How much wax do I need for 8 20 ounce candles?

Looking for how much wax is needed for 8 20 ounce candles? Based on our calculator, you’ll need approximately 8 lbs 9.6 oz of wax. Use the calculator below to see how much fragrance oil you may need, or adjust ounces to milliliters.

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Fragrance Oil Needed for 8 20 Ounce Candles

Whether you’re crafting a single candle or a larger batch, our easy-to-follow guidelines will help you achieve the perfect scent throw. Typically, a recommended usage rate is between 6% to 10% of the total wax weight, depending on the desired scent strength and the type of wax used. It’s important to mix the fragrance oil thoroughly with the melted wax at the right temperature to ensure even distribution and optimal scent throw.

Wax needed at 6% Fragrance Oil:8lbs 1.34 oz
Ounces of Fragrance Oil needed if using 6%:8.26
Wax needed at 8% Fragrance Oil:7lbs 14.59 oz
Ounces of Fragrance Oil needed if using 8%:11.01
Wax needed at 10% Fragrance Oil:7lbs 11.84 oz
Ounces of Fragrance Oil needed if using 10%:13.76

Color Dye Needed for 8 20 Ounce Candles

The basics of using color dye involve choosing dyes specifically formulated for candle making, such as liquid dyes, dye chips, or powder dyes. It’s essential to add the dye to the melted wax at the right temperature, typically around 185°F (85°C), to ensure proper blending and saturation. Start with small amounts of dye and gradually increase until you achieve your desired color intensity, as some dyes can be quite concentrated.

For coloring candle wax, it is recommended to use 2-4 drops per pound for a light color, 5-8 drops per pound for a medium color, and 8-10 drops per pound for a dark color. For an alternative way to measure, it is generally advised to use 1/4 teaspoon of color for each pound of wax to achieve a medium shade.

In this case, when making 8 20 ounce candles, you would need 69 drops of color, or alternatively, 0.370 ounces.

For a bit more on colorants and a wealth of other resources, be sure to check out the National Candle Association.

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Candle Making Supplies Checklist

Our candle making supplies checklist helps streamline the process, prevents last-minute scrambles, and enhances your overall crafting experience by keeping you organized and focused:

  1. Wax:
    • Choose your preferred type (e.g., paraffin, soy, beeswax, palm).
  2. Fragrance Oils:
    • Select your desired scents.
  3. Wicks:
    • Choose the appropriate size and type for your candle.
  4. Containers or Molds:
    • Decide on the shape and size (e.g., jars, tins, or silicone molds).
  5. Colorants (Optional):
    • Select candle dyes if you want to add color.
  6. Equipment:
    • Double boiler or a dedicated wax melting pot.
    • Thermometer (to monitor wax temperature).
    • Stirring utensil (e.g., wooden spoon or spatula).
    • Scale (for accurate measurements).
    • Wick holder or centering device (to keep wicks in place).
  7. Safety Gear:
    • Heat-resistant gloves.
    • Safety goggles (optional, for extra protection).


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