How to Calculate Fragrance Oil for Candles
One question often asked by candle makers is: how do you calculate the correct amount of fragrance oil to add to wax?
While it may seem straightforward, understanding the nuances of fragrance percentages and calculations is key to achieving consistent results.
Two ways to calculate fragrance percentage
Fragrance percentage refers to the amount of fragrance oil in a candle. However, there are two common methods to calculate this percentage:
- Relative to Wax: The ratio of oil to wax only.
- Relative to the Total Blend: The ratio of oil to the combined weight of wax and oil. Usually known as Fragrance Content
Let’s break down these two methods with a practical example.
*NOTE Candle Shack exclusively use Fragrance Content as our preferred method of calculation in all of our recipes.
Example: Calculations
Imagine you’re working with a container candle and have two identical glasses.
Option 1: Oil Relative to Wax
Start with 200g of wax.
Take 10% of this weight for the fragrance oil:
200g × 10% = 20g of oil.
This is 10% fragrance oil relative to the wax.
Option 2: Oil Relative to the Total Blend (Fragrance Content)
Start with a total weight of 220g (wax + oil).
Take 10% of the total weight for the fragrance oil:
220g × 10% = 22g of oil.
This method results in 22g of oil and 198g of wax.
Which Method Should You Use?
The method you choose depends on your personal preference or production process. The important thing is to remain consistent in your calculations and be transparent about your method on product labels or packaging.
Tools for Calculation
If doing these calculations manually feels daunting, you can use a pre-made calculator to simplify the process. Let’s see how this works in practice.
To use a candle calculator:
- Enter the scent percentage (e.g., 10%).
- Specify the container mass (e.g., 220g).
- Input the batch size (e.g., 100 candles).
WAX AND PERFUME CALCULATOR Option 1: FRAGRANCE CONTENT
Based on Container Fill Mass-
Fragrance oil per candle: 22g.
Wax per candle: 198g.
This approach calculates the fragrance percentage relative to the total container mass.
*NOTE
This is the preferred method of calculations at Candle Shack and is what we use for all of our recipes.
View our Fragrance Content Calculator Here
WAX AND PERFUME CALCULATOR - OPTION 2: RELATIVE TO WAX
Based on wax mass-
Fragrance oil per candle: 20g.
Wax per candle: 200g.
This method shows you the total amount of wax and oil required for the batch based on a fragrance percentage relative to wax.
Adding Dye to the Mix
Adding dye, such as Bekro dye at 0.2%, doesn’t change the calculation. We don’t adjust our calculations for dye, so a 30cl candle at 10% fragrance content still uses 198g of wax and 22g of fragrance oil.
Simply weigh your wax and fragrance oil as usual, then add your dye.
To calculate the correct amount of fragrance oil for your candles, you can measure it as a percentage of just the wax or the total weight of wax and oil combined (fragrance content). At Candle Shack, we only use fragrance content. Both methods work, but consistency and clarity are key, especially for labelling. Use a calculator to simplify the process and ensure accuracy, whether you're adding fragrance or dye. Happy candle making!
Frequently asked questions
How much fragrance oil do I need for a 220 g candle at 10%?
With the fragrance content method, you need 22 g of fragrance oil and 198 g of wax.
What is fragrance content?
The percentage of fragrance oil in the total weight of wax plus oil. Candle Shack uses it in all of its recipes.
Does adding dye change the calculation?
No, we don’t usually adjust our calculations for dye. A 30cl candle at 10% fragrance still uses 198 g of wax and 22 g of fragrance oil, even with dye added.
Is there a calculator I can use?
Yes – try our free Fragrance Content Calculator.
