E-liquid too thick or too thin: how do you choose the right PG/VG ratio?

An e-liquid can be perfectly formulated but poorly suited to your device. If it is too thin, it can encourage leaks; if it is too viscous, it may struggle to feed the coil.

What makes an e-liquid thick?

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is more viscous than propylene glycol (PG). An e-liquid that is high in VG is therefore generally thicker. For base liquids, see our PG/VG ratio guide.

Signs that an e-liquid is too thick

• dry or burnt taste;
• coil feeding slowly;
• having to wait between puffs;
• flavor dropping off after several consecutive inhales.

Small MTL pods and their narrow e-liquid intake openings often work best with thinner e-liquids.

Signs that an e-liquid is too thin

• leaks through the airflow;
• gurgling;
• spitting;
• flooded coil.

If your device is leaking, also see the 8 common causes of leaks.

What ratio is best for a pod?

50/50 PG/VG is a very common starting point for pods and MTL vaping. Some devices can handle more VG, but you should follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

What ratio is best for a sub-ohm coil?

High-power coils with wide e-liquid intake openings are generally better suited to blends with a higher VG content.

FAQ

Can you dilute an e-liquid with water?

Do not arbitrarily modify a ready-to-vape e-liquid. Use an e-liquid with a ratio suited to your device.

Does 70VG work in all pods?

No. Some pods can handle it, while others may suffer from insufficient wicking.

Is 50/50 universal?

No, but it offers broad compatibility with many pods and moderate-sized clearomizers.

Conclusion

If you experience leaks or dry hits despite the coil being in good condition, check the PG/VG ratio before changing devices.