Calculate saponification values instantly for perfect soap recipes. Determine exact lye amounts (KOH/NaOH) for oil blends. Free tool for cold process, hot process & liquid soap.
100 g
260 mg KOH/g
The saponification value is calculated as the weighted average of the saponification values of all oils/fats in the mixture:
Calculate saponification values instantly for perfect soap making recipes. This professional saponification value calculator helps soap makers determine the exact amount of lye (potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) needed for complete saponification of oil and fat blends. Create safe, high-quality handmade soaps with precise calculations every time.
The saponification value (SAP value) is the amount of potassium hydroxide (KOH) in milligrams required to completely saponify one gram of fat or oil. This critical measurement in soap making ensures proper chemical reaction between oils and lye, preventing harsh or soft soap outcomes. Understanding saponification values is essential for any soap maker creating cold process soap, hot process soap, or liquid soap formulations.
Choose from our extensive database of common soap-making oils including:
Input the exact weight of each oil or fat in your recipe. The calculator accepts measurements in grams for precision.
Our tool automatically computes the weighted average saponification value using the formula:
Saponification Value = Σ(Oil Weight × Oil Sap Value) ÷ Total Weight
Apply the calculated saponification value to determine your lye requirements for safe soap making.
| Oil/Fat Type | Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | Soap Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Oil | 260 | Hard, cleansing, high lather |
| Olive Oil | 190 | Mild, moisturizing, castile base |
| Palm Oil | 200 | Firm texture, stable lather |
| Castor Oil | 180 | Conditioning, lather booster |
| Shea Butter | 180 | Moisturizing, creamy texture |
| Avocado Oil | 188 | Nourishing, gentle cleansing |
Use calculated saponification values to create luxurious cold process soaps with proper lye-to-oil ratios. Perfect for crafting moisturizing bars with coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter blends.
Determine accurate KOH or NaOH amounts for hot process methods where precise saponification ensures faster cure times and professional-quality results.
Calculate KOH requirements for liquid soap recipes using high-oleic oils like olive and sunflower oil for gentle, effective cleansing products.
Scale recipes from small batches to commercial production while maintaining consistent saponification values for quality control and safety compliance.
Using incorrect saponification values can result in either lye-heavy soap (harsh and dangerous to skin) or oil-heavy soap (soft and greasy). Always use accurate saponification values for safety and quality.
This calculator provides KOH saponification values. To convert for NaOH (sodium hydroxide), multiply the result by 0.713 (the conversion factor between KOH and NaOH).
Our values are industry-standard measurements used by professional soap makers. However, natural variations in oils may cause slight differences.
Yes! Use the custom oil option and enter the specific saponification value for any oil or fat not included in our preset list.
Different oils have varying molecular structures and fatty acid compositions, requiring different amounts of lye for complete saponification.
Absolutely! Saponification values apply to both cold process and hot process soap making methods.
This calculator provides the base saponification value. For superfat, reduce your lye amount by 5-8% after calculating with these values.
Yes, but choose gentler oils like olive oil, sweet almond oil, or shea butter, and maintain a higher superfat percentage for sensitive skin formulations.
The saponification value represents a fundamental principle in soap chemistry. When oils or fats react with an alkali (lye), they undergo saponification - a chemical process that converts fatty acids into soap molecules. Each oil has a unique molecular structure requiring specific amounts of lye for complete conversion. Using a saponification value calculator ensures this chemical balance is achieved precisely, resulting in safe, effective soap products.
Ready to create your ideal soap blend? Use our saponification value calculator above to determine the exact lye requirements for your custom oil mixture. Whether you're making castile soap, luxury moisturizing bars, cleansing kitchen soap, or artisan handmade soaps, accurate saponification value calculations are essential for soap making success. Calculate your saponification values now for professional, safe soap formulations.
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