The Candle Burn Time Estimator - the perfect solution for anyone asking, “How long will my candle burn?” Whether you’re a seasoned candle maker or a DIY hobbyist, understanding your candle’s burn time is crucial. This candle burn time calculator helps you optimize wick selection, wax type, and candle dimensions, so you can achieve a smooth, consistent burn every time.
Plan Your Production: If you’re making multiple candles for a craft fair or online shop, knowing the approximate burn time helps you schedule production and packaging.
Enhance Customer Satisfaction: Giving accurate burn-time estimates lets buyers trust the quality of your handmade candles.
Optimize Materials: By factoring in wax density, you can better manage costs and reduce waste.
Improve Candle Performance: Get a baseline for each candle design, then refine through real-world testing.
Candle Burn Time Estimator
Note: This is an approximation. Actual burn time depends on factors such as wick size, fragrance load, ambient temperature, and container shape. Always perform real-world tests to verify results.
Volume Calculation
Treat the candle as a cylinder and find its volume with the formula: π × (radius)² × height.Wax Mass
Multiply that volume by the wax’s density (e.g., soy, paraffin, or beeswax) to get the total mass of wax.Burn Rate
Use a baseline wax burn rate (grams per hour) to estimate how quickly the candle consumes wax. Remember, this is an estimate and depends on many factors!Estimated Burn Time
Divide the total wax mass by the adjusted burn rate to see how long your candle will burn in hours.
This streamlined approach helps you quickly determine an approximate burn time for your candles, making it easier to plan, test, and deliver reliable results.
Important: Other factors like room temperature, wick size, drafts, fragrance load, and wick trimming - can significantly impact the actual burn time. Always perform a real-world burn test for best results.
Select the Right Wick: A wick that’s too small can lead to tunneling, while an oversized wick might cause excessive smoke or soot.
Mind the Fragrance Load: Highly scented candles may burn differently than unscented ones, so adjust the wick size or wax blend if needed.
Trim the Wick: Encourage users to trim the wick to around 5 mm before each burn for optimal performance.
Use Quality Wax: Premium waxes tend to have more consistent densities, leading to more predictable burn times.
“How long does a soy candle burn?”
Soy wax typically burns slower than paraffin, offering extended burn times. Use my candle burn time estimator to see how your soy candle stacks up.
“Best wick size for a 3-inch candle”
Wick choice depends on both candle diameter and wax type. Check our calculator for a quick recommendation, then test in real life to confirm.
“DIY candle burn test”
After estimating burn time with my tool, conduct a real burn test to validate the results, ensuring a consistent melt pool and minimal soot.
“Improving candle burn efficiency”
Experiment with different wax blends, wick materials, and fragrance loads. My candle burn time calculator gives you a starting point for each new design.
Understanding how long your candle will burn can dramatically improve your candle-making process, customer satisfaction, and overall product quality. By using this candle burn time estimator, you’ll gain insights into wax density, wick size, and other factors that affect burn duration. Remember - while the calculator offers a reliable starting estimate, nothing replaces thorough testing in your specific environment.
Ready to Get Started?
Scroll up to my Candle Burn Time Calculator and begin optimizing your candle creations today. Whether you’re producing luxury candles for sale or crafting DIY candles for personal use, my estimator helps you achieve consistent, high-quality results every time. Happy candle making!
Current offer
Learn to make professional candles at home
one-time
✅ 40 step-by-step video lessons
✅ 35 candle designs: pillar and container
✅ Wick selection and sizing guide
✅ Fragrance blending and hot/cold throw
✅ Fix tunneling, frosting, sinkholes
✅ Lifetime access and all future updates
✅ Subtitles included
✅ Personal support when you get stuck
14-day money-back guarantee • Lifetime access
✅ Making custom trays, jewelry holders, and candle containers
✅ Marble, Dalmatian, Zebra, Terrazzo designs and many more
✅ Essential tools & correct storage methods
✅ Mixing ratios and pour technique to avoid bubbles and pinholes
✅ Color layering, textures, and finishing
✅ Polishing and sealing for a smooth, high-end look
14-day money-back guarantee • Lifetime access
