How We Score Dupes
Every listing on DupeNose ranks the alternatives to one original fragrance. This page explains what each number means and where it comes from, so you can decide how much weight to give it.
Match percentage
The match percentage is our estimate of how close a dupe smells to the original over a full wear, from the first spray to the dry-down. It is an editorial score, not a lab measurement. We arrive at it by combining:
- Community consensus. We review side-by-side and blind-test reports from fragrance communities, reviewers and buyers, and look for agreement on which dupes come closest and where they differ.
- Note comparison. We compare the published note pyramid of the dupe against the original, and weigh how the key accords (for example saffron and amberwood in Baccarat Rouge 540) are reported to translate.
- How the scent develops. Many dupes nail the opening and drift in the dry-down, or the reverse. A dupe that only matches for the first hour scores lower than one that holds up all day.
As a rough guide:
| Match | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 90% and up | Very hard to tell apart in normal wear; differences mostly show up side by side |
| 80% to 89% | Clearly the same idea; a trained nose will notice differences |
| 70% to 79% | Same family and mood, with noticeable changes in sweetness, texture or strength |
| Below 70% | "Inspired by" rather than a clone; worth trying only if you like the direction |
Longevity and projection
Longevity is how long the fragrance stays noticeable on skin. Projection (or sillage) is how far it carries. Both are based on aggregated wearer reports and vary a lot with skin type, climate and how much you apply, so treat them as typical ranges rather than guarantees.
Price
Prices are the typical retail price for a standard bottle at the time we last updated the listing. Fragrance prices change often and sales are common, so always check the current price before you buy. Where a size is unusual, we note it (for example "1 oz").
How rankings are ordered
The "best overall" pick balances closeness of match, performance and price. A dupe that is a few points less accurate but lasts twice as long, or costs half as much, can rank higher. Where that happens, the "Verdict" column explains why.
What affects the order (and what does not)
Some links on DupeNose are affiliate links. Affiliate relationships never change a dupe's match score or its position in a ranking. A dupe we cannot earn anything from can, and often does, rank first.
Corrections
Formulas change, batches vary and new dupes appear constantly. If you think a score is off or we are missing a dupe, please tell us through our Contact page. We review every correction.