Fragrance Load Calculator

Work out how much fragrance or essential oil to add for a given load percentage, with the finished weight and an ounces-per-pound conversion. Calculates privately in your browser.

For cold-process soap, use the total oils weight; for melt & pour, the base weight.
Typical: 3–5% for soap. Always check your supplier's IFRA limit per use.

Fragrance to add

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Finished weight-
Per pound of base-

Show the math

Fragrance load is a percentage of the base it scents:

fragrance = base weight × load ÷ 100

Many US suppliers quote usage as ounces per pound, so we convert too:

oz per pound = (load ÷ 100) × 16

Fragrance and essential oils have IFRA maximum usage rates that vary by oil and product type, exceeding them can irritate or sensitise skin. Always check the supplier's IFRA certificate for your specific oil before scenting a batch, especially for leave-on products.

What this does

A fragrance load calculator works out how much fragrance or essential oil to add for a given load percentage, with the finished weight and an ounces-per-pound figure.

How to use it

  1. Enter the base weight.
  2. Set the fragrance load percentage.
  3. Read the fragrance amount.
  4. Check the ounces-per-pound figure.

How it works

Around 3–5% is common for soap, but always check your supplier’s IFRA maximum for that oil and product. Ounces per pound = load ÷ 100 × 16.

fragrance = base weight × load ÷ 100

Understanding your result

Around 3 to 5 percent works for many products, but the real ceiling is the IFRA maximum for that specific fragrance in that specific use, so check your suppliers safety sheet rather than relying on the percentage alone. Overloading does not make a stronger scent that lasts, it can cause separation, irritation, or acceleration, so stay within the rated limit.

Example

A 1,000 g base at 4% load takes 40 g of fragrance.

Sources & methodology

Last updated .

Frequently asked questions

How is fragrance amount calculated?

Fragrance = base weight × load ÷ 100. For soap, use your total oils (cold process) or base weight (melt and pour) as the base.

What load percentage is typical?

Around 3–5% for soap is common, but always check your supplier’s IFRA maximum for that specific oil and product type before scenting.

Why show ounces per pound?

Many US suppliers quote usage that way, so we convert: oz per pound = (load ÷ 100) × 16.

Is anything tracked?

No — it all runs locally in your browser.