small pod systems, 50/50 or similar ratios often work well. They are thin enough for smaller coils and deliver a controlled draw. For DTL and sub-ohm devices, VG-heavy liquids such as 70/30 are often more suitable because they create more vapour and a smoother feel.

There is no absolute rule. Some modern pods can handle slightly thicker liquids, while some open devices behave better with specific blends. Device and coil recommendations still matter.