Candle Wick Size Calculator and Chart

Pick your wax, set the inside vessel diameter, and we'll return the wick size to start testing with across every major series. For jars over 8 cm, the calculator also returns 2 and 3-wick alternatives with centre-to-centre spacing.

Frequently asked

What size wick do I need for my candle?

Measure the vessel's inner diameter, pick a wick series rated for that diameter in your wax type, and always test-burn a plain wax candle first. A correctly sized wick reaches a full melt pool to the jar wall in 2 to 3 hours without mushrooming or sooting.

What size wick for an 8 oz candle?

Most 8 oz jars are around 7 cm (2.75 in) inside diameter. In soy, start with CD-10 or CD-12, ECO-10, or HTP-83. Wick up one size if your fragrance load is above 9 percent or your jar is closer to 8 cm.

What size wick for a 10 oz candle?

A 10 oz jar is typically 7.5 to 8 cm inside diameter. Start with CD-14 or CD-16, ECO-14, or HTP-104 in soy. If the jar is over 8 cm, two smaller wicks (2 x CD-8) often burn cleaner than one big one.

What size wick for a 12 oz candle?

12 oz jars are usually 8 to 9 cm inside diameter. Try CD-18 or CD-20 single-wick, or step up to 2 x CD-10 for a wider, faster melt pool. Above 9 cm, multi-wicking is almost always cleaner.

What size wick for a 4 oz candle?

4 oz jars are typically 5 cm inside diameter. Use CD-4 or CD-6, ECO-4, or HTP-31 in soy. A small wooden wick (0.5 in flat) also works if you want a crackle.

What size wick for a 3 inch candle?

A 3 inch (7.6 cm) candle wants a wick rated for around 7.5 to 8 cm. In soy that's CD-14, ECO-14 or HTP-104. In paraffin, drop one size because paraffin throws more easily than soy.

What size wick for a beeswax candle?

Beeswax burns hot and slow, so wick larger than soy. Use square-braid 1/0 or 2/0 for a 5 to 6 cm pillar, 3/0 for a 7 to 8 cm pillar, and 4/0 to 5/0 for a 9 to 10 cm pillar. Hemp 30-ply and TCR 24/14+ also work in container beeswax.

What size wick for mason jar candles?

Half-pint mason (regular mouth, about 6 cm inside) takes CD-8 or CD-10 in soy. Pint regular-mouth (about 6.5 cm) takes CD-10 or CD-12. Wide-mouth pint (about 8.5 cm) usually needs 2 x CD-8 or a single CD-18.

What are the best wicks for soy candles?

CD, ECO and HTP all perform well in soy. CD is the most forgiving with high fragrance loads. ECO runs cooler and is the safest first pick for new makers. HTP self-trims and is popular in coconut-soy blends. Always test three sizes per vessel before committing.

What if my flame is too tall, sooting or tunneling?

Too tall (over half an inch), mushrooming or sooting means the wick is oversized. Drop one size. Tunneling on a full first burn means the wick isn't pulling enough fuel to reach the wall. Go up one size. Always retest after any wax or fragrance change above 0.5 percent.