The Fragrance Wheel explains the relationship between innate fragrance preferences and the fragrance families.

The fragrance wheel is a round diagram that displays the different scent families and subfamilies. The scents are grouped based on their similarities and differences to show their relationship to one another. The scent groups that border each other share common olfactory characteristics, while those that are further away from one another are less related.

This fragrance classification system was developed by fragrance expert Michael Edwards. The Michael Edwards Fragrance Wheel was wildly successful and since become the industry standard.

Edwards has modified and honed his fragrance wheel a number of times to become more streamlined. The latest revision from 2010 comprises four standard families (Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh), which are divided into three or four subgroups.