Multi-Container Candle Fill Calculator
Calculate wax weight and fragrance oil for multiple candle containers.
Enter volume and fragrance load to plan soy, paraffin, and coconut wax supply orders.
Why you cannot just fill containers with liquid wax:
Wax shrinks as it cools — typically 5–10% by volume depending on the wax type. If you pour the exact container volume in liquid wax, you will get sinkholes and uneven tops. You must account for shrinkage and plan a second (relief) pour.
Wax density and volume conversion:
Different waxes have different densities when solid:
| Wax Type | Density (lb/cu in) | Pour Temp (°F) | Shrinkage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soy (464, Golden Brands) | 0.032 | 120–140 | 5–8% |
| Paraffin (IGI 4630) | 0.034 | 170–180 | 8–12% |
| Coconut blend | 0.031 | 100–120 | 4–6% |
| Beeswax | 0.035 | 145–160 | 5–7% |
| Palm wax | 0.033 | 180–200 | 6–9% |
Container volume formula:
For a cylindrical container:
Volume (oz) = π × (diameter/2)² × height × 0.554 (all measurements in inches, result in fluid ounces)
Wax weight formula:
Wax weight (oz) = Container volume (fluid oz) × wax density factor
Density factors (weight oz per fluid oz): Soy = 0.86, Paraffin = 0.90, Coconut = 0.84, Beeswax = 0.93
Fragrance load:
Fragrance oil (oz) = Total wax weight (oz) × fragrance percentage / 100
Standard fragrance loads:
- Soy wax: 6–10% (most soy waxes max at 10–12%)
- Paraffin: 6–10%
- Coconut blend: 8–12%
Worked example:
Filling 12 jars, each 3" diameter × 3.5" tall, with soy wax at 8% fragrance:
- Volume per jar = π × 1.5² × 3.5 × 0.554 = 13.7 fl oz
- Fill to 90% (leave headroom): 13.7 × 0.90 = 12.3 fl oz
- Wax weight per jar: 12.3 × 0.86 = 10.6 oz
- Total wax: 10.6 × 12 = 127.2 oz (7.95 lbs)
- Fragrance oil: 127.2 × 0.08 = 10.2 oz
- Add 10% extra for waste/spills: wax = 8.75 lbs, fragrance = 11.2 oz
Always melt 10–15% more wax than calculated. Wax sticks to the melting pot, pouring pitcher, and thermometer. You’ll also use extra for the relief pour to fill sinkholes.