Candle Wax to Fragrance Oil Ratio Calculator
Calculate the right fragrance oil amount for your candles. Get pour temps and cure times.
Total wax in your candle
Typical range 6-10%
How much fragrance oil should I add to candles?
Most candle waxes hold 6-10% fragrance load by weight. Paraffin: 8-10% (up to 12%). Soy wax: 6-8% (excess causes poor burn). Beeswax: 3-5% (naturally low). Coconut wax: 8-10%. Test at 6% first, increase if needed. More is NOT better - excess oil causes pooling issues, smoking, and poor fragrance throw. Always check manufacturer specs for maximum fragrance load.
What is hot throw vs cold throw?
Cold throw = fragrance when candle is unlit, at room temp. Hot throw = fragrance when burning. Soy wax often has weak cold throw but strong hot throw. Paraffin has both strong. Test hot throw by burning candle 4+ hours. If hot throw is weak: try higher fragrance %, burn at cooler temp, or change essential oil supplier. Hot throw is the most important for customer satisfaction. Always test-burn before making full batches.
Why does my candle have no scent throw?
Weak scent causes: Fragrance added too hot (>185°F), wrong wax for fragrance type, fragrance not compatible with wax, fragrance poor quality, too small diameter (<2"), improper cure time, poor wick causing small pool, or wrong fragrance load. Add fragrance at 185°F for most waxes. Let candles cure 1-2 weeks for best hot throw. Use fragrance designed for candles - not all essential oils work.
How much wax for a candle?
Formula: Weight = π × radius² × height × density. For a 3" diameter × 3" tall candle: radius = 1.5", height = 3", density ~0.9 oz/in³. Weight ≈ 12 oz. Always round up for containers. Estimate 1 oz wax per cubic inch. A 4oz tea light (~2" diameter, 1.5" height) needs about 2-3oz wax. Test and adjust formulas based on your specific container.