How fragrance load and batch weights are calculated
Fragrance load is often stated as a percent of wax weight. If your recipe uses 8% of wax, 100 g wax takes 8 g oil, producing 108 g finished mix. To back-solve from 180 g finished fill, wax = 180 ÷ 1.08 = about 166.67 g, and oil = about 13.33 g. By contrast, an 8% finished-mix recipe for 180 g fill uses 14.4 g oil and 165.6 g wax. The calculator shows both equivalent percentages so you can compare supplier instructions with the basis you entered.
For a batch, multiply each per-vessel weight by vessel count. If you expect 5% of the prepared mix to be lost, weigh the target batch divided by 0.95. This is not a 5% addition to the target: dividing makes the expected remaining 95% equal the desired fill. The displayed extra is prep minus target. Actual loss can differ; measure completed candles and adjust your next batch.
Measure by weight, not vessel volume
An “8 oz” jar may describe fluid capacity rather than the weight of wax-and-oil mix it holds. Use a scale to establish your intended filled candle weight, then enter that weight here. CandleScience recommends weighing fragrance oil rather than measuring it by volume; oils have different densities. The grams/ounces selector converts mass only, using 28.349523125 g per avoirdupois ounce.
Check the real limits
Different waxes, formats, and fragrances have different usable loads. CandleScience wax product specifications vary by wax and use; an entered maximum is a user-supplied comparison, not a tool-certified safe threshold. Also read your oil supplier’s usage instructions and safety documents. IFRA says its standards do not replace product safety assessment or applicable rules. A numerical pass here does not establish wick suitability, hot throw, glass safety, compliant labels, or a safe burn.
Frequently asked questions
Does 10% fragrance load mean 10% of the finished candle?
Not if the recipe says 10% of wax. That means 10 g oil per 100 g wax, which is about 9.09% of the 110 g finished mix. Choose the denominator specified by your wax or recipe source.
Why is prep weight larger than filled-candle weight?
The optional pour-loss percentage applies to the amount prepared before filling. One vessel still gets the same target weight; the extra is material planned for residual mix, samples, or handling loss.
Can I enter only one ingredient on hand?
Yes. The complete-vessel estimate is then limited by the ingredient you entered, with the other treated as unconstrained. It is not proof you have enough of every supply; for oil-free recipes, fragrance stock does not limit the count.
Does being below the wax maker’s maximum guarantee a good candle?
No. Load limits, oil instructions, wick selection, container suitability, labeling, and burn tests need separate checks. This tool calculates masses, not performance or compliance.