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Lye Calculator

Calculate precise NaOH and water amounts for cold-process soap. Supports superfat percentage and water:lye ratio adjustments.

Inputs

g

Combined weight of all oils/butters in your recipe

%

Extra oil not converted to soap. 5% is standard; higher = softer, more moisturizing bar

Parts water per part lye. Lower = faster trace & harder bar. 2.33:1 is standard

Use your oil blend's weighted SAP value

Results

Batch1.4kgtotal weight
Oils
1000.0g69.2%
Water
312.1g21.6%
NaOH
133.9g9.3%

Batch composition by weight

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Tips

1
Always add lye to water, never water to lye. This prevents dangerous splashing.
2
Use distilled water for consistent, predictable results every batch
3
5% superfat is a good starting point. Increase for more moisturizing bars.

Open formula

NaOH = Oil Weight × SAP Value × (1 - Superfat%)
Water = NaOH × Water:Lye Ratio

Uses the saponification value of your oil blend to calculate sodium hydroxide needed, with superfat reduction for skin-safe soap.

SAP values vary by oil. Common: olive 0.134, coconut 0.178, palm 0.141.

Saponification values from Bramble Berry and Soap Queen references

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