How do I calculate candle wax by container size?

Measure or enter the container fill volume, choose the wax type, then multiply by the wax density. This calculator also separates the fragrance oil from the wax weight when you enter a fragrance load.

What fragrance load should I use for candles?

Many container candles use about 6% to 10% fragrance load by wax weight, but the best percentage depends on the wax, fragrance oil, wick, and supplier guidance.

Why is wax weight different from water weight?

Wax is usually less dense than water, so the same container volume weighs less when filled with wax. Soy wax is commonly estimated around 0.86 grams per milliliter.

Candle Wax Calculator

Calculate wax and fragrance oil for container candles

Enter your container fill size, candle count, wax type, and fragrance load to estimate wax weight, fragrance oil, total batch weight, and material cost.

Total wax needed 1.13 kg For 6 candles with 8% fragrance load

Container fill size Unit

Number of candles Fragrance load

Wax type Custom density, g/ml

Add material cost estimate

Wax cost per pound

Fragrance cost per ounce

How to use this candle wax calculator

Enter the safe fill volume for one container, not the overflow volume.
Choose your wax type or enter a custom density from your supplier.
Set your fragrance load. For example, 8% means 8 grams of fragrance oil for every 100 grams of wax.
Use the wax and fragrance weights to prepare your batch, then test and adjust for your actual materials.

Example

For six 8 fl oz jars with soy wax and an 8% fragrance load, this calculator estimates about 1.13 kg of wax and 90 g of fragrance oil. The exact amount can vary by container shape, pour temperature, and how high you fill each jar.

Candle wax calculator FAQ

Should fragrance oil be included in the candle fill weight?

Yes. The final candle fill is wax plus fragrance oil. This calculator first estimates total fill weight from container volume, then splits that total into wax and fragrance based on the fragrance load.

Is fragrance load based on wax weight or total candle weight?

Most candle-making recipes describe fragrance load as a percentage of wax weight. This calculator uses that common approach.

How accurate is the estimate?

It is a planning estimate. Real batches can vary because wax density, jar shape, pour level, additives, and scale accuracy all matter. Always run a small test batch before making candles to sell or gift.