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Free soap making tool

Lye calculator (NaOH)

Sodium hydroxide and water for your oils, with superfat and lye concentration. Always double-check before you weigh lye.

Weigh out
–
Water–
Oils–
Water : lye–
Batch–

Lye is caustic: gloves, goggles, ventilation, and always add lye to water, never water to lye.

Questions

How is the lye amount calculated?

Lye = Σ (oil grams × SAP value) × (1 − superfat) ÷ purity. SAP values are in grams of KOH per gram of oil and are converted to NaOH by molar mass (39.997 / 56.106).

What superfat should I use?

5 % is a common starting point for bar soap: a little oil stays unsaponified for a milder bar. Salt bars and 100 % coconut soaps often use 15–20 %.

Where do the SAP values come from?

From the SoapCalc oil list, cross-checked against published saponification values. Oils from different suppliers vary, so treat results as a starting point.