Vapor Density – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
Vapor density describes how thick or heavy the cloud feels when you vape. In simple terms, it measures the concentration of tiny liquid droplets suspended in the vapor you exhale. A high-density cloud looks opaque and lingers, while a low-density plume appears wispy and dissipates quickly. Understanding vapor density helps vapers balance flavour clarity, Hit“>throat hit, and visual satisfaction, making it a key factor when choosing Juice“>vape juice, coil style, and device settings.
Technical Details
Vapor density is governed by the ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) in vape juice, coil temperature, and airflow. Higher VG liquids (70%+) produce denser clouds because VG is more viscous and produces larger aerosol particles. Devices operating in Wattage (VW)”>Variable Wattage (VW) or Variable Voltage (VV) modes can fine-tune density: raising wattage increases e-liquid vaporisation, while restricted airflow compresses the cloud, making it feel heavier. Measurements are informal—reviewers often classify clouds as “light,” “medium,” or “dense”—but lab studies use laser diffraction to count droplets per cubic centimetre. Variations include fluffy (high VG, open airflow), milky (balanced PG/VG, medium airflow), and ghost (high PG, tight draw, low density).
Usage & Tips
- Match your goal: Choose high-VG juice and 40-80 W on a VW mod for show clouds; use 50/50 juice and lower wattage for discreet vaping.
- Common problem: Weak clouds usually mean the coil is flooded or wattage is too low—raise power by 5 W increments or replace the coil.
- Safety: Dense vapor contains more nicotine per puff; monitor intake to avoid dizziness, and ensure batteries can handle high-wattage demands.
History & Context
As sub-ohm tanks gained popularity in 2014, Australian and global vapers began chasing larger clouds. The term “vapor density” migrated from industrial aerosol science into vaping forums, becoming shorthand for balancing flavour and fog.