# Candle Wax Calculator

Calculate how much candle wax, fragrance oil, and dye you need for container candles. Accounts for wax type density, shrinkage, and fragrance load percentage.

## What this calculates

Making candles at home? Enter your container size, wax type, and fragrance percentage to find out exactly how much wax, fragrance oil, and dye to use. The calculator includes a 20% shrinkage buffer so you have enough for a smooth top-off pour.

## Inputs

- **Container Volume** (oz (fluid)) — min 0 — Volume of the container in fluid ounces. Check the label or fill with water and measure.
- **Number of Candles** — min 1, max 500
- **Wax Type** — options: Soy Wax, Paraffin Wax, Coconut Wax, Beeswax, Para-Soy Blend
- **Fragrance Load** (%) — min 0, max 15 — 6-10% is typical for most waxes. Check your wax manufacturer's max load.
- **Dye Amount** (g per lb of wax) — min 0, max 5 — Typical liquid dye: 0.3-1g per lb. Enter 0 for uncolored candles.

## Outputs

- **Wax Needed**
- **Wax Needed**
- **Wax Needed**
- **Fragrance Oil**
- **Fragrance Oil**
- **Dye Needed**
- **Total Pour Weight**

## Details

How the calculation works:

  - Wax weight = container volume (fl oz) x wax density x 1.20 (shrinkage buffer)

  - Fragrance oil = wax weight x fragrance percentage

  - Dye = dye rate (g/lb) x total wax weight in lbs

Wax type densities (oz per fl oz):

  - Soy wax: 0.86 (most popular for beginners)

  - Paraffin: 0.90 (strongest scent throw)

  - Coconut wax: 0.82 (clean burn, soft texture)

  - Beeswax: 0.96 (natural, honey scent)

  - Para-soy blend: 0.88 (combines strengths of both)

Fragrance load guidelines:

  - 6% -- light, subtle scent

  - 8% -- medium (good starting point for soy)

  - 10% -- strong scent throw

  - 12%+ -- only if your wax supports it (check manufacturer specs)

Why the 20% shrinkage buffer? Most waxes shrink as they cool, creating sinkholes around the wick. You will need extra wax to do a second pour to fill these in and get a smooth top surface.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: How do I find the volume of my candle container?**

A: The easiest way is to fill the container with water, then pour the water into a measuring cup. This gives you the volume in fluid ounces. Alternatively, check the container's product listing, which usually includes the volume.

**Q: What fragrance percentage should I use?**

A: Start with 8% for soy wax and adjust from there. Going above the wax manufacturer's recommended maximum can cause the fragrance to seep out of the candle or affect the burn quality. Most soy waxes max out at 10-12%.

**Q: Why do my candles have sinkholes?**

A: Sinkholes happen because wax contracts as it cools. This is completely normal. Pour your first fill at the recommended temperature, let it cool completely, then do a second pour to fill the sinkhole. Poking relief holes with a chopstick before the top-off pour helps release trapped air.

**Q: Can I use the same calculation for pillar candles?**

A: This calculator is designed for container candles. Pillar candles use harder waxes with different densities and do not have the same shrinkage concerns. For pillars, you would calculate the mold volume instead of the container volume and use pillar-specific wax.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/everyday/candle-wax
Category: Everyday Life
Last updated: 2026-04-08