Soy Wax Calculator — How Much Do I Need?
Quick answer
Soy 464 has a density of 0.865 g/ml. To fill an 8 fl oz jar you need approximately 7.22 oz (205g) of soy wax. At 8% fragrance load, add 0.58 oz (16g) of fragrance oil. Use the calculator below for any container size or batch count.
Soy wax is the most popular container candle wax for good reason — it burns clean, holds fragrance well, and is easy to work with. The two most common options are Golden Brands 464 and 444, which are nearly identical in density but differ slightly in pour performance and scent throw behavior.
Soy Wax by Container Size
This table uses soy 464 density (0.865 g/ml) at an 8% fragrance load. Values represent the total wax needed to fill the container to roughly 90% capacity (leaving a small gap at the top).
| Container | Wax Weight | Fragrance Oil (8%) | Candles from 5 lb |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 fl oz votive | 3.61 oz / 102g | 0.29 oz / 8.2g | ~22 candles |
| 6 fl oz | 5.41 oz / 153g | 0.43 oz / 12.3g | ~14 candles |
| 8 fl oz jar | 7.22 oz / 205g | 0.58 oz / 16.4g | ~11 candles |
| 10 fl oz | 9.02 oz / 256g | 0.72 oz / 20.5g | ~8 candles |
| 12 fl oz | 10.83 oz / 307g | 0.87 oz / 24.6g | ~7 candles |
| 16 fl oz pint | 14.43 oz / 409g | 1.15 oz / 32.7g | ~5 candles |
Soy 464 vs. Soy 444: Which to Use?
| Property | Soy 464 | Soy 444 |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 0.865 g/ml | 0.862 g/ml |
| Melt point | 113–119°F | 107–115°F |
| Recommended pour temp | 130–140°F | 125–135°F |
| Fragrance load range | 6–10% | 6–10% |
| Best for | Most climates, Etsy sellers | Warmer climates, stronger hot throw |
| Appearance after cure | Smooth-ish top, some frosting | Slightly rougher top, less frosting |
Add FO at 140–160°F
Fragrance oil added to soy wax hotter than 160°F can degrade. Cooler than 140°F and it doesn't fully incorporate. Stir gently for 2 minutes after adding.
Pour at 130–140°F
Pouring too hot causes sinkholes and surface cracks. Pouring too cool causes cloudiness and poor jar adhesion. A candy thermometer is essential.
Expect some frosting
White crystalline frosting on soy candles is normal — it's a sign of natural soy wax. It doesn't affect burn quality. Some makers embrace it; others use a heat gun to smooth the top.
Cure 2 weeks minimum
Soy wax develops scent throw slowly. Test burns before the 2-week mark will underestimate the final scent strength. For the truest read, cure 3–4 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
For an 8 fl oz container using soy 464, you need approximately 7.22 oz (205 grams) of soy wax. At 8% fragrance load, add 0.58 oz (16.4 grams) of fragrance oil for a total pour of 7.80 oz.
10 lbs of soy wax will make approximately 17–18 candles in 8 oz jars (accounting for a standard 8% fragrance load). In 4 oz votives, you can make around 35–36 candles. The exact number depends on how full you fill each container.
Add fragrance oil to melted soy wax at 140–160°F, then pour into containers at 130–140°F. Pouring too hot causes sinkholes. Pouring too cool causes clumping and poor jar adhesion. Use a candy thermometer.
Both are Golden Brands soy container waxes. Soy 464 has a melt point of 113–119°F and is the most widely used. Soy 444 has a slightly lower melt point and is often preferred in warm climates or when stronger hot throw is needed. Both use the same fragrance load range (6–10%) and similar densities.
Soy wax needs at least 2 weeks to cure. During curing, the wax crystallizes and binds the fragrance oil more tightly, resulting in stronger scent throw. Many makers allow 3–4 weeks for the best results before testing or selling.
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