How much wax do I need for a candle?
Start with what your container holds. Poured container wax weighs roughly 0.86 g for every millilitre of space (beeswax is denser, about 0.96 g), so a 250 ml jar filled to 90% takes about 194 g of finished candle. If you already know the weight you sell, such as an “8 oz candle”, switch the calculator to candle weight instead.
That finished weight is wax plus fragrance oil. The calculator splits it for you, so the two numbers to put on the scale add up to exactly what the jar needs.
Wax needed by jar size
Quick reference for common jars, filled to 90% of their brim capacity (oz sizes are US fluid ounces). The figure is the whole candle: if you add fragrance, part of it is oil, and the calculator splits it for you.
| Jar | Soy wax | Paraffin wax | Beeswax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | 92 g (3.2 oz) | 92 g (3.2 oz) | 102 g (3.6 oz) |
| 8 oz | 183 g (6.5 oz) | 183 g (6.5 oz) | 204 g (7.2 oz) |
| 12 oz | 275 g (9.7 oz) | 275 g (9.7 oz) | 307 g (10.8 oz) |
| 16 oz | 366 g (12.9 oz) | 366 g (12.9 oz) | 409 g (14.4 oz) |
| 100 ml | 77 g (2.7 oz) | 77 g (2.7 oz) | 86 g (3.0 oz) |
| 200 ml | 155 g (5.5 oz) | 155 g (5.5 oz) | 173 g (6.1 oz) |
| 250 ml | 194 g (6.8 oz) | 194 g (6.8 oz) | 216 g (7.6 oz) |
| 300 ml | 232 g (8.2 oz) | 232 g (8.2 oz) | 259 g (9.1 oz) |
Fragrance load: % of wax or % of the candle?
Fragrance load is how much oil you add, as a percentage. Most suppliers and makers measure it against the wax weight: 8% of 200 g wax is 16 g of oil, giving a 216 g candle. Some measure it against the finished candle: 8% of a 216 g candle is 17.3 g of oil. The difference is small at low loads but matters near your wax's limit, so pick the method your wax supplier uses. The calculator always shows the result as % of wax so you can compare.
The formula in plain English
- Candle weight = container volume × fill level × 0.86 (or the weight you enter).
- Wax = candle weight ÷ (1 + fragrance load), when load is % of wax.
- Fragrance oil = wax × fragrance load.
- Cost per candle = wax + oil + wick + dye + jar and packaging + your time for the batch ÷ number of candles, plus a failure allowance.
- Selling price = cost plus markup, grossed up so Etsy's fees come out of the buyer's payment, not your margin.
Worked example
Six soy candles in 250 ml jars, filled to 90%, with 8% fragrance load:
- Candle weight: 250 × 0.9 × 0.86 = 193.5 g each
- Wax: 193.5 ÷ 1.08 = 179 g each, 1.08 kg for the batch
- Fragrance oil: 179 × 0.08 = 14.3 g each, 86 g for the batch
- Costs each: wax $1.61 + oil $0.79 + wick $0.15 + dye $0.05 + jar $1.50 + labour $1.25 (30 minutes at $15/hour across six candles) = $5.35
- Plus 5% for failures: $5.62 cost per candle
- Doubled (100% markup) and grossed up for US Etsy fees: sell at $12.91
The jar costs almost as much as the wax and oil together, which is why it's worth pricing in.
Typical maximum fragrance loads
Going over your wax's limit can make oil seep out or the candle burn badly. These are common figures; your wax supplier's data sheet is the final word.
| Wax | Typical max load (% of wax) |
|---|---|
| Soy wax | 10% |
| Coconut / coconut-soy blend | 12% |
| Rapeseed wax | 10% |
| Paraffin wax | 10% |
| Beeswax | 6% |
FAQs
Which wax is best for candles?
It depends on what you make. Soy is affordable, easy to pour and the most popular choice for container candles, though it can frost. Coconut blends pour smoothly and hold more fragrance but cost more. Paraffin gives the strongest scent throw for the lowest price, but it's petroleum-based, which some buyers avoid. Beeswax burns long and smells of honey on its own, takes less fragrance and is the most expensive. Rapeseed is a popular UK-grown alternative to soy. For a first scented jar candle, soy or a coconut-soy blend is the easiest start.
How much fragrance oil should I use for each wax?
Typical starting loads, as % of wax weight: soy 6–10%, coconut blends 8–12%, rapeseed 6–10%, paraffin 6–10% and beeswax 3–6%. Start in the middle and test-burn before going higher. An 8 oz soy candle at 8% takes about 13.6 g (0.48 oz) of oil.
How much does it cost to make a candle?
With this calculator's default prices, an 8 oz soy jar candle costs about .48: .97 in materials (including a .50 jar), .25 of your time and a 5% allowance for failures. The jar and the fragrance oil are what move the number most, so put in your own supplier prices.
How much wax do I need for 50 candles?
For 50 soy candles in 8 oz jars filled to 90%, with 8% fragrance: about 8.48 kg (18.7 lb) of wax and 678 g (23.9 oz) of fragrance oil. Buy around 10% extra for test pours and spills. Set the number of candles to 50 above to work it out for your own jars.
How much fragrance oil per pound of wax?
1 oz of oil per pound of wax is a 6.25% load, a common starting point. 1.5 oz per pound is about 9.4%.
Should I measure fragrance oil by weight or volume?
By weight. Oils differ in density, so millilitres or fluid ounces won't give a consistent load. Use a kitchen scale for both wax and oil.
How can I find my jar's volume?
Fill it with water to where the wax will stop, then weigh the water: 1 g of water is 1 ml. Choose “Custom size”, enter that volume and set the fill level to 100%.
Are the Etsy fees included?
Yes, with typical fees for your currency, including VAT on fees for UK sellers who aren't VAT registered. Choose “No fees” for craft fairs or direct sales.
More calculators for makers
- 3D Print Cost Calculator: Filament, electricity, printer wear, labour and Etsy fees, with a suggested selling price.