Shopping for a new cologne or perfume? It can be difficult to predict how long that expensive bottle of fragrance will last. Various factors come into play including the size of the bottle, concentration of fragrance, type of sprayer, intended use, climate, where it’s applied, rotation with other fragrances, gift or personal use, price, and many more. It’s a bit like asking “how long is a piece of string?”. I did the math to distill down how long you can expect different sized bottles to last.
Fragrance Bottle Longevity Guide
The amount of time a cologne or perfume bottle will last depends mainly on the volume of the bottle, the type of atomizer, and the fragrance concentration. The average atomizer gets 10-15 sprays per 1 mL of fragrance and 1-5 sprays per application is typical depending on the concentration (e.g. EDP vs EDT).
The table below lists how many sprays per bottle can be expected for common commercial bottle volumes. The length of time the bottle will last with daily applications can be found under the individual concentrations.
For this purpose, the base amount of sprays per day for each concentration are as follows: Parfum/Extrait – 1 spray per day, Eau de Parfum (EDP) – 2 sprays per day, Eau de Toilette (EDT) – 3 sprays per day, Eau de Cologne (EDC) – 4 sprays per day, Eau Fraiche – 5 sprays per day.
Table: Fragrance bottle longevity for different sizes and concentrations
| Volume | Sprays per bottle | Perfume (Parfum) | Eau de Parfum (EDP) | Eau de Toilette (EDT) | Eau de Cologne (EDC) | Eau Fraiche |
| 1.5mL (0.05 fl oz) | 15-22 sprays | 15-22 days | 7-11 days | 5-7 days | 3-5 days | 3-4 days |
| 5mL (0.17 fl oz) | 50-75 sprays | 50-75 days | 25-37 days | 16-25 day | 12-18 days | 10-15 days |
| 8 mL (0.27 fl oz) | 80-120 sprays | 80-120 days | 40-60 days | 26-40 days | 20-30 days | 16-24 days |
| 10mL (0.33 fl oz) | 100-150 sprays | 100-150 days | 50-75 days | 33-50 days | 25-37 days | 20-30 days |
| 15mL (0.5 fl oz) | 150-225 sprays | 150-225 days | 75-112 days | 50-75 days | 37-56 days | 30-45 days |
| 25mL (0.8 fl oz) | 250-375 sprays | 250-375 days | 125-187 days | 83-125 days | 62-93 days | 50-75 days |
| 30mL (1 fl oz) | 300-450 sprays | 300-450 days | 150-225 days | 100-150 days | 75-112 days | 60-90 days |
| 40mL (1.4 fl oz) | 400-600 sprays | 400-600 days | 200-300 days | 133-200 days | 100-150 days | 80-120 days |
| 50mL (1.7 fl oz) | 500-750 sprays | 500-750 days | 250-375 days | 166-250 days | 125-187 days | 100-150 days |
| 60mL (2 fl oz) | 600-900 sprays | 600-900 days | 300-450 days | 200-300 days | 150-225 days | 120-180 days |
| 75mL (2.5 fl oz) | 750-1125 sprays | 750-1125 days | 375-562 days | 250-375 days | 187-281 days | 150-225 days |
| 90mL (3 fl oz) | 900-1350 sprays | 900-1350 days | 450-675 days | 300-450 days | 225-337 days | 180-270 days |
| 100mL (3.4 fl oz) | 1000-1500 sprays | 1000-1500 days | 500-750 days | 333-500 days | 250-375 days | 200-300 days |
| 125mL (4.2 fl oz) | 1250-1875 sprays | 1250-1875 days | 625-937 days | 416-625 days | 312-468 days | 250-375 days |
| 150mL (5 fl oz) | 1500-2250 sprays | 1500-2250 days | 750-1125 days | 500-750 days | 375-562 days | 300-450 days |
| 200mL (6.7 fl oz) | 2000-3000 sprays | 2000-3000 days | 1000-1500 days | 666-1000 days | 250-750 days | 400-600 days |
Bottle Sizes
Fragrances will come in bottles or vials in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Their design is meant to emphasize the perfumer’s concept of the scent. The pertinent feature to look for is the volume of liquid displayed on the box or bottle, usually given in US fluid ounces (“fl oz” or “oz”) or millilitres (“mL” or “ml”).
Some perfumers may also use UK/Imperial fluid ounces, but for fragrances sold in North America you can assume US fluid ounces. The difference between 1 US fluid ounce and 1 Imperial fluid ounce is only about 4%, which can be considered a rounding error when determining the longevity of your bottle.
The volume of a fragrance bottle is the starting point for how long the juice will last and decreases with every spray. The larger bottle sizes (3.4 fl oz or 5 fl oz) are the most economical (price per oz) for fragrances you already love and can be decanted into smaller containers for traveling, daily use, or selling/gifting/trading. Smaller sizes (1.7 fl oz or 0.5 fl oz) are better options for trying out a new scent, to give as gifts, or to add to an already full fragrance rotation.
It takes a while to get a feel for a scent in different scenarios and throughout the day. If you buy a large bottle after trying it at the store counter only to realize hours later you don’t like the dry down, then there will be more going to waste. Purchasing the appropriate size bottle for your purpose is key.
TSA carry-on regulations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) limits liquids in carry-on baggage for flights to 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) or smaller sized individual containers that fit in a clear 1 quart (qt) bag. That is equivalent to about nine 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) containers.
Containers that are larger than 3.4 fl oz (100 mL), regardless of the amount of liquid inside, must be placed inside checked baggage. So if you only have a small amount of liquid left in a larger 5 fl oz container you must either decant that into a smaller bottle for a flight or place it into your checked luggage.
The only exception to the TSA carry-on liquid limit is liquids purchased at a duty free shop and stored in a secure, tamper-evident bag under certain conditions. There are also exemptions for medications and infant nourishments, neither of which are, unfortunately, valid justifications for bringing more of your favorite scents on a plane. Check out the TSA website for up to date guidance.
Atomizer/Spray Nozzle
The atomizer or spray nozzle allows the fragrance liquid inside the bottle’s reservoir to break up into small droplets (not individual atoms as the name suggests) and mix into a propelled stream of air for application. The type of nozzle, how hard the sprayer is pressed, and overall construction geometry determines the amount of and how far the fragrance is dispersed.
Sprayers from different manufacturers will, sometimes notoriously, dispense vastly different amounts of fragrance and that will affect how long a bottle will last. Creed colognes, for instance, historically had “fire hose” atomizers that would spray a lot of fragrance. Small tester vials may dispense less liquid per spray.
Half sprays are also a great option for spraying multiple parts of your body with less overall fragrance.
Testing shows the average atomizer gets between 10 to 15 sprays per 1 mL and 1-5 sprays used per day depending on fragrance concentration. A 100 mL(3.4 fl oz) bottle of perfume contains 1000-1500 sprays, which will last about 2 years for an EDP applied twice daily and about 1 year for an EDT sprayed three times a day.
Fragrance Concentrations
“Cologne” and “Perfume” are really just jargon for scents marketed towards men and women. “Eau de Cologne (EDC)” and “Parfum” may sound similar but they are actually classifications of a fragrance’s strength. Cologne can come in a Parfum concentration and Perfume can come in an Eau de Cologne (EDC) strength.
Fragrance concentration refers to the amount of fragrance oils in the liquid. The higher the concentration generally the greater amount of oils and less alcohol resulting in a more powerful aroma. Higher concentrations are the most expensive because more of the pricier ingredients are being used, but they also require less sprays.
Parfum is the highest fragrance concentration with around 20-40% aromatic ingredients. One spray is an appropriate starting point for this powerful concentration. Parfum may also be called Extrait or Extrait de Parfum.
Eau de Parfum (EDP) contains 15-20% aromatic ingredients. Two sprays is a good starting point for this potent concentration.
Eau de Toilette (EDT) contains 5-15% aromatic ingredients. Three sprays is a respectable starting point for this casual concentration.
Eau de Cologne (EDC) contains 2-4% aromatic ingredients. Four sprays is a comfortable starting point for this lighter concentration.
Eau Fraiche only contains 1-3% aromatic ingredients but contains less alcohol than an EDC. Five sprays is a healthy starting point for this fresh concentration.
| Fragrance | Concentration | Number of Sprays |
|---|---|---|
| Perfume (Parfum) | 20-40% | 1 |
| Eau de Parfum (EDP) | 15-20% | 2 |
| Eau de Toilette (EDT) | 5-15% | 3 |
| Eau de Cologne (EDC) | 2-4% | 4 |
| Eau Fraiche | 1-3% | 5 |
Fragrance concentration is not a regulated part of the industry though. These descriptors are better utilized as guidelines for consumers on what to expect from a scent. Usually, the higher the concentration the more potent the fragrance will be.
The same perfume or cologne in different concentrations also does not necessarily mean a higher percentage of aromatic oils though. An EDP vs an EDT in the same line, say Bleu de Chanel, may have similar traits but also inject unique olfactory characteristics that suits each strength accordingly. One might expect lighter, citrusy scents from EDC or EDF fragrances and heavier, more seductive aromas in an EDP.
Perfumery is a complicated art as well as a science. Since they are often using natural and organic compounds, even individual batches may vary slightly in essence. It’s up to the team of perfumers and manufacturers to best match the scents.
FAQs
How long will a 4.2 fl oz (125 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume last?
A 4.2 fl oz (125 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains 1250-1875 sprays, which will last over a year for an EDC sprayed 4 times a day or 2.5 years for an EDP sprayed twice a day.
How long will a 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume last?
A 3.4 fl oz (100 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains 1000-1500 sprays, which will last 2 years for an EDP sprayed twice a day or about 1 year for an EDT sprayed three times a day.
How long will a 2 fl oz (60 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume last?
A 2 fl oz (60 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains 600-900 sprays, which will last anywhere from 7 months for an EDC sprayed 4 times a day up to 2.5 years for a parfum sprayed once a day.
How long will a 1.7 fl oz (50 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume last?
A 1.7 fl oz (50 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains 500-750 sprays, which will last anywhere from 6 months for an EDC sprayed 4 times a day up to 2 years for a parfum sprayed once a day.
How long will 1 fl oz (30 mL) of cologne or perfume last?
A 1 fl oz (30 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains 300-450 sprays, which will last about 4 months for an EDT, 6 months for an EDP, and 1 year for a parfum. 1 fl oz is about 2 tablespoons and is a conveniently sized bottle to have in a fragrance rotation to save money, travel easily, and prevent waste if the fragrance expires before it is used up.
How long will a 0.27 fl oz (8 mL) fragrance bottle last?
A 0.27 fl oz (8 mL) bottle of cologne or perfume contains around 80-120 sprays, which will last up to 2 months for an EDP sprayed twice a day or about 1 month for an EDT sprayed 3 times per day. This is a common travel size and the size typically offered in fragrance subscription services.
How long will a fragrance tester last?
A 0.05 fl oz (1.5 mL) tester vial of cologne or perfume contains about 15-22 sprays, which will last a few days for lighter concentrations and up to 2 weeks for more potent scents sprayed sparingly.
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