How to Calculate the Cost to Make a Candle
Before you can price your candles, you need to know exactly what it costs to make one. Here's how to calculate it correctly.
The Basic Formula
Total Cost Per Candle = Wax + Fragrance Oil + Wick + Container + Dye + Label + Packaging
Each ingredient should be calculated on a per-unit basis, even if you buy in bulk.
Calculating Wax Cost Per Candle
Example: You buy 5 kg of soy wax for €32. That's €6.40 per kg.
Your candle uses 180g of wax.
Wax cost per candle = 180g ÷ 1000 × €6.40 = €1.15
Calculating Fragrance Oil Cost Per Candle
Example: 500ml of fragrance oil costs €18. You use a 8% fragrance load on 180g of wax = 14.4g of fragrance oil.
Fragrance cost = 14.4g ÷ 500g × €18 = €0.52 per candle
Don't Forget the Small Costs
Many candle makers forget to cost:
- • Wick holders used during pouring (can be reused but still have a cost)
- • Candle warning labels (required for EU/UK compliance)
- • Tissue paper and box filler inside the outer box
- • Return labels
These small costs add up. If you ignore them, they eat your margin silently.
Use a Calculator Instead
Doing this in a spreadsheet is error-prone and time-consuming. Our free candle cost calculator lets you enter each ingredient and get an instant cost per candle and recommended retail price.
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