How do I know if my wick is the right size?

Do a test burn for 3-4 hours. The melt pool should reach the edges of the container within 2-3 hours. If it does not reach the edges, wick up (larger). If it reaches the edges too quickly or the flame is too large, wick down.

Does fragrance load affect wick size?

Yes. Higher fragrance loads (above 10%) can clog the wick and cause tunnelling. You may need to wick up by one size when using heavy fragrance loads. This calculator adjusts for fragrance load above 10%.

Does adding dye affect the wick?

Liquid and block dyes can affect wick performance by slightly clogging the wick. If you use dye, consider wicking up one size. The effect is usually small but noticeable on borderline wick sizes.

When should I use double wicks?

Containers wider than 80-90mm often benefit from double wicking. Two smaller wicks create a more even melt pool than one large wick in wide containers. Space wicks evenly across the diameter.

CraftCalcs

Wick Sizing Calculator — Correct Wick for Candle Diameter

Find the right wick series and size for your candle diameter, wax type, fragrance load and dye usage.

Container Diameter

Inner diameter at widest point

Wax Type

Type of wax affects melting point and burn rate

Fragrance Load

Percentage of total weight

Dye Usage

Using liquid or block dye

How We Calculate This

This calculator recommends wick series and sizes based on container diameter, wax type, fragrance load and dye usage. Different waxes and additives affect wick performance.

How it works

The effective diameter is adjusted for fragrance load and dye usage, then matched to known wick size ranges for each wax type. Burn rate and total burn time are estimated from wax weight and typical consumption rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Wax Weight Calculator

Calculate how much wax you need to fill your candle containers.

Fragrance Oil Calculator

Work out fragrance oil amounts based on wax weight and fragrance load percentage.

Container Volume Calculator

Calculate the volume of round, square or irregular candle containers.

Dye Amount Calculator

Work out how much candle dye to add for your desired colour intensity.

Melt Pool Calculator

Estimate melt pool diameter and depth for proper candle performance.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.