The Ultimate Wax Melt Calculator for Perfect Scent Throw
Welcome to the essential tool for every wax melt artisan! Creating homemade wax melts is a rewarding craft, but achieving the perfect scent throw requires precise measurements. Too little fragrance oil results in a weak scent, while too much can cause oil seepage, poor burning, or even safety issues. Our Wax Melt Calculator takes the guesswork out of the process, ensuring your melts are consistent, safe, and beautifully fragrant every time.
Wax Melt Calculator
What is Fragrance Load?
Fragrance load is the percentage of fragrance oil relative to the total weight of your wax and oil mixture. It's a critical factor that determines the strength of your wax melt's scent, both when it's cold (cold throw) and when it's melted (hot throw). Most waxes perform best with a fragrance load between 6% and 10%. Exceeding the wax manufacturer's recommended maximum can lead to "sweating," where the oil separates from the wax.
How to Use the Calculator
Using our calculator is simple. Follow these steps to get your perfect recipe:
- Total Weight of Wax & Oil: Decide how much total product you want to make. This is the combined weight of your wax and fragrance oil. For example, if you want to fill a clamshell mold that holds 100 grams, you would enter "100".
- Fragrance Load (%): Enter your desired scent strength as a percentage. A good starting point for beginners is 8%. Do not include the '%' symbol.
- Unit of Measurement: Select whether you are measuring in grams or ounces. Consistency is key, so use the same unit for all your ingredients.
- Calculate: Click the "Calculate Recipe" button to see the exact amounts of wax and fragrance oil you need.
Example Calculation
Let's say you want to make a 500-gram batch of wax melts with a strong 10% fragrance load.
- Total Weight: 500 grams
- Fragrance Load: 10%
The calculator will determine:
- Fragrance Oil Needed: 500g * (10 / 100) = 50g
- Wax Needed: 500g – 50g = 450g
Your result will be to measure out 450 grams of wax and 50 grams of fragrance oil for your batch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's a good fragrance load to start with?
If you're new to making wax melts, a 6% to 8% fragrance load is a safe and effective starting point. You can adjust up or down in future batches once you see how your specific wax and oil combination performs.
Can I use this calculator for candles?
Yes! The principle of calculating fragrance load is the same for both candles and wax melts. Just be sure to check the maximum recommended fragrance load for your specific candle wax, as it can differ from melt wax.
At what temperature should I add my fragrance oil?
This is crucial. Always follow the wax manufacturer's instructions. Generally, you add the fragrance oil when the wax is between 180-185°F (82-85°C). Adding it when the wax is too hot can burn off the delicate scent notes, while adding it too cool can prevent it from binding properly with the wax.