Liquid Ratio – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Liquid Ratio refers to the proportion of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) in an e-liquid. Written as PG/VG (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30), the ratio determines how thick the juice is and what style of vaping it suits. A higher PG delivers stronger Hit“>throat hit and flavour, while more VG produces thicker vapour and smoother Lung Hit. Choosing the correct Liquid Ratio prevents issues like Leaking or dry coils, ensuring your device and Battery“>Lithium Battery perform efficiently.

Technical Details

The Liquid Ratio is expressed as percentages that always add to 100 %. Common variants include:

  • 50/50 PG/VG – balanced viscosity for low-wattage pod systems and Resistance“>Low Resistance coils above 1.0 Ω.
  • 70/30 VG/PG – thicker juice for sub-ohm tanks and direct-to-lung devices; needs larger wicking ports.
  • Max VG (80–90 % VG) – ultra-thick clouds, best with rebuildables or mesh coils.
  • Nic Salt Blends – usually 50/50 to work with tiny coils without flooding.

PG carries flavour and nicotine efficiently, while VG adds sweetness and density. The ratio affects viscosity; too much VG in a small pod may starve the wick, whereas too much PG in a high-wattage tank can oversaturate and leak.

Usage & Tips

  • Match to Coil: Sub-ohm coils (<1.0 Ω) prefer 70/30 or higher VG; MTL coils prefer 50/50.
  • Prevent Leaking: If you see juice seeping, lower the PG content or tighten airflow.
  • Winter Warning: VG thickens in cold. Warm the bottle in your pocket or thin with a few drops of PG.
  • Watch the LED Indicator: Blinking lights can signal dry hits—try a lower-VG blend or reduce wattage.
  • Storage: Keep bottles sealed and away from direct sunlight to maintain ratio and nicotine strength.

History & Context

When cig-a-likes launched in the late 2000s, e-liquids were almost entirely PG for a cigarette-like throat hit. As mods grew more powerful, vapers demanded bigger clouds, pushing manufacturers toward high-VG formulations by 2013–2015. Today, Australian regulations require nicotine e-liquids to be sold in balanced 50/50 ratios within the prescription model, while non-nicotine juices offer every blend imaginable.

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