Wick Size Calculator
Enter the candle's diameter, the wax and the fragrance load. The calculator suggests a starting wick size, how many wicks to use and what a good burn test looks like.
- Wick size
- Wicks
- Melt pool
Measure the inside diameter of the container at its widest point.
Wider candles need thicker wicks. A 3 in paraffin candle with 8% fragrance starts with an ECO 10 wick. In soy wax go up one size to an ECO 12. Over 4 in across, use two or more wicks.
Candle wick size chart
Paraffin, ECO style. Search for a size.
| Diameter (in) | Paraffin | Soy or coconut |
|---|---|---|
| Under 2 | ECO 1 | ECO 2 |
| 2 to 2.25 | ECO 2 | ECO 4 |
| 2.25 to 2.5 | ECO 4 | ECO 6 |
| 2.5 to 2.75 | ECO 6 | ECO 8 |
| 2.75 to 3 | ECO 8 | ECO 10 |
| 3 to 3.25 | ECO 10 | ECO 12 |
| 3.25 to 3.5 | ECO 12 | ECO 14 |
| 3.5 to 4 | ECO 14 | ECO 16 |
| Over 4 | Two or more wicks | Two or more wicks |
Inches.
Diameter and wick
Paraffin. Slide the diameter.
Wide candles get more wicks.
How to choose a wick
Container to wick. Step through it.
Measure
Diameter.
Trim the wick to 1/4 in before every burn.
Cotton, wood or square braid
Wick types. Compare them.
Common.
Crackling.
Dense.
Wooden wicks crackle and need a wide, even melt pool.
Before you pour
Candle checks. Tick each item.
Tick each item as you go.
Let a candle cure for a few days before testing scent throw.
What you get
Wick sizing. Each tile explains one result.
Size.
Wicks.
Depth.
Hours.
What to look for.
A good melt pool reaches the edge in about one hour per inch of diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
No question matches that search.
What size wick do I need?
Start from the candle's diameter, then adjust for wax and fragrance.
What wick for a three inch candle?
About an ECO ten in paraffin or ECO twelve in soy.
Why is my candle tunnelling?
The wick is too small. Go up a size.
Why does my candle smoke?
The wick is too big or needs trimming.
When should I use two wicks?
For candles over about four inches across.
Does soy wax need a bigger wick?
Usually one size up from paraffin.
Does fragrance change the wick size?
Heavy fragrance loads often need a smaller wick.
A clean, even burn
Start with the right wick and every candle melts edge to edge without soot.
More size calculators
Each one has its own calculator, worked examples and answers to common questions.