Candle Wax Calculator
Enter the size of your container and how many candles you want to make. The calculator shows how much wax and fragrance oil you need and what each candle costs you.
How to use this Candle Wax Calculator
- Enter the capacity of the container in fluid ounces.
- Enter how many candles are in the batch.
- Enter the weight of wax per fluid ounce for your wax. A common starting figure is about 0.86 oz.
- Enter the fragrance load and the prices of wax and fragrance oil.
- Add the cost of the wick, container and label, then press Calculate.
How to calculate candle wax
Wax weight is the container volume times the wax weight per ounce. Fragrance is a share of the wax weight.
- Wax per candle = container fl oz x wax weight per fl oz
- Fragrance per candle = wax per candle x fragrance load
- Batch wax (lb) = wax per candle x candles / 16
- Cost per candle = (wax cost + fragrance cost + other costs) / candles
Worked example
An 8 fl oz jar needs about 8 x 0.86 = 6.88 oz of wax. At an 8% fragrance load that is 0.55 oz of fragrance oil per candle. For 10 candles you need 68.8 oz of wax, which is 4.30 lb, and 5.50 oz of fragrance oil. At $3.50 a pound the wax costs $15.05, and at $1.20 an ounce the fragrance costs $6.60. With $1.20 for a wick, jar and label per candle, the cost per candle is $3.37.
Always test a small batch first, since wax types behave differently. The best fragrance load depends on the wax, and going past the limit can cause sweating and poor burning. Wicks have to match the jar size and the wax, so burn test a new combination to the end. Leave a little extra wax in the pot for the pouring loss and for any top-up pours that fix sinkholes. Check your wax maker for the pour and cooling temperatures, and never leave a melting pot alone.
Assumptions & limits
- The wax weight per fluid ounce depends on the wax. The default of 0.86 is a common starting figure and is editable.
- The calculator counts fragrance as a share of the wax weight and does not reduce the wax for the volume that the fragrance takes.
- Pouring loss, test candles and wasted wax are not included.
- The maximum fragrance load depends on the wax and the oil. Follow the maker.
- Always follow safe candle making rules and burn tests.
Frequently asked questions
How much wax do I need for a candle?
Multiply the container volume in fluid ounces by about 0.86 for many soy waxes to get the weight of wax in ounces.
How much fragrance oil do I use?
Multiply the wax weight by the fragrance load, such as 8 percent. Check your wax for its maximum.
Why does the wax weight differ by wax?
Different waxes have different densities, so a fluid ounce weighs different amounts.
How do I price a candle?
Work out the cost per candle here, then use the Craft Pricing Calculator to set a price.
How do I size a wick?
Match the wick to the diameter of the jar and the wax, and do a burn test.
Should I make a little extra?
Yes. Pouring loss and top-up pours use extra wax.
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Last updated: November 2026