Candle Pricing Calculator
Turn your true cost per candle into a selling price that still leaves your target margin after percentage fees, fixed fees and shipping you absorb.
Pricing Calculator
Start with the true unit cost from your materials, labor and overhead. Then set the margin and fees that apply to the sale.
Your Results
Price breakdown
How the Candle Pricing Formula Works
This calculator solves for the selling price rather than simply adding a margin percentage to your cost. That matters when fees are charged as a percentage of the final selling price.
The formula only works when the combined fee rate and target margin are below 100%.
Margin vs. Markup
Markup compares profit with cost. Margin compares profit with the final selling price. They are not interchangeable.
For example, a product that costs $10 and sells for $20 has a 100% markup but a 50% margin.
Worked Candle Pricing Example
Suppose your true candle cost is $6.50 and you want a 55% margin with no selling fees or absorbed shipping:
The estimated profit is $7.94 per candle, which is 55% of the $14.44 selling price.
When to Use the Candle Cost Calculator Instead
This pricing page assumes you already know your true unit cost. If you still need to calculate wax, fragrance, vessel, wick, packaging, labor and overhead, start with the Candle Cost Calculator, then bring the resulting cost per candle back here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price a handmade candle?
Start with your complete cost per candle, choose a target profit margin, and account for selling fees or shipping costs you absorb. The calculator solves for a price that covers those inputs.
What is the difference between candle cost and candle price?
Cost is what it takes to produce and sell the candle. Price is what the customer pays. The difference, after fees and other sale-specific costs, contributes to profit.
Should I use margin or markup?
Either can be useful, but they measure different things. This calculator targets margin because margin directly shows what share of the final selling price remains as profit.
How do marketplace fees affect candle pricing?
If a platform takes a percentage of the sale price, that fee must be included while solving for the price. Simply adding the fee percentage afterward can leave you below your intended margin.
Is wholesale always 50% of retail?
No. The wholesale percentage here is editable and is included only as a planning comparison. Your actual wholesale pricing should reflect your costs, channel economics and agreements.