Candle Wax Melt Time Calculator

How This Tool Works

This calculator estimates melt pool formation time and burn rate based on candle diameter. The melt pool is the liquid wax that forms around the wick as the candle burns. A proper melt pool is essential for even burning and maximum fragrance release. Larger diameter candles take longer to form a complete melt pool because there's more wax to melt, but they generally burn more slowly per gram of wax consumed, resulting in longer total burn times.

The relationship between diameter and burn characteristics isn't linear - doubling the diameter more than doubles the melt pool formation time due to the increased surface area. This calculator helps you understand how long to expect before your candle reaches optimal burning conditions and estimates the burn rate to help you plan candle usage and estimate total burn time. Actual times can vary based on wax type, wick size, ambient temperature, and draft conditions.

Understanding Melt Pool & Burn Rate

• Melt Pool: The liquid wax around the wick - should reach container edges within 1-2 hours for even burning
• Formation Time: Time needed for complete melt pool - smaller candles (5-7cm) form in 15-30 minutes, larger (10cm+) may take 45-60+ minutes
• Burn Rate: How quickly wax is consumed - typically 7-10g per hour for standard candles, varies by diameter and wick
• Even Burning: Proper melt pool prevents tunneling (wax left on sides) and ensures full fragrance release
• First Burn: Critical - burn until full melt pool forms on first use to prevent tunneling
• Wick Size: Too small = slow melt pool, tunneling. Too large = fast burn, sooting, overheating

Candle Burning Best Practices

• First Burn: Burn until the entire top surface is melted (full melt pool) - this prevents tunneling
• Burn Time: Don't burn for more than 4 hours at a time - this prevents overheating and ensures even burn
• Wick Trimming: Trim wick to 6mm before each burn to prevent sooting and ensure proper flame size
• Draft-Free Location: Place candle away from drafts, vents, and fans for even burning
• Level Surface: Ensure candle sits on a level surface to prevent uneven melting
• Extinguish Safely: Use a snuffer or dip wick in wax - don't blow out (can cause wax splatter)
• Let Cool: Allow candle to cool completely before relighting to prevent cracking
• Monitor Burn: Watch for signs of tunneling, sooting, or uneven burning and adjust wick size if needed

FAQ

• How long does it take for a candle to form a melt pool?
  Melt pool formation time depends on candle diameter, wax type, and wick size. Smaller candles (5-7cm diameter) typically form a complete melt pool in 15-30 minutes. Medium candles (7-10cm) take 30-45 minutes. Larger candles (10cm+) may take 45-60 minutes or more. The first burn is critical - you should burn until the entire top surface is melted to prevent tunneling (wax left on sides). Soy wax may form melt pools slightly faster than paraffin. Proper wick sizing also affects formation time.
• What affects candle burn rate?
  Multiple factors affect burn rate: Candle diameter - larger candles burn slower per gram but consume more total wax. Wax type - soy wax typically burns slower than paraffin. Wick size - larger wicks burn faster and hotter. Ambient temperature - warmer rooms increase burn rate. Drafts - air movement increases burn rate. Container material - metal containers conduct heat and may increase burn rate. Fragrance load - higher fragrance loads can slightly affect burn rate. The most important factor is proper wick sizing for your candle diameter.
• Why is my candle tunneling?
  Tunneling (wax left on sides) occurs when the melt pool doesn't reach the container edges. Common causes: First burn was too short (didn't form full melt pool), wick is too small for candle diameter, burning in a drafty location, or not burning long enough on subsequent burns. To fix: On first burn, burn until entire top is melted. If already tunneling, burn longer on subsequent uses to melt the tunneled wax. For future candles, use a larger wick size. Prevention is easier than fixing - always ensure full melt pool on first burn.
• How can I make my candle burn longer?
  To extend burn time: Use a properly sized wick (not too large), burn in a draft-free location, trim wick before each burn (6mm length), allow candle to cool between burns, and ensure full melt pool on first burn to prevent tunneling. However, don't use a wick that's too small - this causes tunneling and wastes wax. The goal is proper wick sizing for even, complete burning. Some waxes (like soy) naturally burn slower than others. Proper care maximizes the candle's natural burn time.
• What causes candle sooting?
  Sooting (black smoke/residue) is caused by: Wick too large for candle diameter, wick not trimmed (too long), burning in draft, or poor quality wax/wick. To prevent: Trim wick to 6mm before each burn, use appropriate wick size for your candle diameter, burn in draft-free location, and use quality materials. If sooting occurs, extinguish candle, trim wick, and let cool before relighting. Excessive sooting indicates the wick is too large - you may need to use a smaller wick size for future candles of that diameter.
• How do I know if my wick size is correct?
  Correct wick size creates: Full melt pool reaching container edges within 1-2 hours, steady flame (not flickering excessively), minimal sooting, even burn across candle surface, and no tunneling. Signs wick is too small: Slow melt pool formation, tunneling (wax on sides), weak flame. Signs wick is too large: Excessive sooting, very fast burn, large flame, overheating. Wick size depends on candle diameter - larger candles need larger wicks. Consult wick sizing charts from wick manufacturers, or test different sizes to find what works best for your specific candle setup.