Creating a beautifully scented candle involves accurately measuring the fragrance oil (FO) to wax ratio. This ratio, often referred to as the "fragrance load," is crucial for achieving an optimal scent throw (both in the cold state and when burned) without compromising the candle's structural integrity or burn characteristics.
A higher fragrance load doesn't always mean a stronger scent. Exceeding the maximum recommended fragrance load for a particular wax type can lead to issues such as:
Oil sweating out of the wax.
A weaker scent throw because the fragrance can't properly bind with the wax.
A sputtering or tunneling burn.
Increased flammability.
Most candle waxes have a recommended maximum fragrance load, typically ranging from 6% to 10%. Always consult the manufacturer's guidelines for the specific wax you are using.
The Math Behind the Calculation
The calculation is straightforward and involves basic percentage principles.
For example, if you are making a 200-gram candle and want to use an 8% fragrance load:
Fragrance Oil Amount = 200 grams × (8 / 100)
Fragrance Oil Amount = 200 grams × 0.08
Fragrance Oil Amount = 16 grams
This means you would add 16 grams of fragrance oil to your 200 grams of wax. The total weight of your candle mixture before pouring would be 200 grams (wax) + 16 grams (fragrance oil) = 216 grams.
How to Use This Calculator
Simply enter the total weight of the wax you intend to use in grams. Then, input your desired fragrance load as a percentage (e.g., enter '8' for 8%). Click the "Calculate Fragrance Amount" button, and the calculator will tell you precisely how many grams of fragrance oil you need to add.
Always remember to weigh your fragrance oil and wax using a digital scale for the most accurate results. Happy candle making!
function calculateFragrance() {
var waxWeightInput = document.getElementById("waxWeight");
var fragranceLoadPercentageInput = document.getElementById("fragranceLoadPercentage");
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var waxWeight = parseFloat(waxWeightInput.value);
var fragranceLoadPercentage = parseFloat(fragranceLoadPercentageInput.value);
resultDiv.innerHTML = "; // Clear previous results
if (isNaN(waxWeight) || waxWeight <= 0) {
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Please enter a valid total wax weight.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(fragranceLoadPercentage) || fragranceLoadPercentage 12) { // Using a slightly higher threshold for warning
resultDiv.innerHTML = "Warning: Fragrance load is very high. Check wax manufacturer's recommendations.";
}
var fragranceAmount = waxWeight * (fragranceLoadPercentage / 100);
// Format to two decimal places for precision, but avoid trailing zeros if not needed
var formattedFragranceAmount = fragranceAmount.toFixed(2);
if (parseFloat(formattedFragranceAmount) === Math.round(fragranceAmount)) {
formattedFragranceAmount = Math.round(fragranceAmount).toString();
}
resultDiv.innerHTML += "You need " + formattedFragranceAmount + " grams of fragrance oil.";
}