Fragrance Wheel
Also known as: Fragrance Circle
A circular diagram grouping scent families and showing relationships between them. Michael Edwards’ Fragrances of the World wheel is one well-known version.
A fragrance wheel arranges scent families around a circle. It gives you words for describing a perfume and places to look for related or contrasting scent directions. Michael Edwards’ Fragrances of the World wheel is one version you may encounter.
Wheels can differ in their labels and groupings. The Institute for Art and Olfaction’s educational primer discusses multiple approaches, including Edwards’ wheel and Mandy Aftel’s naturals-focused wheel. Check which version you are using before comparing its categories with another guide.
Use a family as a starting point for a shortlist. If you enjoy florals, compare a rose-led perfume with another floral direction, then note what changes in sweetness, freshness or texture. A nearby position gives you an idea to investigate; choosing a perfume or a layering combination still involves smelling the actual scents.