Candle Burn Time Calculator
Estimate candle burn time from wax weight and wick count.
Returns total hours, cost per hour, and recommended session length to maximize life and scent throw.
Candle burn time is determined by the weight (or volume) of wax and the rate at which the flame consumes it. Different wax types, wick sizes, fragrance load levels, and vessel diameters all affect how long a candle lasts.
Core formula:
Burn Time (hours) = Wax Weight (grams) / Burn Rate (grams per hour)
Average burn rates by wax type:
| Wax Type | Burn Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Paraffin | 7–9 g/hr | Most common; burns hot and fast |
| Soy wax | 5–7 g/hr | Slower burn; cleaner emissions |
| Beeswax | 3–5 g/hr | Slowest burn; naturally sweet scent |
| Coconut wax | 5–7 g/hr | Premium option; clean burn |
| Gel wax | 4–6 g/hr | Used for decorative containers |
| Palm wax | 6–8 g/hr | Hard wax; similar to paraffin |
Expected burn times by candle size:
| Candle Size | Approx. Weight | Estimated Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Tealight | 14–18g (0.5 oz) | 3–5 hours |
| Votive | 55–65g (2 oz) | 8–15 hours |
| Travel tin | 90–120g (3–4 oz) | 18–28 hours |
| Small jar | 113–140g (4–5 oz) | 20–35 hours |
| Medium jar | 200–230g (7–8 oz) | 35–55 hours |
| Large jar | 400–450g (14–16 oz) | 65–100 hours |
| 3-wick large | 570–680g (20–24 oz) | 40–65 hours |
Why 3-wick candles burn faster than single-wick: Three flames consume wax simultaneously. Despite holding more wax, a 3-wick burns 2–3× faster per hour than a single-wick candle of equal size.
Factors that affect burn time:
- Wick diameter: Larger wicks burn hotter and faster
- Fragrance load: High fragrance oil content (>10%) can speed burning
- Drafts: Air movement makes the flame burn hotter and consume wax faster
- Vessel shape: Wide, shallow vessels have more surface area and burn faster than tall, narrow jars
Candle care tips for maximum burn time:
- Trim the wick to ¼ inch (6mm) before every use — a longer wick creates a larger, hotter flame
- First burn rule: Let wax melt fully to the edges on the first use — this prevents tunneling (a hole forming down the center)
- 4-hour maximum: Never burn a candle longer than 4 hours at a time; the wick can move and create an unsafe flame
- Extinguish safely: Use a candle snuffer rather than blowing — blowing scatters hot wax and creates smoke
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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