Shopping for perfume online can be tricky. You've found a scent you love, but you're stuck on one question: What does 1.7 fl oz[1] actually look like? Is it tiny? Is it big enough? You're not alone in this confusion.
Let's clear it up. A 1.7 fl oz perfume bottle, which is the same as 50 ml[2], is one of the most popular and versatile sizes available[3]. It's often considered the "sweet spot" for fragrance lovers.
For a quick answer, here’s what you need to know about the 1.7 oz / 50 ml perfume size:
- Volume: 1.7 fluid ounces is precisely 50 milliliters (ml).
- Size: It's a medium-sized bottle, significantly larger than a sample but more compact than a large 3.4 oz bottle.
- Travel-Friendly: Yes, it is fully compliant with TSA regulations[4] (which allow liquids up to 3.4 oz or 100 ml) for carry-on luggage.
- Usage: It provides approximately 700-750 sprays, lasting most users anywhere from 6 to 12 months.
Quick Comparison of Common Perfume Sizes
| Capacity (oz) | Capacity (ml) | Approx. Sprays | TSA Carry-On? | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 oz | 30 ml | ~450 | Yes | Travel, trying new scents, a tight budget |
| 1.7 oz | 50 ml | ~735 | Yes | Daily use, short trips, the perfect balance |
| 3.4 oz | 100 ml | ~1470 | Yes | Your signature scent, best value per ml |
Part 1: See For Yourself - The Real-Life Size of a 50ml Perfume Bottle
Descriptions and numbers are helpful, but nothing beats a visual. The main reason people are unsure about the 1.7 oz size is that they can't picture it. Let's fix that.
While bottle designs[5] vary wildly from brand to brand, a typical 50ml bottle will have dimensions in the range of 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in height and 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) in width.
As you can see, it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. It's substantial enough to feel like a quality product but compact enough for easy handling.
Now, let's compare it to items you use every day.
When placed next to a smartphone or a credit card, the 50ml bottle's manageable size becomes clear. It's small enough to tuck into a purse or a dopp kit without taking up much space.
Part 2: How Long Will a 50ml Bottle of Perfume Last?[6]
This is the million-dollar question. The answer depends on your personal usage habits, but we can make a very accurate estimate.
A standard perfume spray dispenses about 0.07ml of liquid. With a simple calculation, we can figure out the total number of sprays:
50ml bottle / 0.07ml per spray ≈ 714 sprays
So, what does ~715 sprays mean in terms of time?
- For the Daily User (3-4 sprays/day): A 50ml bottle will last you approximately 6 to 7 months.
- For the Occasional User (a few times a week): This bottle could easily last you well over a year.
Keep in mind that factors like the perfume's concentration (an Eau de Parfum[7] might require fewer sprays than a lighter Eau de Toilette[8]) can also influence how quickly you use it.
Part 3: Perfume Size Showdown: 30ml vs. 50ml vs. 100ml
Choosing the right perfume bottle sizes depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how committed you are to a particular scent. Having them all side-by-side makes the difference obvious.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide.
The Trial & Travel Size: 1 oz / 30 ml
- Pros: The most portable, lowest initial cost[9], and perfect for testing a new fragrance without a big commitment.
- Cons: Has the highest cost per ml. You pay more for less in the long run.
The Golden Standard: 1.7 oz / 50 ml
- Pros: The perfect balance of portability and volume. It's cost-effective and ideal for daily use without feeling like you'll run out too quickly.
- Cons: If you are a heavy user and it's your absolute signature scent, you might find yourself repurchasing it twice a year.
The Max Value Size: 3.4 oz / 100 ml
- Pros: By far the best value, offering the lowest cost per ml. This is the smartest choice for a fragrance you know you love and will wear for a long time.
- Cons: Less portable, can be bulky for travel, and represents a higher upfront investment. It can also be a long commitment if your tastes change.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a 1.7 oz / 50ml perfume bottle allowed on a plane[10]?
Yes, absolutely. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and most international airline regulations state that liquids in carry-on luggage must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less. At 1.7 oz (50 ml), this size is well under the limit and is perfect for taking perfume on a plane.
Is 1.7 oz considered a "full-size" perfume?
Yes. Generally, both the 1.7 oz (50 ml) and 3.4 oz (100 ml) sizes are considered "full-size" products by the beauty industry. Anything smaller is typically marketed as a "travel size" or "rollerball," and tiny 1-5ml bottles are "samples" or "minis."
I saw a "17 perfume bottle" mentioned. Is that a typo?
Yes, this is almost always a typo for 1.7 oz. Some very small, niche perfume oils may come in a 17ml size (about 0.6 oz), but in the context of mainstream spray perfumes, if you see "17," the discussion is about the standard 1.7 oz / 50 ml bottle.
Should I choose a size based on perfume concentration (EDP vs. EDT)?
You can. An Eau de Parfum (EDP) has a higher concentration of fragrance oil and lasts longer, so you might use fewer sprays. Because of this, a 50ml bottle of an EDP can be very long-lasting and a great investment. For a lighter Eau de Toilette (EDT) that you might reapply during the day, a larger size could offer better value.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Perfume Bottle?
Now that you understand the importance of choosing the right bottle size, let LOM Glassworks help you bring your brand's vision to life. Whether you need the classic 50 ml bottle discussed here, another standard size, or a completely bespoke design, we have the solution. We are experts in creating high-quality glass packaging that makes your fragrance stand out.
Explore our solutions at www.lomglassworks.com or contact our team today to start your custom bottle project.
The Verdict: The Perfect All-Rounder
The 1.7 oz (50 ml) perfume bottle is the champion of versatility. It strikes the perfect balance between value, longevity, and portability. It's also a common size for refillable perfume bottles[11], adding an eco-friendly dimension to its appeal.
It's the ideal choice for someone who wears fragrance regularly, appreciates a good value, and wants the flexibility to travel with their favorite scent. Whether you're exploring a new fragrance or sticking with a trusted favorite, you can't go wrong with the 50ml size.
Now that you're an expert on perfume sizes, you can dive deeper into the world of fragrances. Learn more about the different ways to personalize your product with perfume bottle decoration techniques[12] or a beautiful custom engraving[13].
[1]. Provides an in-depth explanation of this imperial and customary unit of volume.
[2]. Offers technical details and conversions for this common metric unit of volume.
[3]. A detailed guide to selecting the right perfume bottle size for a new brand.
[4]. Read the official government guidelines for traveling with liquids in carry-on luggage.
[5]. Compare the pros and cons of choosing between stock versus custom bottle designs.
[6]. Understand all the factors determining how long your fragrance bottle will actually last.
[7]. Explains the concentration levels that define this popular and long-lasting perfume type.
[8]. Learn about the fragrance concentration and characteristics of this lighter perfume style.
[9]. Learn about the costs and minimum orders for custom perfume bottle production.
[10]. Explore the specific rules and tips for taking any type of perfume on an airplane.
[11]. See a complete guide to brands offering eco-friendly refillable fragrance bottle options.
[12]. Discover artistic techniques used to decorate and personalize perfume bottles.
[13]. Find inspiration for adding a personal touch with custom bottle engraving options.