Perfume Longevity Calculator
Estimate how long a fragrance lasts on skin from its concentration type, the number of sprays and your skin type.
How it works
Longevity ≈ base hours (by concentration) × skin factor (dry 0.8 / normal 1.0 / oily 1.2) × spray factor (0.7–1.5)
How long a fragrance lasts is driven mostly by its concentration of aromatic oils: parfum holds the most and lingers longest, while eau de toilette and cologne are lighter and fade faster. Oily, moisturised skin grips scent molecules and extends wear, whereas dry skin lets them evaporate sooner. More sprays and application to pulse points add projection and time within these limits.
Worked example
Four sprays of an eau de parfum start from a 5-hour base. On normal skin the multipliers are both 1.0, so it lasts about 5 hours, with a likely range of roughly 4 to 6 hours depending on heat, activity and how much you applied.
Frequently asked questions
Why does eau de parfum last longer than eau de toilette?
It contains a higher percentage of fragrance oils — typically 15–20% versus 5–15% for toilette. More oil means more scent to evaporate over time, so it projects and lasts longer from the same number of sprays.
Does skin type really matter?
Yes. Oily and well-moisturised skin holds fragrance molecules longer, while dry skin lets them dissipate faster. Applying to moisturised pulse points is a common trick to stretch longevity on dry skin.
How can I make a scent last longer?
Apply to moisturised skin and pulse points, avoid rubbing your wrists together (it breaks down top notes), and layer with a matching body lotion. Storing the bottle away from heat and light also preserves the fragrance.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.