Crafting a beautiful, evenly burning candle starts with choosing the right wick. Factors like wax type, fragrance load, and container diameter all play a role in determining how your candle will burn. My Candle Wick Size Calculator (included below) offers a quick, approximate starting point to help you pick the right wick diameter. Remember, testing is crucial to refine your results and ensure a safe, efficient burn.
Candle Wick Size Calculator
Note: These approximate wick diameters serve as a basic guide. Always test thoroughly with your specific wax, container, and fragrance load to ensure optimal results.
The wick is the candle’s “engine.” It draws molten wax up to the flame, controlling how quickly your candle burns, how large the melt pool gets, and whether it tunnels or smokes. A wick that’s too small may struggle to fully melt the surface, while one that’s too large can create soot, mushrooming, or excessive heat.
Wax Type: Different waxes (e.g., soy wax, paraffin wax, beeswax) have varying melting points and burn characteristics.
Fragrance Load: High fragrance levels can thicken the wax, affecting how the wick draws the melt.
Container Shape & Diameter: Wider containers need larger wicks or multiple wicks to achieve a full melt pool.
Dyes & Additives: Colorants and additives like stearic acid can alter the wax’s burn properties.
Make a Test Candle: Use the same wax, fragrance load, and container size you plan to sell or give as a gift.
Initial Burn: Light the candle in a safe, draft-free area. Let it burn long enough to form a complete melt pool across the top - usually one hour per inch of diameter.
Observe: Check flame height, soot, mushrooming, and how evenly the melt pool forms. A steady, medium flame and minimal soot are good signs.
Multiple Sessions: After extinguishing, let the candle cool. Relight it the next day and observe the same factors. Wick performance can change over multiple burns.
Adjust If Needed: If the melt pool is too shallow, consider a thicker wick. If there’s excessive soot or flickering, go thinner.
The calculator uses your container diameter, candle type, and wax type to suggest an approximate wick diameter. This recommendation is only a starting point - actual performance can vary based on wax brand, fragrance oil, and even ambient temperature.
Measure the inside diameter of your container.
Select whether you’re making a tealight, votive, pillar, or container candle.
Pick your wax type (soy, paraffin, or beeswax).
Calculate to see an approximate wick diameter in millimeters.
Test & Adjust accordingly - because every recipe and environment is unique.
Keep a Journal: Note every detail - wax brand, pouring temperature, fragrance load, wick size, and burn observations.
Trim the Wick: Before each burn, trim the wick to about 5 mm. This helps prevent mushrooming and excessive smoke.
Use Quality Supplies: Cheaper waxes or untested fragrance oils can lead to unpredictable results. Always source from reputable candle making suppliers.
Be Patient: If you’re new to candle making, expect some trial and error. Perfecting your wicks is a journey!
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