How do I calculate how much fragrance oil to add to candle wax?

Use the formula: fragrance oil = wax weight x (fragrance load / (100 - fragrance load)). For 10 oz of wax at 10% load: 10 x (10 / 90) = 1.11 oz of fragrance oil.

Should I measure fragrance oil by weight or volume?

Always by weight. Fragrance oils have varying densities, so 1 oz by volume may not equal 1 oz by weight. Use a digital scale accurate to 0.1 oz or 1 gram.

At what temperature should I add fragrance oil to wax?

Follow your wax manufacturer's recommendation, typically 180-185°F for soy wax and 170-180°F for paraffin. Adding fragrance to wax that's too hot causes the fragrance to flash off. Too cool and it won't bind properly.

Fragrance Oil Calculator - How Much Oil to Add?

Fragrance Oil Calculator

Calculate how much fragrance oil to add for your target load.

Wax Weight(oz)

Desired Fragrance Load(%)

Fragrance oil to add1.11oz

Total candle weight11.11oz

How Much Fragrance Oil Do You Need?

You know how much wax you have and you know what fragrance load you want. How much fragrance oil do you add? This calculator gives you the exact amount.

The Math Behind It

This isn't as simple as "10% of my wax weight." Fragrance load is calculated as a percentage of the total weight (wax + fragrance), not just the wax. So for 10 oz of wax at a 10% load, you need about 1.11 oz of fragrance oil, not 1 oz. The difference is small for a single candle, but it compounds across a batch. Not sure what load to target? Check the Fragrance Load Calculator for safe ranges by wax type.

Getting the Most From Your Fragrance Oil

Add fragrance oil at the temperature recommended by your wax supplier. Too hot and the fragrance evaporates. Too cool and it won't bind properly.
Stir gently for at least two minutes to distribute the fragrance evenly throughout the wax.
Different fragrance oils have different densities. Measure by weight (using a scale), not by volume (not a measuring cup). Weight is the only reliable way to hit your target load.

Making multiple candles? Use the Batch Calculator to get totals for your full production run.

How Much Fragrance Oil Do You Need?

You know how much wax you have and you know what fragrance load you want. How much fragrance oil do you add? This calculator gives you the exact amount.

The Math Behind It

Getting the Most From Your Fragrance Oil

Add fragrance oil at the temperature recommended by your wax supplier. Too hot and the fragrance evaporates. Too cool and it won't bind properly.
Stir gently for at least two minutes to distribute the fragrance evenly throughout the wax.
Different fragrance oils have different densities. Measure by weight (using a scale), not by volume (not a measuring cup). Weight is the only reliable way to hit your target load.

Making multiple candles? Use the Batch Calculator to get totals for your full production run.