< 2"
ECO-2, ECO-4 / CD-3, CD-4
2" - 2.75"
ECO-6, ECO-8 / CD-5, CD-6
2.75" - 3.25"
ECO-10 / CD-8, CD-10
3.25" - 3.75"
ECO-12 / CD-12
3.75" - 4.25"
ECO-14, ECO-16 / CD-14, CD-16
> 4.25"
Multiple wicks / Multiple wicks
| Diameter Range | ECO Series | CD Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| < 2" | ECO-2, ECO-4 | CD-3, CD-4 | Small containers, votives |
| 2" - 2.75" | ECO-6, ECO-8 | CD-5, CD-6 | Small to medium jars |
| 2.75" - 3.25" | ECO-10 | CD-8, CD-10 | Medium containers |
| 3.25" - 3.75" | ECO-12 | CD-12 | Medium-large jars |
| 3.75" - 4.25" | ECO-14, ECO-16 | CD-14, CD-16 | Large containers |
| > 4.25" | Multiple wicks | Multiple wicks | 2-3 wicks recommended |
Always test your wicks: These recommendations are starting points. Wax blends, fragrance oils, and dyes can affect burn performance.
Burn test protocol: Burn for 4 hours, let cool completely, measure melt pool diameter. It should reach within 1/4" of the container edge.
Wick too small: Tunneling, small melt pool, or candle extinguishes early. Size up to the next wick.
Wick too large: Large flame, excessive soot, fast burn, or container overheating. Size down to a smaller wick.
Multiple wicks: For containers over 4", use multiple wicks spaced evenly. This ensures complete wax consumption and even burn.
Fragrance considerations: Heavy fragrance loads may require larger wicks. Our calculator adjusts wax amounts for your specified fragrance percentage.
Inputs
Result
Recommended: ECO-10, Single wick, Cut length: 3.5", Wax needed: ~7.8 oz (with 6% fragrance). Soy wax modifier (1.1x) adjusts the effective diameter to 2.75", placing it in the ECO-10 range.
Inputs
Result
Recommended: ECO-10, Single wick per candle, 12 total wicks at 4.5" each, Total wax: ~179.3 oz (with 6% fragrance).
Inputs
Result
Recommended: 2 wicks using ECO-10 or ECO-12 each, 2 wicks at 5.5" each, Wax needed: ~54.8 oz (with 6% fragrance), Pour temp: 155-165 F.
The right wick size depends on your container diameter, wax type, and fragrance load. For containers under 2", use ECO-2 or CD-3 wicks. For 2-2.75", use ECO-6 or CD-5. For 2.75-3.25", use ECO-10 or CD-8. For 3.25-3.75", use ECO-12 or CD-12. For 3.75-4.25", use ECO-14 or CD-14. For containers over 4.25", use multiple wicks. Always test burn your candles to verify proper performance.
ECO wicks are cotton wicks with a paper core, designed for clean burning and minimal mushrooming. They work well with soy, paraffin, and blended waxes. CD (Stabilo) wicks are cotton wicks with a paper filament core that provide a controlled curl and consistent flame. Both series are excellent choices, with ECO wicks being more popular for natural waxes and CD wicks offering more rigidity for container candles.
Multiple wicks are recommended for containers with diameters over 4.25 inches. For 4.25-5" containers, use 2 wicks. For containers over 5", use 3 wicks. Multiple wicks ensure even wax consumption, prevent tunneling, and create a larger melt pool. Space wicks evenly across the container diameter for best results.
Different waxes have different burn characteristics. Soy wax typically requires a larger wick (about 10% larger) because it burns cooler. Beeswax also needs larger wicks (15% larger) due to its density. Paraffin wax uses standard wick sizing. Coconut and palm waxes require slightly larger wicks. Our calculator automatically adjusts recommendations based on your wax type selection.
Calculate wax volume using the formula: Volume = pi x radius squared x height. Convert to weight by multiplying by wax density (typically 0.9 oz/cubic inch for most waxes). Add your fragrance load percentage to get total materials needed. Our calculator provides both per-candle and total batch amounts, including fragrance oil requirements.
Cut wicks to candle height plus 0.5 inches for trim allowance. This extra length allows you to secure the wick at the bottom and provides enough length at the top for proper lighting. For a 4-inch tall candle, cut wicks to 4.5 inches. Before first burn, trim the wick to 1/4 inch above the wax surface.
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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.