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 like sweating or poor burning. Whether you use soy, paraffin, or coconut wax, understanding proper measurements will help you create beautifully balanced candles every time.
Quick Reference Chart: Fragrance Oil Ratios
In a rush? Here is the cheat sheet for the most common wax types. For detailed calculations, scroll down to our calculator section.
| Wax Type | Recommended Load (%) | Amount per 1 lb Wax (oz) |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 6% – 10% | 1.0 – 1.6 oz |
| Paraffin Wax | 3% – 6% | 0.5 – 1.0 oz |
| Coconut Wax | 8% – 12% | 1.3 – 1.9 oz |
| Beeswax | 3% – 6% | 0.5 – 1.0 oz |
Universal Rule of Thumb: Start with 1 ounce of fragrance oil per 1 pound of wax (approx. 6% load). This is a safe baseline for almost all modern candle waxes.
Not sure which wax to choose? Read our guide on Soy Wax vs Paraffin: Which Is Better for Candle Making?
Why Fragrance Load Matters
The “fragrance load” determines how much scent your candle can hold. Too little fragrance oil means a weak hot throw (scent while burning), while too much can cause:
- Sweating: Oil seeping out of the wax surface (common in soy wax).
- Frosting: White crystal formations on the sides of the jar.
- Poor Burning: Clogged wicks resulting in small flames.
Each wax type has a maximum load capacity—knowing it helps you stay within safe and effective limits.
Detailed Ratios: 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.
| Wax Type | Recommended Load | Scent Strength Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Wax | 6–10% | Clean, moderate scent; needs curing. |
| Paraffin Wax | 4–8% | Strong scent throw; releases easily. |
| Coconut Wax | 8–12% | Rich, long-lasting scent; holds high load well. |
| Beeswax | 3–6% | Light natural scent; hard to scent strongly. |
How to Calculate the Right Amount
Use this simple formula to calculate the exact amount of oil needed for any batch size:
(Fragrance Load %) × (Weight of Wax) = Amount of Oil Needed
Example: 0.08 (8%) × 16 oz (1 lb wax) = 1.28 oz fragrance oil.
🧮 Don't Want to Do the Math?
Skip the manual calculations! We have built a free, easy-to-use tool that does the math for you based on your wax type and batch size.
Crucial Tip: Weight vs. Volume
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is measuring fragrance oil by volume (using measuring cups, spoons, or mL) instead of weight (ounces or grams on a scale).
🚫 The Mistake: Volume
Fragrance oils have different densities. 1 oz of a heavy oil (like vanilla) takes up less space than 1 oz of a light citrus oil. Measuring by cups leads to inconsistent batches.
✅ The Solution: Weight
Always place your container on a digital scale, hit "tare" (zero), and pour your fragrance oil until you reach the specific weight (e.g., 1.0 oz). This guarantees accuracy every time.
Tips for Strong, Long-Lasting Scent Throw
- Use the right temperature: Add fragrance oil when the wax is around 180°F – 185°F for soy and coconut waxes to ensure full binding. Adding it too cool prevents the oil from mixing properly. For more process details, check our guide on How to Add Scent to Candles.
- Stir thoroughly: Mix gently but consistently for 2 minutes to evenly distribute the oil.
- Cure properly: Let candles rest for 1–2 weeks before burning. This "curing" time allows the wax and fragrance to bond, significantly strengthening the hot throw.
- Use quality oils: Choose premium-grade Fragrance Oils specifically formulated for candle making.
Safety Check: Understanding IFRA Certificates
Just because your wax can hold 10% fragrance, doesn't mean the oil is safe to use at that level. Before pouring, always check the IFRA Certificate provided by your oil supplier. This standard is set by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) to ensure safety for consumers.
- Category 12: This is usually the category for Candles (Air Fresheners).
- Maximum Usage Level: The certificate will list a max percentage (e.g., 5%, 20%, 100%).
Rule: Even if your soy wax can hold 10% oil, if the IFRA certificate for that specific scent says the maximum safety limit for candles is 5%, you must stick to 5%.
For more tips on burning candles safely, you can also refer to the National Candle Association's safety guide.
FAQs About Candle Fragrance Load
Adding more than your wax’s capacity (usually >10-12%) won’t necessarily make your candle stronger—it can actually weaken the burn quality, cause the wick to clog, or lead to dangerous flare-ups.
First, check your cure time (did you wait 2 weeks?). Next, ensure you added the oil at 185°F. If those are correct, try testing a different Candle Wick size, as a melt pool that isn't hot enough won't release scent.
Yes, some dark or highly concentrated oils (like vanilla or citrus) may slightly tint the wax yellow or beige. This is normal and doesn’t affect performance. You can use ivory dyes to mask it if desired.
Fragrance oils are engineered for candles and generally offer a much stronger hot throw. Essential oils can burn off quickly at high temperatures. Learn more in our comparison: Fragrance Oil vs Essential Oil.
Troubleshooting Weak Scents
If your calculations are correct but the scent is still weak, consider these factors:
- Check Temperature: Adding oil too cool (<175°F) prevents binding.
- Check Cure Time: Soy wax needs 14 days to fully cure for best scent.
- Check Scale: Ensure your scale is accurate; guessing leads to errors.
- Check Wick: A too-small wick won’t generate enough heat to release the scent (hot throw).
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