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CANDLE MAKERS · FREE ONLINE TOOL

Candle Making Cost Calculator

Estimate your per-candle wax, fragrance, container, wick, label and labor cost, plus a suggested price based on fees and margin.

Enter your numbers

Start with sample inputs, then replace them with your actual figures.

USD · ESTIMATE
$ / lb
oz
$ / oz
oz
$
$
$
minutes
$/hour
$
%
%
HOW THIS TOOL WORKS

Understand your result

Convert materials and making time into an understandable cost per candle. This calculator uses the inputs above to produce a planning estimate. It does not predict sales or guarantee that the modeled price will work for your buyers.

Calculation formula

Wax = wax ounces ÷ 16 × wax price per pound. Fragrance = ounces used × price per ounce. Add container, wick, labels, labor minutes ÷ 60 × hourly rate, and overhead. Suggested price = combined cost ÷ (1 − fee rate − target margin).

Worked example

Using 7 oz of wax at $5/lb, 0.6 oz fragrance at $2/oz, a $2.20 jar, $0.35 wick, $0.65 labels, 12 minutes at $18/hour, and $0.75 overhead gives $10.94 in modeled cost. At 8% fees and 25% margin, the suggested price is about $16.33.

Before you rely on the estimate

  • Use actual weight by material, and do not confuse fluid ounces with weight ounces.
  • Account for failed test batches, safety testing and damaged containers in your overhead where applicable.
  • This is a business-cost calculator, not a candle safety or formulation tool.

Frequently asked questions

Why calculate wax in ounces?

Many small-batch makers measure wax per vessel in weight ounces. Dividing by 16 converts to pounds for costing.

Does it choose safe fragrance loads?

No. You must follow materials suppliers’ safety instructions and independently test your formulations.

What about wholesale orders?

Calculate a reliable unit cost first, then use the Wholesale Pricing Calculator to explore retailer margins.