Fragrance Load Calculator
Measure your fragrance oil with confidence — enter the wax weight and a load percentage to get the oil to add in grams and ounces, with a safe-maximum check built in.
The number behind a good scent throw
Fragrance load is the single figure that decides whether a candle smells beautiful or barely at all — and whether it burns cleanly or bleeds oil. Weighing the oil against the wax, rather than eyeballing it, is what makes a batch repeatable from pour to pour.
Once the batch is poured, estimate how long it will burn with the Candle Burn Time Calculator, and pick a wick that suits the jar and wax with the Candle Wick Size Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does fragrance load mean?
Fragrance load is the weight of fragrance oil as a percentage of the wax weight. A 10% load on 500 g of wax means 50 g of oil. It is always measured by weight, not volume, because oils and waxes have different densities — so a kitchen scale, not a measuring jug, is the tool for the job.
How much fragrance oil is too much?
Every wax has a maximum it can bind, usually somewhere between 8% and 12% for container waxes. Go over it and the excess oil bleeds to the surface, pools at the bottom, clogs the wick, or becomes a fire risk. This calculator flags when your chosen load passes the safe maximum you set, so enter the figure printed on your specific wax's data sheet.
Is a higher load always a stronger scent?
No. Past a certain point the wax simply can't hold or throw more oil, so extra fragrance is wasted and can actually hurt the burn and the cold-and-hot throw. Scent strength also depends on the oil, the wax, the wick, and cure time. Most makers find their sweet spot between 6% and 10% and adjust from there.
Should I let the candle cure before judging the scent?
Yes. Soy and coconut candles in particular need a cure — often one to two weeks — for the fragrance to bind fully into the wax. Judging the scent throw the day you pour usually undersells it, which tempts people to overload the next batch. Cure first, then decide whether to adjust the load.
Estimates only. Always follow the maximum fragrance load and safety guidance for your specific wax and fragrance oil, and test every new batch before making it at scale.