Table of Contents
Table of Contents
▼How Much Fragrance Oil Per Pound of Wax: Perfect Scent Throw Every Time
How much fragrance oil per pound of wax is one of the first questions every candle maker asks. Getting this ratio right is key to achieving a rich, consistent scent throw without overwhelming your wax or causing performance issues. Whether you use soy, paraffin, or coconut wax, understanding proper measurements will help you create beautifully balanced candles every time.
Why Fragrance Load Matters
The “fragrance load” determines how much scent your candle can hold. Too little fragrance oil means a weak hot throw, while too much can cause sweating, frosting, or poor burning. Each wax type has a maximum load capacity—knowing it helps you stay within safe and effective limits.
Quick Tip: Most candle waxes can safely hold 6–10% fragrance oil by weight. Always check your wax manufacturer’s guidelines before mixing.
How Much Fragrance Oil Per Pound of Wax
The ideal fragrance oil ratio depends on the type of wax you use and how strong you want the scent to be. The table below provides general recommendations:
| Wax Type | Recommended Load | Example (Per 1 lb Wax) | Scent Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 6–10% | 1 oz – 1.6 oz fragrance oil | Clean, moderate scent |
| Paraffin Wax | 4–8% | 0.6 oz – 1.3 oz fragrance oil | Strong scent throw |
| Coconut Wax | 8–12% | 1.3 oz – 2 oz fragrance oil | Rich, long-lasting scent |
| Beeswax | 3–6% | 0.5 oz – 1 oz fragrance oil | Light natural scent |
As a starting point, use about 1 ounce of fragrance oil per pound of wax for most projects. Adjust slightly depending on your preferred scent strength and wax capacity.
How to Calculate the Right Amount
Follow this simple formula to determine the correct fragrance load for your candle batch:
Formula: (Fragrance Load % ÷ 100) × Wax Weight = Fragrance Oil Needed
Example: If you’re making 2 lbs of soy wax at 8% fragrance load:
- 8 ÷ 100 × 32 oz = 2.56 oz fragrance oil
This means you’ll add about 2.5 ounces of fragrance oil to 2 pounds of wax for optimal results.
Tips for Strong, Long-Lasting Scent Throw
- Use the right temperature: Add fragrance oil when the wax is around 180°F (82°C) for soy and coconut waxes to ensure full binding.
- Stir thoroughly: Mix for 2–3 minutes to evenly distribute the oil.
- Cure properly: Let candles rest for 1–2 weeks before burning to strengthen the hot throw.
- Use quality oils: Choose premium-grade fragrance oils made for candle use.
- Weigh, don’t measure: Always use a scale—measuring by volume (spoon or cup) is inaccurate.
FAQs About How Much Fragrance Oil Per Pound of Wax
Adding more than your wax’s capacity won’t necessarily make your candle stronger—it can actually weaken the burn quality. Stay within 10% unless your wax allows otherwise.
Increase fragrance load slightly, use the correct pouring temperature, and allow a full curing period. Also test different wicks for better heat distribution.
Some dark or highly concentrated oils may slightly tint wax, especially in light-colored candles. This is normal and doesn’t affect performance.
Fragrance oils are formulated for candles and have stronger scent retention. Essential oils are natural but less stable at high temperatures.
Troubleshooting Weak Scents
- Check your **fragrance oil temperature**—adding too cold can prevent binding.
- Ensure candles **cure long enough** (especially soy wax).
- Use **accurate digital scales** instead of guessing by spoon or drop.
- Test different **wick sizes**—a too-small wick won’t generate enough heat to release scent.
- Try **blending waxes** (soy + paraffin) for improved throw and stability.
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