What Do VG and PG Mean?

E-liquids are an important part of your vaping experience, but terms like VG and PG can be confusing. VG and PG are key ingredients in vape e-liquids. This article will explore both ingredients, with an insight into the VG / PG ratio - what it means and how it affects the vaping experience.

What Do VG and PG Stand For?

The terminology of vaping can be confusing at first, especially for adult smokers who are searching for a smoke-free alternative to cigarettes. Here's what we mean when it comes to the ingredients VG and PG:

What does VG stand for?

Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is used to thicken the e-liquid and, in turn, help create dense vapour in sub-ohm vapes. It’s derived from vegetable oil.

What does PG stand for?

Propylene Glycol (PG) - provides the throat hit sensation which has been likened to smoking.

VG and PG are used in a wide range of foods, medicines and cosmetics, but are they risk-free?

Are VG and PG E-Liquids Risk-Free?

The two ingredients have been incorporated into vape e-liquids Most e-liquids and e-cigarette refills use VG and PG as ingredients.

It is important to note that VG and PG e-liquids contain nicotine, an addictive substance. This means that e-liquids are not risk-free - nor are the vapes they are used in. When it comes to nicotine in e-liquids, there are different types such as:

Freebase nicotine - Contained within most e-liquids. Unless stated otherwise, you can usually assume an e-liquid contains this type of nicotine.

Nicotine salts - Provide a smoother, quicker form of nicotine. E-liquids that contain this do not produce the same throat sensation as e-liquids that contain freebase nicotine.

In addition to the type of nicotine, the VG / PG ratio also plays a big part of the vaping experience.

Understanding Liquid Types: The VG / PG Ratio Effect

An e-liquid is defined by a variety of factors, including the type of nicotine used. Another important factor, when it comes to VG and PG, is the ratio. That’s because a different ratio impacts the experience you will have. With that in mind, what sort of ratios can you expect? And, what do they do differently?

Classic e-liquid: This type of e-liquid contains a higher volume of VG than PG - usually a PG ratio of 70% or more, and produces a “throat hit” sensation that is more akin to smoking than other e-liquid types
50/50 e-liquid: This type of e-liquid is often made up of half VG and half PG. This allows for a flexible vaping experience that means you can experience elements of both a classic e-liquid and sub-ohm vaping.

Sub-ohm e-liquid: Otherwise known as “max VG”, they’re generally built with a high volume of VG - 50% or more. VG makes an e-liquid thick, which in turn produces a high volume of vapor. This is commonly known as sub-ohm vaping.

As described below, different types of e-liquid work better with a particular type of device.

Which VG / PG Ratio Should I Choose for My Vape Kit or Tank?

While personal preference plays a factor in the type of vape experience you want, your current device should play a big part in the e-liquid you choose. Finding an e-liquid and vape kit, or tank, that works together is important.

Sub-ohm vaping:, a high wattage kit will allow the vaper to produce large clouds of vapour. A 50/50 e-liquid can fit with most devices and wattages;

Classic e-liquid: A low wattage kit will produce a low volume of vapour with a “throat hit,” like a cigarette.

Do Coils Matter When It Comes to VG and PG?

One important factor within your kit, that we have not yet discussed, is the coil and its resistance.

Coils also play a significant part in your vaping experience - specifically the resistance.

With a classic e-liquid, or around 60-70% PG, a vape’s coil should have a higher resistance. This will result in a stronger flavour and “throat hit” sensation.

50/50 e-liquids should have a medium resistance coil.

Finally, sub-ohm vaping should have a low resistance coil. A 50-50 e-liquid could work with a coil like this, but a high VG e-liquid is probably going to see the best results when it comes to vapor clouds.

It’s important to note that, if your device has a variable wattage or voltage, you will need to adjust the settings in line with the coils and e-liquid you’re using.

Finding a coil that fits with your e-liquid is important as a mismatched partnership might impact your device. For instance, a coil with low resistance might encounter problems with an e-liquid of 50% PG or higher. You might experience a burnt flavour or, even worse, your vape might leak.


Choose from a pod device or disposable with VEEV- browse the online selection of flavours available in both devices here:

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.