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
How it works
1 documented formula across 1 calculation mode
- Keep 2 bounded inputs within the limits shown beside the fields.
- Confirm that every value uses the unit and time basis shown before comparing scenarios.
- Change one input at a time to see which assumption materially changes the result.
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Reference & details
How it works
Updated July 2026
How it works
Updated July 2026Diameter-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 diameterFragrance 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 recommendationUpdated: 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
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.