How Much Fragrance Oil Should You Use? Beginner’s Guide
Adding the right amount of fragrance oil (FO) is one of the most important steps in candle making. Too little, and your candle won’t smell; too much, and it may burn poorly or even be unsafe. For beginners and hobbyists, understanding fragrance oil load and how to calculate it is key to creating beautiful, scented candles. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What Is Fragrance Oil Load?
Fragrance oil load (FO load) is the percentage of your candle’s wax weight that is made up of fragrance oil. This is different from fragrance content, which can sometimes include the total weight of wax plus fragrance oil.
For example:
- FO load method: 1 lb (16 oz) of wax × 8% FO load = 1.28 oz fragrance oil
- Content method: 1 lb of wax + FO → percentage of total combined weight
Most beginner candle makers focus on FO load, as it is simpler and easier to calculate.
Why Fragrance Oil Load Matters
- Scent throw: The right amount ensures your candle smells properly both cold and hot.
- Burn performance: Too much fragrance oil can cause sooting, smoking, or tunneling. Too little results in a weak aroma.
- Candle safety: Exceeding maximum FO load may create a fire hazard, especially if using small wicks or high FO concentration.
Recommended Fragrance Oil Percentages
Different waxes accept different FO loads. Here’s a simple chart for beginners:
| Wax Type | Recommended FO Load (%) | Notes |
| Soy Wax | 6-10% | Cure 1-2 weeks for best throw |
| Paraffin Wax | 8-12% | Stronger scent throw, less cure time |
| Soy-Paraffin Wax | 6-10% | Adjust based on desired throw and candle size |
Pro Tip: Always start at the lower end if you’re unsure. You can increase slightly in small test batches before making larger candles.
How to Calculate Fragrance Oil
Follow these simple steps:
- Weigh your wax accurately using a digital scale.
- Multiply wax weight by FO load percentage:
- Example: 1 lb (16 oz) soy wax × 8% FO load = 1.28 oz fragrance oil
- Example: 1 lb (16 oz) soy wax × 8% FO load = 1.28 oz fragrance oil
- Measure fragrance oil using the same units (oz or grams) for accuracy.
- Add fragrance at the correct pour temperature for your wax type.
Units tip: Beginners often get confused between grams, ounces, and milliliters. Always weigh for precision rather than guessing with volume.
Tips for Adding Fragrance Oil
- Pour at the correct temperature: Adding FO too hot or too cold can reduce scent throw or create surface issues.
- Stir gently but thoroughly: Ensure fragrance is evenly distributed.
- Test small batches first: Beginners should experiment with small jars to avoid wasting materials.
- Adjust for candle size: Larger candles may require slightly more FO to achieve the same scent throw.
- Consider wax type: Soy typically needs slightly lower FO than paraffin for best results.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Adding too much fragrance oil → smoke, poor burn, or wick issues
- Adding too little → weak scent throw
- Pouring at the wrong temperature → fragrance doesn’t bind properly
- Not allowing candles to cure long enough → hot throw suffers
Beginner tip: Keep a small notebook of FO load, wax type, pour temperature, and cure time. This helps you reproduce successful candles consistently.
FAQ
Q: Can I increase FO load for a stronger scent?
A: Yes, but stay within the recommended range for your wax. Exceeding it can cause safety issues or wick problems.
Q: Does wax type affect FO load?
A: Absolutely. Soy wax generally requires slightly lower FO load than paraffin for optimal performance.
Q: Should I weigh or measure fragrance oil by volume?
A: Always weigh FO for accuracy, especially for beginners.
Q: Can I mix different fragrance oils in one candle?
A: Yes, but ensure the total FO load does not exceed the recommended percentage.
Find Your Perfect Fragrance with Candlewic
Understanding how much fragrance oil to use is essential for creating candles that smell amazing and burn safely. Beginners should start with small test batches, weigh carefully, and follow recommended FO load percentages for their wax type.
At Candlewic, we offer a wide selection of high-quality fragrance oils perfect for every candle maker from beginner hobbyists to experienced crafters. Explore our fragrance oils collection to find your favorite scents, and pair them with our soy wax flakes or paraffin wax slabs for beautiful, professional-quality candles.
Start experimenting today and discover how the right fragrance oil can transform your candles!
