Quick answer: 1 ml of perfume delivers roughly 10 to 15 sprays. A 5 ml decant therefore holds 50 – 75 sprays — about 3 to 5 weeks of daily wear at 2 sprays a day. A 10 ml decant lasts 1.5 to 2.5 months at the same rhythm, and a 2 ml sample gives you a solid one-to-two-week trial.
The reference table
Based on a standard atomiser delivering 0.07 – 0.1 ml per spray:
| Size | Total sprays | Light use (2/day) | Normal use (4/day) | Generous use (6/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ml | 20 – 30 | 10 – 15 days | 5 – 7 days | 3 – 5 days |
| 5 ml | 50 – 75 | 25 – 37 days | 12 – 18 days | 8 – 12 days |
| 10 ml | 100 – 150 | 50 – 75 days | 25 – 37 days | 16 – 25 days |
| 50 ml bottle | 500 – 750 | 8 – 12 months | 4 – 6 months | 3 – 4 months |
| 100 ml bottle | 1,000 – 1,500 | 16 – 25 months | 8 – 12 months | 5 – 8 months |
How many sprays do you actually need per day?
- Extrait de parfum (20 – 40 % concentration): 2 – 3 sprays carry a full day. A 5 ml decant of an extrait can genuinely last a month.
- Eau de parfum (15 – 20 %): 3 – 5 sprays.
- Eau de toilette (5 – 15 %): 4 – 6 sprays, with a possible afternoon refresh.
Not sure of the difference? See our EDT vs EDP guide.
Which size for which goal
| Goal | Best size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Test before buying a full bottle | 2 ml | 1 – 2 weeks of real wear, on your skin, in your weather |
| Wear a scent for a season | 5 ml | About a month of daily use |
| Adopt a scent without the bottle price | 10 ml | Two months of wear, cabin-luggage friendly |
| Build a rotation | Several 5 ml | Five different 5 ml decants cost less than one 100 ml bottle |
FAQ
Is a 2 ml decant enough to judge a fragrance?
Yes — experts recommend 5 – 10 full days of wear to judge a scent, and a 2 ml sample covers that. A 5 ml adds comfortable margin.
Do decants keep as well as bottles?
Yes, if stored sealed, cool and dark. Consumed within 6 – 12 months, a decant stays perfectly true to the original juice.
Can I take a decant on a plane?
All decant sizes pass cabin rules (the limit is 100 ml per container). Browse our full decant catalogue for travel-ready sizes.