Candle Fragrance Load Converter
Convert candle fragrance oil amounts between percentages, ounces, grams, and milliliters based on wax weight.
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Candle fragrance load refers to the percentage of fragrance oil relative to the weight of wax in a candle. Getting the right fragrance load is critical for a candle that smells good without being overpowering or causing performance issues.
How fragrance load percentage works: Fragrance load is calculated as a percentage of the wax weight:
- Fragrance amount = Wax weight x (Fragrance percentage / 100)
- Fragrance percentage = (Fragrance weight / Wax weight) x 100
For example, at a 10% fragrance load with 1 lb (16 oz) of wax:
- Fragrance oil = 16 x 0.10 = 1.6 oz
- Total candle weight = 16 + 1.6 = 17.6 oz
Recommended fragrance load by wax type:
| Wax Type | Max Fragrance Load | Recommended Range |
|---|---|---|
| Soy wax (container) | 10-12% | 6-10% |
| Paraffin wax | 10-12% | 6-10% |
| Coconut wax | 10-12% | 6-10% |
| Beeswax | 6-8% | 3-6% |
| Palm wax | 6-8% | 3-6% |
| Soy/paraffin blend | 10-12% | 8-10% |
Why fragrance load matters: Too little fragrance oil results in a candle with weak or no scent throw. Too much fragrance oil can cause several problems. The wax may not bind all the oil, leading to sweating (oily spots on the surface). Excess fragrance can clog the wick, causing poor burning and tunneling. It can also create excessive soot and smoke.
Converting between weight units for fragrance oil:
- 1 oz (weight) = 28.3495 grams
- 1 oz (fluid) of fragrance oil is approximately 28-30 grams (varies by oil density)
- 1 ml of fragrance oil is approximately 0.95-1.0 grams (most fragrance oils are slightly less dense than water)
Practical tips for candle makers:
- Always weigh fragrance oil rather than measuring by volume for accuracy.
- Add fragrance oil at the manufacturer’s recommended temperature (usually 180-185 degrees Fahrenheit for soy wax).
- Stir thoroughly for at least 2 minutes to ensure even distribution.
- Let candles cure for at least 1-2 weeks after pouring for optimal scent throw.
- Test different fragrance loads in small batches before committing to a large production run.
- Keep detailed notes of your recipes so you can reproduce successful batches.