How fragrance load is worked out
This calculator uses the definition most candle suppliers use: fragrance load is the weight of fragrance oil as a percentage of the wax weight. An 8% load means 0.08 oz of oil for every 1 oz of wax. Always weigh wax and oil; do not measure by volume.
Wax cost = wax weight ÷ 16 × price per pound
Cost per candle = wax + fragrance oil + wick + jar + packaging + your time
Wholesale = cost × 2 · Retail = wholesale × 2
Fragrance oil for common sizes
| Wax weight | 6% load | 8% load | 10% load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | 0.24 oz | 0.32 oz | 0.40 oz |
| 8 oz | 0.48 oz | 0.64 oz | 0.80 oz |
| 12 oz | 0.72 oz | 0.96 oz | 1.20 oz |
| 16 oz (1 lb) | 0.96 oz | 1.28 oz | 1.60 oz |
Every wax has a maximum fragrance load set by its maker. Going above it can make the candle sweat oil or burn badly, so check the wax's data sheet and test each new recipe.
Example: one 8 oz candle
The prices are examples. Type what you really pay, including delivery of your supplies.
| Line | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wax (8 oz at $3.50 per lb) | $1.75 |
| Fragrance oil (0.64 oz at $1.50 per oz) | $0.96 |
| Jar $1.60, wick $0.25, label and packaging $0.60 | $2.45 |
| Materials | $5.16 |
| Your time (10 minutes at $18 an hour) | $3.00 |
| Cost of one candle | $8.16 |
| Wholesale (× 2) and retail (× 2 again) | $16.32 and $32.64 |
Pricing tips for candle makers
- Count your time per candle, not per batch. If a batch of 12 takes two hours from melting to boxing, that is 10 minutes each.
- Add testing and waste. Test burns, failed pours and samples are real costs. Many makers add them to overhead or raise the materials figure a little.
- Check the price after fees. On Etsy, run the retail price through the Etsy fee calculator; for shops, see the wholesale price calculator.
- Heavy items cost more to post. A boxed 8 oz candle often weighs about a pound. Put real postage into your price with the free shipping calculator.
This calculator uses only your own numbers. For other handmade items, use the handmade pricing calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much fragrance oil do I need for an 8 oz candle?
Multiply the wax weight by your fragrance load. At 8%, 8 oz of wax needs 0.64 oz of oil; at 10%, 0.8 oz.
What is fragrance load?
The weight of fragrance oil as a percentage of the wax weight. Each wax has a maximum load given by its maker; many container waxes are used at around 6% to 10%.
How do I price a candle?
Add up wax, fragrance oil, wick, jar, packaging and your time to get the cost. A common formula then doubles the cost for a wholesale price and doubles it again for retail.
Is an 8 oz jar the same as 8 oz of wax?
No. Jar sizes are usually in fluid ounces of volume, and wax is lighter than water, so an 8 fl oz jar holds less than 8 oz of wax by weight. Weigh the wax your jar takes.
Last reviewed: November 2026 · By Muhammad Shujah Uddin Qazi · How we check rates · Fee changes tracker