Candle Pricing Calculator
Enter your wax, fragrance, vessel and time to see the real cost of each candle and a price that leaves you a profit.
Free, no signup. Everything runs in your browser and nothing you type is saved or sent.
Your result
Suggested retail price
$21.89
- Wax per candle
- $1.75
- Fragrance per candle
- $1.28
- Jar, wick and label
- $3.00
- Cost to make one
- $10.95
- Fees per sale
- $0.00
- Profit per sale (50% margin)
- $10.95
- Wholesale price (50% of retail)
- $10.95
- Revenue if the whole batch sells
- $262.72
- Profit if the whole batch sells
- $131.36
Free on iPhone and Android
How the candle cost is calculated
Wax cost is the wax weight per candle times your price per pound or kilogram. Fragrance is measured as a share of the wax weight (the fragrance load), so 8% of 8 oz of wax is 0.64 oz of fragrance oil.
The vessel, wick and label are added per candle. Your labor and overhead are entered for the whole batch and split across the candles in it, and packaging is added per candle.
The suggested price then leaves your chosen margin after any marketplace or card fees. Wholesale is shown at half of retail.
price = (cost per candle + fixed fee) ÷ (1 − margin% − fee%)
Common questions
How much does it cost to make a candle?
It depends on the wax, fragrance and vessel you use and how much time you put in. Use your own supplier prices in the calculator. The jar and the fragrance are often the biggest costs, and labor is the one people forget.
What fragrance load should I use?
Follow your wax supplier's spec sheet. Most container waxes list a maximum somewhere around 6% to 12%. More fragrance raises your cost per candle and doesn't always make the candle smell stronger.
How is fragrance load calculated here?
As a percentage of the wax weight. With 8 oz of wax and an 8% load, you add 0.64 oz of fragrance. Some makers calculate it on total weight instead, which gives a slightly smaller amount.
What profit margin should a candle business aim for?
There is no single right number, but many makers aim for at least 50% on retail so wholesale orders at half price still cover costs. Check the wholesale line in the result to see if your price leaves room for it.
Should I include my time in the price?
Yes. Pouring, curing, labeling and packing all take time. If you leave it out, the candle only looks profitable, and the price won't work once you hire help.
Is my data saved?
No. The calculator runs in your browser and nothing you enter is stored or sent.