Candle Making Calculator

Calculate the exact amount of wax, fragrance oil, and dye needed for your candle making projects. Get accurate measurements for any container size.

Container Size

in
in

Wax Type

Fragrance & Additives

%
Typical range: 6-10%. Check your wax's maximum.

Cost Calculation (Optional)

$ /lb
$ /oz

Quick Reference

Soy Wax Max Fragrance
10-12%
Best for containers
Paraffin Max Fragrance
6-10%
Good for pillars
Cure Time
1-2 weeks
For best scent throw
Burn Time
~6 hrs/oz
Average estimate

Your Candle Recipe

Calculated
Total Wax
0 oz
0 lbs
Fragrance Oil
0 oz
0%
Est. Burn Time
0 hrs
per candle

Supplies Needed

Candles: -
Volume per Candle: -
Wax Type: -
Wax Amount: -
Fragrance Oil: -
Dye Chips: -
Wicks: -

Temperature Guide

Add Fragrance at: -
Pour Temperature: -
Max Fragrance Load: -

Pro Tips

  • Cure candles 1-2 weeks for best scent throw
  • Always test burn new wax/fragrance combinations
  • Weigh ingredients - don't measure by volume

Candle Making Basics

Calculating the right amount of wax and fragrance is essential for successful candle making. Wax weight varies by type due to different densities, and fragrance load should never exceed your wax's maximum recommendation.

Wax Types Comparison

Wax Type Max Fragrance Best For
Soy Wax 10-12% Container candles
Parasoy 10-12% Better hot throw
Paraffin 6-10% Pillars, votives
Coconut 10-12% Luxury candles
Beeswax 6-8% Natural, pillars
Palm Wax 6-8% Crystal patterns

Container Size Guide

Container Wax (approx) Burn Time
Tealight 0.5 oz 4-6 hours
Votive 1.5-2 oz 10-15 hours
4 oz Tin 3.5 oz 20-25 hours
8 oz Jar 6-7 oz 40-50 hours
16 oz Jar 12-14 oz 80-100 hours

Wick Selection Guide

Container Diameter Recommended Wick
1-2 inches Small (ECO 2, CD 3)
2-3 inches Medium (ECO 6, CD 8)
3-4 inches Large (ECO 10, CD 12)
4+ inches Multiple wicks recommended

Candle Making Tips

  • Double boiler: Never heat wax directly - use a double boiler
  • Temperature: Add fragrance at 185F, pour at 135-145F for soy
  • Cure time: Let candles cure 1-2 weeks for best scent throw
  • First burn: Burn until full melt pool reaches edges
  • Wick trimming: Trim to 1/4" before each burn
  • Testing: Always test new fragrance/wax combinations
  • Storage: Store candles away from sunlight and heat

Common Candle Problems

  • Tunneling: Wick too small - try larger wick
  • Drowning wick: Wick too small or fragrance load too high
  • Sooting: Wick too large, needs trimming
  • Wet spots: Normal shrinkage - not a defect
  • Frosting: Natural in soy - embrace it or use additives
  • Poor scent throw: Increase fragrance load or cure longer