Why Burn Time Matters

Candles add warmth and ambiance to any space, but knowing how long a candle will last helps you plan your usage and manage your inventory if you make candles for sale. Burn time indicates how many hours of light or fragrance you’ll enjoy before the candle is spent. This calculator provides a quick estimate based on the amount of wax, the burn rate of each wick, and how many wicks are drawing fuel. Whether you’re setting up a romantic dinner or selling handmade candles at a craft fair, understanding burn time ensures you get the most from each candle.

Understanding Burn Rate

The burn rate measures how many grams of wax each wick consumes per hour. Because different wick materials and sizes draw fuel at varying speeds, the burn rate can change drastically between candles that appear similar. For the most accurate results, conduct a test burn by weighing the candle before lighting it, letting it burn for a set period—say two hours—and weighing it again after the wax cools. Dividing the weight lost by the number of hours burned reveals the burn rate per wick. Record this value along with the number of wicks so the calculator can project total consumption.

Multi‑Wick Dynamics

Many container candles use two or three wicks to create an even melt pool and stronger fragrance throw. While additional wicks enhance performance, they also accelerate wax consumption. The calculator multiplies the per‑wick burn rate by the number of wicks to find the total wax used each hour. A 5‑gram‑per‑hour wick burns through 15 grams per hour in a triple‑wick candle, meaning a 300‑gram candle will last roughly 20 hours instead of 60. By accounting for wick count, the tool offers a more realistic estimate than simple single‑wick formulas.

Environmental Influences

Ambient conditions play a surprising role in burn time. Drafts increase the oxygen supply and tilt the flame, causing wax to vaporize faster and creating uneven tunnels. High ambient temperatures soften wax, letting wicks draw fuel more quickly, while cold rooms can slow the melt and lead to partial burns. Even elevation matters: at higher altitudes, reduced oxygen can shorten the flame, decreasing burn rate. When testing candles, aim for a still, room‑temperature environment so your burn rate measurements reflect typical conditions. If you sell candles, note that customers in different climates may experience slightly different burn times.

Wax Chemistry and Additives

The type of wax affects both burn rate and melt pool characteristics. Paraffin often burns hotter and faster than soy, while beeswax burns slowly with a naturally sweet aroma. Blended waxes combine traits, and additives like stearic acid or vybar can alter hardness and melt points. Fragrance oils and dyes also influence combustion: heavy fragrance loads may clog the wick and slow burning, whereas certain dyes can increase heat. When experimenting with formulations, log how each recipe burns under controlled conditions. Over time, you’ll build a database that links ingredients to expected burn times.

Estimating Burn Time Step by Step

1. Weigh the finished candle to determine total wax mass. Exclude the container and lid.
2. Perform a test burn of at least two hours, then extinguish the flame and allow the wax to cool.
3. Weigh the candle again. The difference in grams divided by hours burned yields the per‑wick burn rate.
4. Enter the weight, burn rate per wick, and the number of wicks into the calculator to obtain an estimated burn time.
5. Use the result to label candles, plan events, or schedule when to replace decorative pieces.

Sample Calculation

Suppose a 240‑gram soy candle with two cotton wicks loses 12 grams after a two‑hour test burn. Each wick therefore consumes 3 grams per hour. Multiplying by two wicks gives a total burn rate of 6 grams per hour. Dividing the total wax by this rate results in an estimated burn time of 40 hours. If the same candle used a single wick burning 4 grams per hour, it would last about 60 hours but might struggle to form a full melt pool, demonstrating the tradeoff between aesthetics and longevity.

Extending Candle Life

Proper wick maintenance significantly extends burn time. Trim wicks to about 6–7 millimeters before each lighting to prevent excessive flame height, soot, and mushrooming. Allow the candle to burn long enough for the melt pool to reach the container’s edge—usually one hour for every inch of diameter—to avoid tunneling. Extinguish the flame with a snuffer or by dipping the wick into melted wax to minimize smoke. Storing candles with lids and away from heat prevents dust buildup and fragrance loss, ensuring a clean, slow burn every time.

Safety Guidelines

Understanding burn time helps prevent accidents from unattended candles. Always place candles on heat‑resistant surfaces and keep them away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, or dried flowers. Never move a candle while the wax is liquid, and keep it out of reach of children and pets. If a candle burns lower than one centimeter from the bottom, extinguish it to avoid overheating the container. For multi‑wick candles, ensure wicks stay evenly spaced so the container heats uniformly and does not crack.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If a candle tunnels—burning down the center while leaving unmelted wax on the sides—the wick may be undersized or trimmed too short. Increase the wick size slightly or allow longer initial burns to establish a full melt pool. Conversely, if the flame flickers and produces thick soot, the wick might be too large or the candle placed in a draft. Switching to a smaller wick or relocating the candle often resolves these problems. Keeping detailed notes during test burns helps isolate which factors are at play.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Does jar shape affect burn time? Yes. Tall, narrow jars limit airflow and may lengthen burn time, while wide jars encourage larger melt pools and faster consumption.
• Can I use the calculator for pillars or taper candles? Absolutely. Weigh the candle, determine burn rate per wick, and enter the number of wicks—usually one for pillars and tapers.
• What about wooden wicks? Treat wooden wicks the same way: measure their burn rate separately, as wood may consume wax differently from cotton.
• How accurate is the estimate? Real‑world burn time can vary by 10–15% due to environmental factors and manufacturing tolerances. Use the calculator as a guide rather than an absolute guarantee.

Conclusion

The Candle Burn Time Calculator is a handy tool for hobbyists and professional chandlers alike. By factoring in wax weight, per‑wick burn rate, and the number of wicks, it delivers a realistic expectation of how long your creation will glow. Use it when planning events, setting prices, or refining your candle‑making process. With a deeper understanding of burn dynamics, you’ll enjoy every candle to the fullest and create products your customers will love.