Candle Fragrance Calculator
Calculate the exact amount of fragrance oil for your candles. Includes wax-specific maximum loads and container size references.
Wax Settings
Container Quick Reference
Fragrance Amount
Total Batch Weight
17.28 ounces
Est. Fragrance Cost
$2.56
Per Candle
Load Guidelines
Best Practices
- • Add fragrance at the correct temperature (usually 180-185°F for soy)
- • Stir for a full 2 minutes to ensure proper binding
- • Allow 1-2 weeks cure time for best scent throw
- • Test burn every new fragrance/wax combination
- • Keep detailed notes for reproducibility
Safety Note
Never exceed manufacturer's recommended fragrance load. Too much fragrance can cause the candle to sweat, produce soot, or create fire hazards. Always test burn candles before selling.
Understanding Fragrance Load
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil relative to wax weight. Each wax type has a maximum fragrance load it can hold without causing issues like sweating, poor burn, or safety hazards.
Maximum Loads by Wax Type
- Soy Wax (464, 444): 10% maximum
- Coconut Wax: 10-12% maximum
- Paraffin: 10-12% maximum
- Parasoy Blends: 10-11% maximum
- Beeswax: 6% maximum (often less is better)
- Palm Wax: 6% maximum
Scent Throw Guidelines
Light Throw (5-6%)
- Subtle background scent
- Good for bedrooms
- Delicate fragrances
- Lower cost per candle
Medium Throw (7-8%)
- Most popular range
- Noticeable but not overpowering
- Good for living rooms
- Balanced cost/performance
Strong Throw (9-10%)
- Fills large rooms
- Bold fragrances
- Premium products
- Watch for sweating
Frequently Asked Questions
What fragrance load should I use?
Most candle makers use 6-10% fragrance load. Start at 6-8% and increase if you want stronger scent throw. Never exceed your wax manufacturer's recommended maximum (usually 10-12% for soy, 6% for beeswax). More isn't always better - too much can cause safety issues.
Why isn't my candle smelling strong enough?
Weak scent throw can have many causes: insufficient fragrance load, adding fragrance at wrong temperature, not enough cure time (allow 1-2 weeks), poor quality fragrance, or wrong wick size. Test each variable systematically.
What temperature should I add fragrance?
For soy wax, add fragrance at 180-185°F. For paraffin, typically 175-180°F. Adding too hot burns off scent; too cool prevents proper binding. Check your specific wax manufacturer's recommendations.
What's the difference between hot throw and cold throw?
Cold throw is the scent from an unlit candle. Hot throw is the scent when burning. Some fragrances perform better cold than hot (and vice versa). Test burn every combination to evaluate hot throw.
Can I mix fragrance oils together?
Yes! Blending fragrances is common. Calculate total fragrance load (all oils combined should not exceed max load). Let blends sit 24+ hours before adding to wax to let notes marry. Keep detailed notes on ratios.
Why is my candle sweating or has wet spots?
Sweating (oil beads on surface) usually means too much fragrance or adding fragrance too hot. Wet spots (lighter patches on container side) are adhesion issues from cooling too fast or pouring too cool. Neither affects burn quality.
Related Calculators
Found this calculator helpful?
Check out our other free calculators for everyday math problems.
View All Calculators