How do I choose a candle wick? Chances are, anyone who’s ever made a candle has found themselves asking this question! Picking a candle wick can feel like a daunting process, which is why we put together this helpful chart to get you started. This candle wick chart is intended to help you get off on the right foot when you start testing candles. We hope this free resource will also help you save time and money in the testing phase.
How to Use This Wick Chart
This chart is organized with several types of wax listed across the top. On the left side, you will see various container sizes. The numbers listed in the left side of the chart refer to the interior diameter of the container in inches. In the table itself, you will see a variety of wick size recommendations for each wax and container diameter.
You can simply look at the chart below, or it you prefer, you can download the chart and print it off to use at home. To download the candle wick chart, simply click the link below or click on the picture of the chart below (please note that the image below is compressed. For a high-quality copy of the chart, we recommend downloading the file rather than the image itself).
Free Downloadable Candle Wick Chart - updated Dec. 2023. The chart is now 2 pages and includes our newest wicks with testing results. The smaller containers are on the first page, and the larger containers are on the second page.
How to Print the Chart
The sheet will download as a PDF file. Simply open the file from your downloads folder and print as many copies as you like. Printer setting may differ, but we recommend selecting the "fit to page option" in your printer settings. You may successfully print the chart at 100% size, but depending on your printer, the margins may be cut off.
Notes About the Chart
While the wick sizes in the chart should help point you in the right direction, the ideal wick size can vary depending on numerous factors. As we discuss in our post about wicking candles correctly, things such as the container material, thickness and even color can affect how a candle performs. The type of fragrance you use and your fragrance load can also play a role.
With that in mind, the recommendations in this candle wicking chart are not guaranteed to work in all situations. There are simply too many factors at play to make a chart that includes every possible situation.
Also keep in mind that this chart is not intended to be used in lieu of testing your candles. It’s very important to test your candles before giving them as a gift or selling them.
If you are having trouble wicking a particular candle, try using several types of wicks that are in the recommended column until you find one that works. Candles made in large containers – such as 3.5” in diameter or more – can be more difficult to wick. For large candles, you might find it works better to double wick your candle.
When double-wicking a candle, you will use two wicks instead of one. Instead of basing the wick size on the total diameter of the container, you need to divide the diameter in half. Then choose a wick size that is appropriate for half of the diameter of the jar. For example, a 4” diameter soy wax candle might be suitable wicked with two LX 10 wicks rather than one LX 24 wick.
This wick chart will be updated as we add more types of wicks. You can always download a new copy of the chart at any time!
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19 comments
Hi Georgia, the chart is available as a free download :) you can click the image or the link in the blog above to download and print the chart.
Please kindly provide me with your wick sizing chart.
Thank you
Hi Wendy, I would recommend basing the wick size on the diameter of the container rather than the ounces it holds. You can use the chart for some wick size suggestions based on diameter. If you’re getting tunneling, you might want to move up to a larger wick than what you previously tried. You’ll want to go by the number rather than the width of the actual wick (the thickness of the coating can vary). For example, a CDN 10 will be bigger than a CDN 8. I hope this helps!
I have 80z time candle jars and used one wick in them. They tunelled and a lot of the wax didn’t melt. Should I use two wicks? Or a thicker wick? I’m super new to this and no idea what I’m doing when it comes to wick selection. Thx for any help!
I want to change to wood wicks but Ibwant to if one size wick fits all size jars or tins.