The Majestic Mountain Sage Lye Calculator™ is based on the basic formulas that are used to figure out lye requirements for all soapmaking. All fats have what is known as a saponification value. A saponification value is the amount of potassium hydroxide (in milligrams) required to convert one gram of fat or oil into soap. Once a saponification value is known, it is easy to calculate the amount of lye (either potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide) needed in a soap recipe.
The saponification values used in the Lye Calculator™ are averages. We have researched many chemistry books and industrial standards books for saponification averages and ranges. To determine the saponification values we have used in the Lye Calculator™, mark potassium hydroxide and grams then mark a single oil with 1000. The saponification value we are using will appear in the 0% excess fat box.
Calculating soap recipes is the most intimidating part of soapmaking. This is why we have created the Lye Calculator™. We hope your successes give you the courage to calculate a few recipes on your own.