Simple VG/PG Calculator

Use our VG/PG calculator table below to work out what happens when you add different nic shot ratios to your shortfill e-liquids. Whether you’re mixing a 50/50 blend for your pod kit or chasing big clouds with a high-VG mix in a DTL device, this table gives you the answer at a glance.

Every e-liquid is made from two base ingredients: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). These two liquids carry the flavour and nicotine in your vape juice, and the ratio between them changes how your vape feels, tastes, and performs. Understanding PG and VG is one of the first things worth learning when you pick up a starter kit or switch from smoking to vaping.

Propylene glycol (PG) is a thin, odourless liquid that delivers a stronger throat hit — the sensation at the back of your throat that mimics smoking. It carries flavour more effectively than VG, which is why 10ml e-liquids and nic salts often use a higher PG content. Because PG is thinner, it wicks faster into coils and is less likely to cause dry hits in smaller devices.

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid that produces denser vapour clouds. High-VG e-liquids feel smoother on the inhale, making them popular with experienced vapers using mods and sub-ohm tanks. The trade-off is that VG can gum up coils faster and may mute flavour slightly compared to PG-heavy blends.

How to Use the VG/PG Calculator

The table above shows the final VG/PG ratio you’ll get when combining a shortfill e-liquid with a nic shot. Here’s how to read it:

Find your shortfill’s VG/PG ratio along one axis, then find your nic shot’s VG/PG ratio along the other. Where they meet is your resulting ratio after mixing. For example, adding a 50/50 nic shot to a 70/30 VG/PG shortfill will give you roughly a 67/33 final mix — still high-VG with good vapour production, but with a touch more throat hit from the added PG.

If you also need to work out nicotine strengths when adding nic shots to shortfills, check out our nic shot calculator for a quick answer.

Common VG/PG Ratios Explained

50/50 VG/PG – The All-Rounder

A 50/50 ratio delivers a balanced vaping experience with moderate vapour, solid flavour, and a noticeable throat hit. This is the most common ratio found in 10ml freebase e-liquids and many nic salt ranges. It works brilliantly in MTL (mouth-to-lung) devices, pod kits, and vape pens — essentially any device with a coil resistance above 1.0 ohm. If you’re new to vaping or switching from cigarettes, 50/50 is a reliable starting point.

70/30 VG/PG – Cloud Chaser’s Choice

The 70/30 ratio is the standard for most shortfill e-liquids, including popular 50ml and 100ml shortfills. You’ll get bigger clouds, a smoother inhale, and slightly subdued throat hit compared to 50/50. This ratio pairs best with sub-ohm coils and DTL (direct-to-lung) devices that can handle thicker liquid. It’s also worth noting that many 200ml shortfills use this ratio, giving you great value when buying in bulk.

80/20 VG/PG – Maximum Vapour

An 80/20 blend is as high-VG as most pre-mixed e-liquids go. Expect the densest clouds and smoothest throat hit, but you’ll need a powerful mod with a low-resistance coil to vapourise the thick liquid properly. Flavour can be slightly muted, so bolder profiles like desserts, menthol, and tobacco tend to shine at this ratio. If you enjoy dessert e-liquids or menthol and ice blends, 80/20 can deliver a wonderfully smooth all-day vape.

60/40 and 40/60 VG/PG – The Middle Ground

Some e-liquids sit between the main ratios for specific reasons. A 60/40 VG/PG blend offers a bit more vapour than 50/50 while keeping good flavour clarity — ideal if you want a slightly richer vape from a pod kit that can handle it. Meanwhile, 40/60 (higher PG) provides a sharper throat hit and more intense flavour, popular among ex-smokers who want that cigarette-like sensation from their starter kit.

Which VG/PG Ratio Suits Your Device?

Choosing the right ratio isn’t just about preference — your hardware matters too. Using the wrong ratio can cause leaking, dry hits, or poor performance. Here’s a quick guide:

Pod kits and MTL devices like the popular OXVA Xlim range work best with 50/50 e-liquids or nic salts. The smaller wicking ports in these devices are designed for thinner liquids, so high-VG juices may not wick fast enough and could cause dry or burnt hits. Browse our full range of MTL devices to find one that suits you.

Sub-ohm tanks and DTL devices thrive with 70/30 or 80/20 VG/PG e-liquids. The larger coils and wider airflow in DTL devices are built to handle thicker liquids, and using 50/50 in a sub-ohm tank can result in flooding, spitting, and a harsh throat hit. Check out our tanks and replacement coils to keep your sub-ohm setup running smoothly.

Prefilled pod systems take the guesswork out entirely — the ratio is pre-set by the manufacturer. If you prefer simplicity, our prefilled pod devices and prefilled pods come ready to vape with no mixing required.

Mixing Shortfills with Nic Shots – How the Ratio Changes

When you buy a shortfill e-liquid, it comes nicotine-free with space in the bottle for one or more nic shots. Adding a nic shot changes your final VG/PG ratio because the nic shot has its own ratio. That’s exactly what the calculator table above helps you figure out.

Most nic shots sold in the UK are either 50/50 or 100% PG. Adding a 100% PG nic shot to a 70/30 VG/PG shortfill will lower the overall VG percentage, potentially shifting your mix to something closer to 60/40. If maintaining a high-VG ratio matters to you — for cloud production or smoothness — look for VG-based or 70/30 nic shots.

For a 50ml shortfill, you’ll typically add one 10ml nic shot for a 3mg strength. A 100ml shortfill usually takes two nic shots. Our nic shot calculator can help you dial in the exact nicotine strength you want.

Choosing the Right E-Liquid Flavour for Your Ratio

Your VG/PG ratio can influence how a flavour comes through. PG-heavy blends tend to deliver sharper, more defined flavour notes, making them a great match for single-flavour profiles like tobacco e-liquids or crisp menthol and mint blends. VG-heavy mixes suit richer, more layered flavours — think desserts, sweets and chocolate, or tropical fruit combinations where a smoother delivery lets the complexity come through.

If you enjoy bold, fruity profiles, our berry fruit e-liquids, citrus blends, and mixed fruit e-liquids are well worth exploring. For something more unique, take a look at our drinks-inspired e-liquids, cereal flavours, and spice and herb blends.

DIY E-Liquid Mixing and VG/PG Ratios

If you mix your own e-liquids, understanding VG/PG ratios becomes even more important. When working with DIY e-liquid supplies, you’re in full control of the base ratio, nicotine strength, and flavour concentration. Our calculator table is especially useful here — it helps you predict the outcome when combining different base liquids and concentrates.

A good starting point for DIY mixers is a 70/30 VG/PG base with flavour concentrates making up around 10–15% of the total volume. Remember that most flavour concentrates are PG-based, so they’ll shift your final ratio slightly towards PG. If you’re aiming for a true 70/30 finished product, you may want to start with a higher VG base to compensate.

VG/PG Sensitivity and Allergies

While rare, some vapers experience sensitivity to PG, which can show up as a dry or scratchy throat, mild skin irritation, or a feeling of dehydration. If you notice any of these symptoms, try switching to a higher-VG e-liquid — a 70/30 or 80/20 blend will significantly reduce PG exposure while still delivering a satisfying vape. Our team in store can help you find the right e-liquid if you think PG sensitivity might be an issue.

Need Help Choosing? Visit Us In Store

If you’re still unsure which VG/PG ratio is right for you, our staff at any of our three Southampton-area stores will be happy to walk you through the options. We stock a wide range of e-liquids in every ratio and can recommend the best pairing for your device. Pop into our Hythe vape shop, Totton vape shop, or Holbury vape shop for free, friendly advice.

As an official Smoke Free Hampshire partner, we’re also here to help if you’re looking to quit smoking and want expert guidance on choosing the right vape setup, nicotine strength, and e-liquid to make the switch successfully. You can also view all our store locations or browse our full range of e-liquids and devices online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does VG/PG mean on e-liquid bottles?

VG stands for vegetable glycerin and PG stands for propylene glycol. The numbers show the percentage of each in the e-liquid — for example, 70/30 means 70% VG and 30% PG. Higher VG produces more vapour and a smoother hit, while higher PG gives stronger throat hit and sharper flavour.

What VG/PG ratio should I use in a pod kit?

Most pod kits work best with 50/50 VG/PG e-liquids or nic salts. The thinner consistency wicks properly through the smaller coils found in pod devices, preventing dry hits and ensuring consistent flavour.

Can I use high-VG e-liquid in any device?

No. High-VG e-liquids (70/30 and above) are designed for sub-ohm and DTL devices with larger wicking ports. Using thick, high-VG juice in a small MTL device or basic pod kit can cause dry hits, poor flavour, and coil damage.

Does adding a nic shot change my VG/PG ratio?

Yes. Nic shots have their own VG/PG ratio, and adding one to a shortfill will shift the final blend. Use the calculator table above to see exactly what your resulting ratio will be, or try our nic shot calculator to work out nicotine strengths at the same time.

What VG/PG ratio gives the best flavour?

PG carries flavour more effectively, so ratios with more PG (50/50 or 60/40) tend to deliver more intense, defined flavour. However, many vapers find that 70/30 offers an excellent balance of flavour and vapour production, especially with quality e-liquids and the right coil.

What’s the best VG/PG ratio for someone quitting smoking?

If you’re switching from cigarettes, a 50/50 ratio paired with a starter kit or vape pen is usually the best starting point. The PG provides a throat hit similar to smoking, making the transition feel more natural. As a Smoke Free Hampshire partner, we can offer free advice on making the switch — just visit any of our stores.