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Wick Size Calculator

Select candle wick size from container diameter, wax type, and fragrance load. Match wick series to diameter for clean burn and full melt pool.

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Inputs that matter
Container Diameter, Wax Type, Fragrance Load
Output to expect
Wick Size Calculator
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Projects using Wick Size Calculator

This tool is part of these guided projects. Each project provides step-by-step instructions with checklists and all the tools you need in one place.

Container Candle Decision Record

Coordinate one exact container-candle formulation through people, purpose, product and vessel evidence, bounded wax/fragrance/wick scenarios, controlled making, representative burn tests, labeling and named acceptance.

6 steps3 toolsStart project

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Reference & details

How it works

Diameter-Based Wick Selection

Wick size primarily follows container inside diameter. Manufacturer charts (CD, ECO, HTP, wood wick) map diameter ranges to wick numbers increasing with container width.

Start wick = chart lookup (diameter, wax type)

Wax Type Modifier

Soy needs larger wicks than paraffin for the same diameter due to higher melt point and viscosity. Coconut-soy blends fall between. Beeswax needs smaller wicks.

Soy: size up 1–2 wick numbers vs paraffin at same diameter

Fragrance and Dye Load Adjustment

High fragrance load (9%+) and dark dye increase fuel demand — size up one wick. Low load or single-note scents may allow sizing down.

High FO (>9%) or dye: +1 wick size from base recommendation

Updated: July 2026

Example Scenarios

ECO 10 or CD 12 wick for 3-inch ID soy jar at 8% FO. Test burn 3+ hours — melt pool should reach within 1/4 inch of wall without mushrooming.

4-inch diameter at 10% FO and black dye: start CD 16 or ECO 14. Wood wicks need wider containers — use 0.03 × diameter inch formula for wood width.

Small 2-inch votive: CD 5 or ECO 4 for soy. Votives need shorter wick trim (1/4 inch) and shorter burn tests (2 hours max per session).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using paraffin wick charts for soy without adjustment

Soy wax is more viscous and needs larger wicks. Size up 1–2 numbers from paraffin recommendations or use soy-specific wick manufacturer charts.

Concluding wick size from a 1-hour test burn

Full melt pool evaluation requires 3–4 hour burns (or manufacturer-specified test duration). Early burns mislead — wax memory from tunneling persists through the candle life.

FAQ

Signs: mushrooming curl, soot on container, flickering, or melt pool deeper than 1/2 inch with fast wax consumption. Flame should be 1–1.5 inches, steady and teardrop shaped.

Tunneling (wax walls remain), small melt pool not reaching edges after 3–4 hours, flame drowning in melt pool, or self-extinguishing indicate undersized wick.

Always. Calculator gives a starting point — burn test at least two adjacent sizes. Every wax/FO/dye/container combination behaves differently.

Wood wicks use width and thickness ratings tied to diameter and wax type. They generally need wider containers (3+ inches) and may require wider wicks for high FO loads.

Thick ceramic retains heat and widens melt pool — may need smaller wick. Thin glass cools edges — may need larger wick. Always test in the actual container.

About Wick Size Calculator

Correct wick sizing determines whether a candle burns cleanly with a full melt pool or tunnels and soots. This calculator recommends wick series and size from container diameter, wax type, fragrance load, and dye content.