Candle Wick Size Selector

How This Tool Works

This calculator recommends wick sizes based on jar diameter and wax type. Wick sizing is crucial for proper candle performance - too small and you get tunneling (wax doesn't melt to edges), too large and you get sooting (black smoke) and overheating. The calculator uses standard wick sizing guidelines that correlate jar diameter with appropriate wick series and size. Different wax types have different melting points and viscosities, which affect how the wick burns and how the melt pool forms.

The recommendations are starting points based on industry standards and manufacturer guidelines. However, many factors affect actual wick performance: fragrance load (more fragrance oil requires larger wicks), container material (glass vs. metal conduct heat differently), wax additives (colorants, UV inhibitors), and even room temperature. Always test burn your candles and adjust wick size based on actual performance. A properly sized wick should create a full melt pool reaching the edges within 2-3 hours, with a steady flame about 1-2cm tall and minimal sooting.

Wick Series Guide

• CD Wicks: Flat braided cotton with paper core, excellent for soy and paraffin waxes
• LX Wicks: Flat braided with stabilizer, consistent burning, good for various waxes
• ECO Wicks: Flat cotton with paper core, eco-friendly, excellent for soy wax
• HTP Wicks: Flat braided with paper core, versatile for many wax types

FAQ

• What is the difference between CD, LX, ECO, and HTP wicks?
  CD wicks are flat braided cotton with paper core, excellent for soy and paraffin waxes. They provide consistent burning and good melt pool formation. LX wicks are flat braided with stabilizer, offering very consistent burning characteristics. ECO wicks are flat cotton with paper core, eco-friendly and excellent for soy wax. HTP wicks are flat braided with paper core, versatile for many wax types. Each series has different burn characteristics, flame size, and melt pool formation patterns.
• How do I know if my wick is too small?
  Signs of too small wick: tunneling (wax doesn't melt to edges), weak flame, poor scent throw, incomplete burn, and wax building up around the wick. The melt pool should reach the edges of the container within 2-3 hours of burning. If you see a deep tunnel forming with unmelted wax around the edges, your wick is too small.
• How do I know if my wick is too large?
  Signs of too large wick: large flame (over 2cm tall), sooting (black smoke), overheating container (jar becomes very hot), wax burning too quickly, mushrooming wick tip, and excessive flickering. The flame should be steady and about 1-2cm tall. If your jar becomes uncomfortably hot to touch, the wick is likely too large.
• Should I use one large wick or two smaller wicks?
  For jars over 10cm (4 inches) diameter, consider double wicking with two smaller wicks instead of one large wick. This provides better heat distribution, prevents overheating, and creates a more even melt pool. However, double wicking requires careful placement (typically 2-3cm apart) and testing. Test both single and double wick options to see which works better for your specific wax, container, and fragrance load.
• Does wax type affect wick size?
  Yes, significantly. Paraffin typically needs one size smaller than soy due to lower melting point. Beeswax may need larger wicks due to higher melting point and density. Coconut wax often needs smaller wicks. Soy wax generally needs medium-sized wicks. Always test burn and adjust based on your specific wax blend, additives, and fragrance load. Different wax manufacturers may have slightly different properties even within the same wax type.
• How does fragrance load affect wick size?
  Higher fragrance loads (8-10% fragrance oil) typically require larger wicks because the oil dilutes the wax and affects burn characteristics. Lower fragrance loads (5-6%) may work with smaller wicks. Always test burn candles with your intended fragrance load, as this significantly impacts wick performance. Some fragrances are more "wick-friendly" than others.