Best VG/PG Ratio for Your Vape Kit | MTL vs Sub-Ohm Explained

Best VG/PG Ratio for Your Vape Kit

Picking the right VG/PG ratio is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a vaper — and it's one that most beginners get completely wrong. Use the wrong ratio in your vape kit and you'll get burnt coils, weak flavour, a scratchy throat hit, or clouds that just aren't there. Get it right and your vaping experience becomes exactly what it should be. Whether you're using an MTL pod system or a sub-ohm tank, this guide tells you exactly which VG/PG ratio to use and why, so you never buy the wrong e-liquid again.

What Is VG/PG Ratio in E-Liquid?

Vegetable glycerine (VG) is a thick, plant-derived liquid. It's what creates those big, dense clouds you see in sub-ohm vaping. It has a naturally sweet taste and a very smooth draw, but it's viscous — meaning it needs a coil and tank that can handle its weight. Propylene glycol (PG), on the other hand, is a much thinner liquid. It's the ingredient that carries flavour profile more effectively, giving you a sharper, more defined taste. It also produces the throat hit that many ex-smokers crave when they first switch from cigarettes to an e-cigarette.

These two ingredients form the e-liquid base of every vape juice you buy. The ratio between them directly affects your vapour density, flavour intensity, throat hit, and how well your coil wicks the liquid. According to the UK Vaping Industry Association, both VG and PG are recognised as safe for use in vaping products when sourced to food-grade standards — so you can vape with confidence regardless of which ratio you choose.

Best VG/PG Ratio for MTL Vaping UK

If you're using a mouth-to-lung (MTL) vape kit — the type of device where you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale — then a 50/50 VG/PG ratio is almost always the best starting point. Here's why.

MTL devices use coils with a higher coil resistance, typically above 1 ohm. They run at lower wattage ranges — usually between 8W and 20W — and they have a tighter airflow restriction that mimics the feel of smoking a cigarette. At these lower power levels, high-VG e-liquid is simply too thick. It won't wick properly through the coil, which leads to dry hits, burnt coils, and a very unpleasant taste.

A 50/50 e-liquid is thinner, wicks easily through tighter coils, and delivers excellent nicotine delivery — especially when you're using nic salts. The higher PG content gives you that satisfying throat hit and a clean flavour profile that makes each puff feel familiar and satisfying. Most 10ml e-liquids sold in the UK come in a 50/50 ratio precisely because they're designed for pod systems and MTL kits.

If you're a new vaper switching from cigarettes, a 50/50 ratio with a nicotine strength of 10mg or 20mg nic salts will give you the smoothest and most satisfying MTL experience. The smooth draw won't overwhelm you, and the nicotine delivery will be quick and effective.

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Best for MTL

Vaporesso Xros 5 Mini

A compact, draw-activated pod kit that runs perfectly with 50/50 e-liquids. Features a 1,000mAh battery, adjustable airflow, and 0.8 ohm coil for a smooth, satisfying MTL draw every time.

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Versatile MTL Pick

OXVA Xlim Pro 2

A powerful MTL pod kit with a 1,200mAh battery and multiple coil options. Handles 50/50 e-liquids beautifully and works well with nic salts at 10mg–20mg nicotine strength for a precise, flavour-rich vaping experience.

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Best VG/PG Ratio for Sub-Ohm Vaping UK

Sub-ohm vaping is a completely different world. If you're using a device with a coil resistance below 1 ohm — typically between 0.1 and 0.8 ohm — you need a much higher-VG e-liquid. The best VG/PG ratio for sub-ohm kits is 70/30 VG/PG, though many cloud chasers opt for an 80/20 ratio or even a max-VG shortfill e-liquid.

Sub-ohm devices fire at significantly higher wattage ranges — often between 40W and 120W or more. At these power levels, the coils get hot, vapour production is intense, and the device pulls a lot of e-liquid very quickly. A thicker, high-VG e-liquid handles this brilliantly. The vegetable glycerine produces those smooth, dense clouds and keeps the vapour temperature cooler and more comfortable for direct-to-lung (DTL) inhales.

Using a 50/50 e-liquid in a sub-ohm tank is a common mistake. The thinner liquid floods the coil too quickly, produces harsh, thin vapour, and the PG-dominant throat hit becomes almost unbearable at high wattages. Stick to 70/30 or higher VG for any sub-ohm kit and your coils will last longer, your clouds will be denser, and your vapour density will be far more satisfying.

For sub-ohm devices, shortfill e-liquids are the most popular choice. These are 50ml or 100ml bottles of high-VG e-liquid (usually 70/30 or higher) with a 0mg nicotine base, designed to have a nicotine shot added to achieve your preferred nicotine strength. They're cost-effective, come in a huge range of flavours, and are perfectly formulated for sub-ohm coil wicking.

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Best for Sub-Ohm

Voopoo Drag X2

A powerful, stylish sub-ohm kit with up to 100W output and a large 2,000mAh internal battery. Pairs perfectly with 70/30 and 80/20 high-VG e-liquids for serious vapour production and rich flavour.

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Reliable Sub-Ohm Pick

Aspire Zelos 3

A solid, reliable sub-ohm kit with 80W max output and a 3,000mAh battery. Excellent coil wicking performance with 70/30 high-VG shortfill e-liquids, making it ideal for experienced vapers who want both flavour and clouds.

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VG/PG Ratio Comparison — Full Breakdown

Not sure which VG/PG ratio suits your setup? This table breaks down every common ratio, which vaping style it's designed for, and what experience it delivers. Use it as your quick reference guide before you buy.

How to Choose the Right VG/PG Ratio for Your Kit

Follow these simple steps to find the correct VG/PG ratio for your specific vape kit. You only need to do this once — once you know your ratio, buying the right e-liquid every time becomes second nature.

Pros and Cons of High VG vs High PG E-Liquid

Each end of the VG/PG ratio spectrum has its advantages and drawbacks. Here's an honest breakdown so you know exactly what you're getting with each choice.

Frequently Asked Questions — VG/PG Ratio UK