What is an E-Liquid Calculator?
If you already use vaping products, you’ll no doubt be aware there are dozens of e-liquid calculators – also known as ‘vape calculators’ – on the web.
E-liquid calculators can be helpful to ensure that just the right amounts of PG, VG and nicotine are present in a ready-made e-liquid. The types of pre-mixed e-liquid you can use will be dependent on the kind of vaping device you have – and, with so many different types on the market, it means that experiences can vary.
Some pod-based vape systems offer a simpler option in this respect. With such devices, pre-filled ‘pods’ are used with the main device. Once the e-liquid in the pod is fully used up, a new pre-filled pod is purchased. The liquid in each pod is specially chosen to work with the system in question and so there is no need for an e-liquid calculator to work out which e-liquid would be best.
Purpose of Using an E-Liquid Calculator and Its Benefits for Vapers
An e-liquid calculator shows the exact amounts of each ingredient needed when you change one of them. Many online vape retailers offer these calculators, allowing you to adjust the PG, VG and nicotine strength on the calculator and see how the balance of other ingredients changes.
These calculators can be useful for adult vapers wanting to understand how the other ingredients in their e-liquid change when they choose a specific PG/VG ratio or nicotine strength. However, this is not their primary purpose.
These online e-liquid calculators are typically created to assist adult vapers in creating their own e-liquids. This is why you might hear of these calculators under the name ‘e-liquid mixing calculator’ or ‘DIY e-liquid calculator’.
We do not recommend attempting to make your own vape juice, which is why we don’t offer such a calculator. You should always opt for pre-mixed e-liquids from reputable manufacturers to ensure an optimal vaping experience.
How to Use a Vape Juice Calculator
Using an e-liquid calculator is simple. Usually, these online calculators let you input your desired PG/VG ratio or nicotine strength and adjust the measurements of the other e-liquid ingredients to reflect this.
What You Need to Know When Considering Which E-Liquid to Go For
Vaping uses liquids known as ‘e-liquid’, ‘e-juice’ or ‘vape juice’. The continued growth of the vaping industry has seen an exponential rise in the number of e-liquids on the market, but with thousands of e-liquids available, what are the main things to consider to ensure the e-liquid you buy is the right one for you?
The key elements you’ll want to consider will be VG and PG ratios, nicotine strength and flavour. If you have a lot of vaping experience, an e-liquid calculator app can help you find the right e-liquid for your vaping device.
If you want to make an informed decision, the following guidance should help you get a quick overview of some of the fundamental elements you need to consider.
What is VG (Vegetable Glycerine)?
VG (vegetable glycerine) is a natural derivative of vegetable oil. It is used to thicken the consistency of e-liquids – and produces dense vapour clouds. VG also adds a slight taste to e-liquids and will typically provide a much ‘smoother’ vaping experience.
Though non-toxic, the heavy viscosity of VG in e-liquids often reduces the life of vaping devices. High levels of VG in your e-liquids will increase the likelihood of clogging up the device’s coils – for this reason, VG is generally mixed with PG.
What is PG (Propylene Glycol)?
PG (propylene glycol) is a synthetic additive in the same chemical group as alcohol.
PG has a much thinner consistency and for this reason is less likely to clog up your vaping device. PG is tasteless and odourless, and does not affect the flavour of your e-liquids.
When added to an e-liquid, PG also provides the ‘throat hit’ that is often associated with smoking cigarettes – which many vapers consider an integral part of the vaping experience.
Selecting the Right Nicotine Strength?
E-liquids are available in a variety of nicotine strengths. The nicotine strength of the e-liquid is indicated on the container either as a percentage or displayed in milligrams per millilitre (often shortened simply to ‘mg’).
Generally, higher nicotine strengths are used by people used to a higher consumption of nicotine – for example, those who were previously heavy smokers before switching to the use of a vaping device. There are also lower nicotine strengths – and, indeed, nicotine-free liquids available.
What Is the Best Mix for Vape Juice?
The best mix of e-liquid really depends on what you are looking for from vaping.
If you’re using vaping to go ‘cloud chasing’ – and create vast plumes of vapour with your vaping device – then you will want to choose an e-liquid with a higher proportion of VG. If you’re looking for a better alternative to smoking, but still want that cigarette ‘throat hit’, a PG-heavy e-liquid would make sense.
When it comes to e-liquids, the best mix for you will largely come down to personal choice – and the number of flavours and ratios of liquid available offer a wide variety to choose from.
You should also consider the type of vaping device you’re using – and investigate what the manufacturer recommends. For example, the advised mix of PG/VG will be very different in a ‘cig-a-like' compared to a box-mod.
Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.
This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.