Short answer: at a typical ~0.1 ml per spray, a decant holds about 10 sprays per millilitre. So a 2 ml decant lasts roughly 2 weeks, a 5 ml about 5 weeks, and a 10 ml around 2-3 months of everyday wear (2 sprays a day, most days). Your real mileage depends on spray size, how many sprays you use, and how often you wear it - so we built a quick calculator below.
Decant longevity calculator
Enter your decant size and habits - get how long it should last.
Assumes ~0.1 ml per spray (about 10 sprays per ml), the common average for atomiser pumps. Travel sprays can dispense a little less, making a decant last longer.
How long does each decant size last?
Using ~0.1 ml per spray, here's how long common decant sizes last across three wear styles. Light = 1 spray, 3 days a week. Everyday = 2 sprays, 5 days a week. Heavy = 4 sprays, every day.
| Decant size | Approx. sprays | Light | Everyday | Heavy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 ml | ~20 | ~7 weeks | ~2 weeks | ~5 days |
| 3 ml | ~30 | ~10 weeks | ~3 weeks | ~8 days |
| 5 ml | ~50 | ~4 months | ~5 weeks | ~13 days |
| 10 ml | ~100 | ~7-8 months | ~2.5 months | ~25 days |
| 15 ml | ~150 | ~11 months | ~3.5 months | ~5.5 weeks |
| 20 ml | ~200 | ~15 months | ~5 months | ~7 weeks |
How many sprays are in a decant?
Most atomiser pumps release about 0.1 ml per spray, so you get roughly 10 sprays per millilitre:
- 2 ml = about 20 sprays
- 3 ml = about 30 sprays
- 5 ml = about 50 sprays
- 10 ml = about 100 sprays
Some fine-mist travel sprays dispense closer to 0.05-0.08 ml, which means more sprays and a longer-lasting decant.
How long does a 10ml decant last?
A 10 ml decant is about 100 sprays. At 2 sprays a day it lasts roughly 7 weeks of daily wear, or around 2.5 months if you wear it most days. It's the sweet spot for a fragrance you already love and reach for often.
How long does a 5ml decant last?
Roughly 50 sprays - about 5 weeks of everyday wear. A 5 ml is ideal for a proper test run: enough to wear a scent for a month in different weather and settings before committing to a full bottle.
How long does a 2ml decant last?
About 20 sprays, or 1-2 weeks of regular wear. Perfect for sampling something new or trying several scents side by side.
What affects how long a decant lasts?
- Spray size - pumps vary from ~0.05 to ~0.15 ml per press.
- How many sprays you use - 2 vs 5 sprays per wear more than doubles consumption.
- How often you wear it - a rotation of several scents makes each decant last much longer.
- Concentration - an extrait or EDP is stronger, so you naturally use fewer sprays than with an EDT.
How to make a decant last longer
- Apply to moisturised skin - fragrance clings to hydrated skin and you'll spray less.
- Target pulse points (neck, wrists) instead of over-spraying.
- Store it cool and dark - away from heat, light and humidity.
- Build a small rotation so no single decant does all the work.
Pick the exact size you need - 2 ml to test, 5 ml to live with it, 10 ml for a favourite.
Shop perfume decantsFAQ
How many sprays are in a 5ml decant?
Around 50 sprays at ~0.1 ml each.
Is a 10ml decant enough?
Yes - it's about 100 sprays, roughly 2-3 months of regular wear, plenty to enjoy a fragrance you love.
Do decants expire?
Stored cool and dark, a decant keeps its quality for a few years. Heat and light are what age fragrance, not the smaller bottle.