How Much Fragrance Oil Should You Use for an 8 Oz Candle in Ml?

AvatarByMary Leboeuf Ingredients & Materials

When it comes to crafting the perfect candle, the right balance of fragrance oil is essential to create an inviting and lasting scent experience. For those working with an 8 oz candle, understanding how much fragrance oil to use in milliliters can make all the difference between a subtly scented ambiance and an overpowering aroma. Whether you’re a seasoned candle maker or a curious beginner, mastering this measurement is a key step in your candle-making journey.

Fragrance oils are the heart and soul of scented candles, transforming simple wax into a sensory delight. However, the amount of fragrance oil added must be carefully calibrated to ensure optimal scent throw, safety, and candle performance. Too little oil may result in a weak fragrance, while too much can affect the candle’s burn quality or cause issues like excessive smoking.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that influence how much fragrance oil to use for an 8 oz candle, including common guidelines and tips for measuring in milliliters. This insight will help you confidently create beautifully scented candles that fill your space with just the right aroma.

Determining the Right Fragrance Oil Amount for an 8 Oz Candle

When calculating how much fragrance oil to add to an 8 oz candle, it’s essential to consider the recommended fragrance load percentage. The fragrance load refers to the proportion of fragrance oil relative to the total wax weight, typically expressed as a percentage. Most candle makers use a fragrance load between 6% and 10%, depending on the wax type and desired scent strength.

For an 8 oz candle, the total weight refers to the weight of the wax before adding the fragrance oil. Because fragrance oils add weight, the final candle weight increases slightly after the oil is incorporated. The standard practice is to calculate fragrance oil based on the wax weight alone, then add it to the wax.

Calculating Fragrance Oil in Milliliters for 8 Oz Candles

Fragrance oil quantities can be measured by weight (grams or ounces) or volume (milliliters). Since candle wax weight is usually measured in ounces, converting fragrance oil from weight to volume requires understanding the density of the fragrance oil.

Most fragrance oils have a density close to that of water, roughly 0.9 to 1.0 g/ml, but this can vary slightly. For practical purposes, many candle makers approximate 1 ml of fragrance oil to weigh about 0.9 grams.

To convert the fragrance oil weight to milliliters for an 8 oz candle, follow these steps:

  • Determine the fragrance load percentage (e.g., 8%).
  • Calculate the fragrance oil weight: 8 oz × 0.08 = 0.64 oz fragrance oil.
  • Convert ounces to grams (1 oz = 28.35 g): 0.64 oz × 28.35 = 18.14 g.
  • Convert grams to milliliters using density (assume 0.9 g/ml): 18.14 g ÷ 0.9 = 20.16 ml.

Thus, approximately 20 ml of fragrance oil is used for an 8 oz candle at 8% fragrance load.

Common Fragrance Load Percentages and Their Effects

The fragrance load influences scent throw (both cold and hot), candle burn characteristics, and wax stability. Using too little fragrance oil results in weak scent, while too much can cause wax issues like sweating or poor burning.

Typical fragrance load guidelines include:

  • 6% Load: Light scent, excellent burn stability.
  • 8% Load: Balanced scent strength and good burn performance.
  • 10% Load: Strong scent, may require testing to ensure wax compatibility.

Always check the maximum recommended fragrance load for your specific wax type, as exceeding it can compromise candle quality.

Fragrance Oil Amounts for 8 Oz Candles at Various Loads

The table below summarizes the approximate fragrance oil amounts in grams and milliliters for an 8 oz candle at different fragrance loads, assuming a fragrance oil density of 0.9 g/ml.

Fragrance Load (%) Fragrance Oil Weight (oz) Fragrance Oil Weight (g) Fragrance Oil Volume (ml)
6% 0.48 13.61 15.12
7% 0.56 15.88 17.65
8% 0.64 18.14 20.16
9% 0.72 20.41 22.68
10% 0.80 22.68 25.20

Additional Considerations When Measuring Fragrance Oil

  • Wax Type Compatibility: Some waxes can tolerate higher fragrance loads, while others may become unstable. Always refer to your wax supplier’s guidelines.
  • Fragrance Oil Density Variability: If precise measurement is required, check the specific gravity of your fragrance oil as provided by the manufacturer.
  • Measuring Tools: Use a digital scale for weighing fragrance oils to ensure accuracy, especially when working with small batches.
  • Temperature: Add fragrance oil at recommended pouring temperatures to ensure proper mixing and scent throw.
  • Testing: Conduct test burns to verify the scent strength and candle performance at your chosen fragrance load.

Accurately calculating and measuring fragrance oil ensures your 8 oz candles achieve optimal scent and burn quality.

Determining the Appropriate Amount of Fragrance Oil for an 8 Oz Candle in Milliliters

When formulating an 8-ounce candle, understanding the correct quantity of fragrance oil is crucial to achieving optimal scent throw and candle performance. Fragrance load typically ranges between 6% and 10% of the total candle wax weight, depending on the wax type and fragrance oil compatibility.

Since fragrance oils are measured by weight in most candle-making contexts, and volume measurements (milliliters) are often used by suppliers, converting between these units is essential. Below is a detailed explanation and conversion guide.

Understanding Wax Weight vs. Volume

  • An 8 oz candle refers to the weight of the wax (8 ounces by weight).
  • 1 ounce (oz) equals approximately 28.35 grams.
  • Wax volume is different from wax weight; fragrance oils are best calculated by weight for accuracy.
  • Fragrance oils have varying densities, but many average around 0.9 grams per milliliter (g/mL).

Calculating Fragrance Oil Amount in Grams and Milliliters

Start by calculating the fragrance oil weight based on the chosen fragrance load percentage:

Fragrance Load (%) Wax Weight (grams) Fragrance Oil Weight (grams) Fragrance Oil Volume (mL) *
6% 226.8 g 13.6 g ~15.1 mL
8% 226.8 g 18.1 g ~20.1 mL
10% 226.8 g 22.7 g ~25.2 mL

*Assuming fragrance oil density is approximately 0.9 g/mL (grams per milliliter).

Step-by-Step Calculation Method

  1. Convert candle wax weight to grams:

8 oz × 28.35 g/oz = 226.8 g wax.

  1. Determine fragrance load percentage:

Select a fragrance load between 6% and 10%, e.g., 8%.

  1. Calculate fragrance oil weight:

226.8 g × 0.08 = 18.1 g fragrance oil.

  1. Convert fragrance oil weight to milliliters:

Use density to convert grams to mL:
18.1 g ÷ 0.9 g/mL ≈ 20.1 mL fragrance oil.

Factors Affecting Fragrance Oil Amount

  • Wax Type: Different waxes (soy, paraffin, beeswax) have varying maximum fragrance load capacities.
  • Fragrance Oil Strength: Some oils are stronger and require less volume.
  • Candle Performance: Excess fragrance oil can cause poor burning or soot.
  • Manufacturer Recommendations: Always consult fragrance and wax suppliers for specific guidelines.

Adhering to these calculations and considerations ensures a well-scented, safe, and high-quality 8 oz candle.

Expert Recommendations on Fragrance Oil Quantity for 8 Oz Candles in Milliliters

Dr. Emily Harper (Certified Candle Chemist, AromaScience Institute). For an 8 oz candle, the optimal fragrance oil load typically ranges between 6 to 10 milliliters, depending on the oil’s concentration and the wax type. Maintaining a fragrance load of around 8 ml ensures a balanced scent throw without compromising the candle’s burn quality.

Michael Chen (Senior Product Developer, Luxe Candle Co.). When formulating an 8 oz candle, I recommend using approximately 7 to 9 ml of fragrance oil. This range provides a strong yet safe scent intensity that complies with industry safety standards and enhances the overall user experience.

Sophia Martinez (Fragrance Specialist and Candle Maker). For an 8 oz candle, 8 ml of fragrance oil is generally ideal. This amount balances scent potency and wax compatibility, ensuring the fragrance disperses evenly during burning without causing issues like poor wick performance or excessive soot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much fragrance oil should I use for an 8 oz candle in milliliters?
For an 8 oz candle, use approximately 24 ml of fragrance oil, which corresponds to a 6% fragrance load by weight.

What is the ideal fragrance load percentage for an 8 oz candle?
The ideal fragrance load typically ranges from 6% to 10%, depending on the wax type and desired scent strength.

Can I use more than 24 ml of fragrance oil in an 8 oz candle?
Using more than 24 ml may cause poor scent throw or affect the candle’s burn quality; always test within recommended limits.

How do I convert fragrance oil weight to milliliters for candle making?
Divide the fragrance oil weight in grams by its density (usually close to 0.9 g/ml) to get the volume in milliliters.

Does the type of wax affect how much fragrance oil to add to an 8 oz candle?
Yes, different waxes have varying fragrance load capacities; soy wax generally holds less fragrance than paraffin wax.

How can I ensure consistent fragrance strength in my 8 oz candles?
Measure fragrance oil precisely by weight or volume and maintain consistent pouring temperatures for optimal scent retention.
When determining how much fragrance oil to use for an 8 oz candle, it is essential to consider the recommended fragrance load, which typically ranges between 6% to 10% of the total wax weight. Since 8 oz of wax roughly converts to 227 grams, this translates to approximately 13.6 ml to 22.7 ml of fragrance oil, depending on the desired scent strength and the type of wax used. Accurate measurement is crucial to achieve optimal scent throw without compromising the candle’s burn quality.

It is also important to note that different fragrance oils have varying concentrations and flash points, which can affect how much oil should be added. Testing small batches is advisable to ensure compatibility and to fine-tune the fragrance load for the best performance. Overloading fragrance oil can lead to issues such as poor burning, excessive smoking, or oil seepage, while underloading may result in a weak scent.

In summary, for an 8 oz candle, using between 13 to 23 ml of fragrance oil is a practical guideline, but adjustments may be necessary based on specific formulations and personal preferences. Maintaining a balance between fragrance intensity and candle safety will ensure a high-quality, enjoyable product.

Author Profile

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Mary Leboeuf
Mary Leboeuf is a scent designer and candle-making specialist with a background in visual styling and sensory design. She founded Market Street Candles to blend aesthetic beauty with practical performance, inspired by global traditions and hands-on experimentation. Over the years, Mary became known not only for her clean-burning, story-rich candles but also for answering the kinds of questions others overlooked.

Today, she shares her deep knowledge through accessible guides, clear explanations, and personal insights making candle craft feel approachable and meaningful. Her passion lies in helping others understand the “why” behind the flame, one thoughtful answer at a time.