How to Use This Candle Calculator
This calculator takes the guesswork out of candle making by providing precise measurements for wax and fragrance oil. Whether you're making a single candle or a batch of 50, accurate calculations prevent waste and ensure consistent results.
- Select your container shape. Choose cylinder for round jars, tins, and vessels. Choose rectangle for square tins or custom molds.
- Enter dimensions. Measure the inside of your container in inches. For cylinder shapes, measure the diameter (across the opening) and height.
- Set the number of candles. Making a batch? Enter the quantity to get total material needs.
- Choose your wax type. Different waxes have different densities and fragrance load capacities. The calculator adjusts automatically.
- Adjust fragrance load. The slider defaults to the recommended percentage for your wax type, but you can adjust based on preference and your fragrance oil's strength.
- Optional: Enter costs. Add your material costs to calculate price per candle for pricing your products.
How It Works
Wax Density Matters
Different waxes have different densities (weight per volume). Beeswax is denser at 0.52 oz per cubic inch, while coconut wax is lighter at 0.44 oz per cubic inch. This means the same jar will hold different weights of wax depending on which type you use. The calculator uses accurate density values for each wax type to give you precise measurements.
Understanding Fragrance Load
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil relative to wax weight. Every wax has a maximum fragrance capacity—exceed it and you'll get poor burn quality, sweating (oil seeping out), or weak scent throw. Soy typically maxes out around 10-12%, while beeswax should stay under 6% due to its natural scent. This calculator caps the fragrance load at each wax's safe maximum.
Flash Points and Safety
Fragrance oils have flash points—the temperature at which they can ignite. Never add fragrance oil above its flash point. Most fragrance oils have flash points between 140-200°F. Add fragrance when your wax has cooled to about 10-15°F below the flash point of your fragrance oil, typically around 180-185°F for most waxes.
Why Wick Size Matters
The wick is the engine of your candle. Too small, and the candle tunnels (only the center melts). Too large, and you get excessive smoke, soot, and dangerous heat. Wick size is determined primarily by container diameter, not depth. The goal is a melt pool that reaches the edges within 2-4 hours. Always test your wick choice with a sample candle before making a batch.
Examples
Example 1: 8oz Soy Candle in Mason Jar
A standard 8oz mason jar has roughly 2.5" diameter and 3.5" height:
- Container volume: ~17 cubic inches
- Soy wax needed: ~6.9 oz per candle
- Fragrance at 8% load: ~0.55 oz
- Recommended wick: Medium (ECO-10)
A classic beginner project with great scent throw.
Example 2: 3-Wick 16oz Paraffin Candle
A large 4" diameter, 4" tall container:
- Container volume: ~50 cubic inches
- Paraffin wax needed: ~21 oz per candle
- Fragrance at 10% load: ~2.1 oz
- Recommended wick: Triple wick (container over 4")
Large containers need multiple wicks to create an even melt pool.
Example 3: Batch of 12 Small Votives
Standard votive size: 1.5" diameter, 2" height, soy-coconut blend:
- Per votive: ~1.4 oz wax, ~0.1 oz fragrance
- Batch total: ~17 oz wax (~1 lb), ~1.2 oz fragrance
- Recommended wick: Small (ECO-6)
- At $10/lb wax and $2/oz fragrance: ~$1.26 per votive
Votives are perfect for testing new fragrances without committing much material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much fragrance oil per pound of wax?
The amount depends on your fragrance load percentage. At 6% fragrance load (common for soy), you need about 1 oz of fragrance per pound of wax. At 10% load, that increases to 1.6 oz per pound. Most waxes can handle 6-12%, but check your specific wax manufacturer's recommendations. Going over the maximum can cause the fragrance to seep out or affect burn quality.
What is fragrance load?
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil relative to wax weight. A 6% fragrance load means 6 grams of fragrance for every 100 grams of wax. Higher loads mean stronger scent but can cause issues like poor burning or oil separation. Soy typically works best at 6-10%, paraffin can handle up to 12%, and beeswax should stay at 3-6% due to its natural scent.
How do I choose the right wick?
Wick size depends primarily on container diameter, not depth. A wick too small causes tunneling (wax only melts in the center). A wick too large creates excessive smoke and burns too hot. For a 3" diameter container, start with a medium wick (ECO-10 or CD-10). Always do a test burn: the melt pool should reach the edges within 2-4 hours without excessive smoking.
What's the best wax for beginners?
Soy wax is the most beginner-friendly choice. It's forgiving, cleans up with soap and water, has a good scent throw, and is eco-friendly. Look for a container soy wax blend (like Golden Brands 464 or Cargill C-3). Paraffin is easier to work with but less popular. Avoid beeswax as a first wax. It's beautiful but tricky and expensive.
Why does my candle tunnel?
Tunneling happens when the wick is too small for the container, or when the first burn wasn't long enough. The first burn is crucial: let the candle burn until the melt pool reaches the edge of the container (about 1 hour per inch of diameter). Wax has "memory" — if it tunnels on the first burn, it will continue to tunnel. Always test your wick size before making a batch.
How long should I cure candles before burning?
Cure time allows the fragrance to fully bind with the wax for maximum scent throw. Soy wax needs the longest cure: 1-2 weeks minimum, with best results at 3-4 weeks. Paraffin needs only 24-48 hours. Coconut and blends need about 1 week. You can burn candles immediately, but the scent will be significantly stronger after proper curing.