Choosing a candle wick seems like it should be the easiest part of making a candle.
It's a piece of string.
How complicated could this possibly get?
And then you make your first candle.
It tunnels.
So you try a bigger wick.
Now the flame looks like it's auditioning for a bonfire.
Welcome to wick testing.
Learning how to choose a candle wick is one of the most important skills in candle making because the wick isn't simply the thing you light. It's an integral part of the system that controls how your candle burns.
Your wax matters.
Your fragrance matters.
Your vessel matters.
Your wick matters.
And they all have to work together.
That's why there isn't one magical wick that works perfectly in every candle.
This guide will help you understand the different types of candle wicks, how wick sizing works, what your vessel diameter has to do with it, when you might need multiple wicks and, most importantly, how to determine whether the wick you've chosen is actually working.
If you're just beginning, start with our Ultimate Guide to Candle Making Supplies in Canada, where we cover wax, fragrance oils, wicks, vessels, molds, tools and the other supplies you'll need to start making candles.
Ready to solve the tiny piece of string with the surprisingly large job?
Let's wick this thing.
What Does a Candle Wick Actually Do?
It helps to understand what the wick is doing before trying to choose one.
When you light a candle, the flame melts some of the wax surrounding the wick.
The wick then draws that liquid fuel toward the flame.
In other words, your candle wick is part of the system that delivers fuel to the flame.
That means changing the wick changes the way your candle behaves.
A wick that doesn't deliver enough fuel may produce an inadequate burn.
A wick that delivers too much can produce an overly aggressive burn.
Our goal isn't simply:
Will this wick stay lit?
We're looking for a wick that works appropriately with the entire candle formulation.
Why Candle Wick Size Matters
Imagine putting the engine from a lawn mower into a transport truck.
Now imagine putting the truck engine into the lawn mower.
Neither is going to be particularly elegant.
Candle wick sizing follows a similar principle.
A wick that is too small for your candle may struggle to create sufficient heat.
A wick that is too large may generate more heat than the candle requires.
The trick is finding the appropriate balance.
And that's why wick charts are useful, but they are starting points rather than guarantees.
What Determines Candle Wick Size?
If you're wondering how to choose the correct candle wick size, start by looking at several variables.
1. Vessel Diameter
This is one of the most important starting measurements.
Measure the inside diameter of your candle vessel.
Not the height.
Not how many ounces the manufacturer says it holds.
The diameter.
A short wide candle and a tall narrow candle could contain similar amounts of wax while requiring completely different wick considerations.
Why?
Because the wick needs to generate enough heat for the width of wax surrounding it.
This is why candle wick guides commonly begin with vessel diameter.
2. Type of Candle Wax
Different candle waxes behave differently.
A wick that performs well in one wax isn't guaranteed to perform identically in another.
Your candle might contain:
- soy container wax
- coconut-soy wax
- coco-apricot wax
- paraffin
- gel
- beeswax
- another wax blend
Wax hardness, melting characteristics and formulation can all influence wick performance.
This is why switching wax should trigger new testing.
If you're still deciding which wax to use, our Best Candle Wax for Candle Making guide is the natural companion to this article.
3. Fragrance Oil
Fragrance isn't just something your nose notices.
Adding fragrance changes your candle formulation.
Different fragrance oils can behave differently in wax, which means a wick that performs beautifully in one fragrance may not behave exactly the same way in another.
This is particularly important for candle businesses.
Don't assume:
"I tested this vessel with this wax, so now I can use the same wick for every fragrance."
You might be able to.
But you need testing to establish that.
4. Fragrance Load
The amount of fragrance in the candle can also affect the formulation.
This is one reason pouring in extra fragrance oil isn't a clever shortcut to stronger candles.
Your wax has specifications, and your finished candle still needs to perform properly.
We'll cover this extensively in our upcoming guide to How Much Fragrance Oil to Use in Candles.
5. Candle Dye and Other Additives
Colour and other formulation changes can affect how a candle burns.
Again, this doesn't mean every tiny colour change automatically requires a dramatically different wick.
It means the finished formulation needs to be tested rather than assuming that each ingredient operates independently.
6. Wick Construction
Two wicks that look similar aren't necessarily equivalent.
Construction matters.
Cotton wicks, paper-interwoven wicks and wooden wicks can all behave differently.
Even within one wick family, different sizes are designed to produce different burn characteristics.
That's why shopping for wicks based solely on physical thickness isn't particularly useful.
The Main Types of Candle Wicks
Candlehaven carries several wick families because different candles call for different solutions.
You can browse the complete Candlehaven Candle Wick Collection while we compare them.
Cotton Candle Wicks
Cotton wicks give you the familiar appearance most people picture when they imagine a traditional candle.
Candlehaven carries Cotton 35 and Cotton 45 options within its cotton wick range. Candlehaven
Cotton wicks can be appealing when you want:
- a classic candle appearance
- a simple traditional wick
- an unobtrusive look
- versatility across candle styles
They're also visually neutral.
Sometimes that's exactly what you want.
If your vessel, fragrance or wax design is supposed to be the star of the show, the wick doesn't necessarily need to arrive wearing sequins.
ECO Candle Wicks
ECO wicks are a different construction.
Candlehaven's ECO series uses a flat, coreless cotton wick with paper filaments interwoven into the braid for rigidity and burn stability. Candlehaven currently carries ECO 12 and ECO 14. Candlehaven
The paper filaments also influence the way the wick curls as it burns.
Candlehaven's current ECO wick specifications list:
ECO 12: starting point for vessels up to approximately 3.5 inches / 89 mm in diameter.
ECO 14: starting point for vessels up to approximately 3.75 inches / 95 mm in diameter. Candlehaven
Notice the phrase starting point.
That's deliberate.
Those measurements give you somewhere intelligent to begin testing. They don't magically approve every combination of wax, fragrance and vessel within that diameter.
HTP Candle Wicks
HTP wicks are one of the wick families worth knowing if you make container candles.
HTP is a flat cotton wick interwoven with paper fibres, which increases rigidity while retaining the performance characteristics of a flat wick.
Candlehaven's current HTP range includes:
HTP 104
HTP 1312
Candlehaven recommends HTP wicks as an option across several of its waxes, including Coco Apricot, EcoLux Coco Soy, Soy-Bee Coco Silk and Soy Container Wax. The existing Candlehaven wicking guide also identifies HTP as suitable for gel and other wax systems. Candlehaven
That versatility is one reason HTP deserves a place in your wick-testing toolbox.
Wooden Candle Wicks
And now we arrive at the extroverts.
Wooden wicks aren't content simply to burn.
They want to be seen.
A wooden wick changes the visual personality of a candle before you even light it, which makes wood particularly interesting for premium and gift candles.
Candlehaven currently carries an unusually broad selection, including:
- W007 wooden wicks
- W008 wooden wicks
- wooden wicks with boosters
- small-booster versions
- WoodLite wicks
- Spiral Wood Wicks
- S Wicks
- X Wicks Candlehaven
Different designs give candle makers much more creative freedom than the familiar single flat wooden strip.
Why Choose a Wooden Wick?
A wooden wick can contribute:
- visual interest
- a more contemporary appearance
- distinctive flame presentation
- gentle crackling with suitable formulations
- another design element for premium candles
Candlehaven's current technical guidance recommends wooden wicks for container applications rather than pillars or votives and stresses that wax, fragrance and dye can all affect their performance. Candlehaven
That's particularly important with wooden wicks.
They're gorgeous.
They're also not mind readers.
They still need testing.
Cotton Wick vs. Wood Wick: Which Is Better?
Neither.
That sounds unhelpful, but it's the correct answer.
A cotton wick isn't universally better than a wood wick, and a wooden wick isn't automatically an upgrade from cotton.
They're different tools.
Choose cotton when you want a traditional appearance and the performance characteristics of the wick series you're testing.
Choose wood when the visual appearance and characteristics of a wooden wick complement your candle.
For a candle business, there's another consideration:
brand identity.
Imagine two candles made with the same wax and fragrance.
One has a classic cotton wick.
The other has a wide wooden wick.
They may immediately communicate different things to the customer.
That's why wick selection can be partly technical and partly aesthetic.
The technical part wins, though.
A beautiful wick that doesn't perform properly is not a successful wick.
How to Choose the Right Candle Wick Size
Here's the process I'd recommend.
Step 1: Measure Your Vessel
Measure the inside diameter of your candle vessel.
Record it.
If the vessel changes width significantly from bottom to top, account for the actual geometry rather than relying blindly on a product's stated capacity.
Step 2: Identify Your Wax
Write down the exact wax.
Not simply:
"soy."
Write:
Soy Container Wax
or
EcoLux Coco Soy
or
Coco Apricot Wax
or whatever you're actually using.
Specificity makes your test results useful later.
Step 3: Identify Your Fragrance and Fragrance Load
Record the exact fragrance and percentage you're testing.
If you're making unscented candles, record that too.
Step 4: Consult the Wick Starting Recommendations
Now use the specifications for the wick series you're considering to identify a reasonable starting size.
Candlehaven already maintains a dedicated Wicking Guide that can help you narrow your starting options. Candlehaven
But don't buy 500 wicks because a chart told you one size "should" work.
Buy enough to test.
Step 5: Test Neighbouring Wick Sizes When Practical
If you're developing a candle for sale, consider testing the recommended size along with a neighbouring size where appropriate.
Why?
Because testing one wick tells you how one wick performed.
Testing nearby candidates gives you comparative information.
This can make it much easier to recognize when you're sitting between two options.
What Does an Underwicked Candle Look Like?
An underwicked candle doesn't generate sufficient heat for the formulation and vessel.
Possible signs can include:
- persistent tunnelling
- a melt pool that remains too restricted
- a weak flame
- the flame struggling or extinguishing
- wax accumulating excessively around the vessel walls
But here's where beginners can jump to conclusions.
Don't diagnose the entire candle from five minutes of the first burn.
Candle behaviour develops over time.
Observe the candle through controlled burn testing before deciding what needs to change.
What Does an Overwicked Candle Look Like?
An oversized wick can produce too much heat.
Possible warning signs include:
- an excessively large flame
- heavy mushrooming or carbon buildup
- visible soot
- an overly deep melt pool
- excessive heat
- rapid wax consumption
Again, don't diagnose based on one characteristic alone.
The purpose of testing is to observe the whole burn behaviour.
What Is a Candle Melt Pool?
The melt pool is the liquid wax that forms around the burning wick.
Candle makers often become slightly obsessed with it.
You'll hear discussions about:
full melt pools
melt-pool depth
melt-pool diameter
how quickly the wax reaches the edge
All of those observations can be useful.
But there's a trap here.
Your Candle Does Not Need to Reach a Full Melt Pool Immediately
Trying to force a perfect edge-to-edge melt pool very quickly can tempt makers to choose an oversized wick.
Remember that a container candle changes as it burns deeper into the vessel.
Heat behaviour changes too.
Judge the candle across its burn life, not merely from the prettiest-looking melt pool you can produce on burn number one.
Why Wick Charts Aren't Guarantees
This deserves its own section because it can save you a lot of frustration.
A wick chart might tell you that a particular wick is suitable for a certain diameter.
That's useful.
It does not mean:
Every candle with this diameter should use this wick.
Your actual candle also has:
- a particular wax
- a fragrance
- a fragrance load
- possibly dye
- a particular vessel
- a particular wick placement
- its own dimensions
That's why experienced candle makers talk about wick charts as starting recommendations.
If a chart could perfectly wick every possible candle, burn testing wouldn't be a thing.
We'd all have considerably more free time.
And probably far too many fragrance oils.
How to Burn Test a Candle
This is where good candle making separates itself from guesswork.
When developing a candle, create a test record containing information such as:
Wax:
Exact wax and amount.
Vessel:
Exact vessel and inside diameter.
Wick:
Series and size.
Fragrance:
Exact fragrance.
Fragrance load:
Percentage used.
Dye/additives:
Anything else added.
Pour date:
Record it.
Test date:
Record this too.
Then document what happens during each burn.
Look at the flame.
Look at the melt pool.
Look for soot.
Watch wick behaviour.
Observe the vessel.
Track how the candle changes as the wax level drops.
This creates something enormously valuable:
data about your own candles.
Internet advice can get you started.
Your own testing tells you what actually happens in your formulation.
Should You Test Every Fragrance?
If you're selling candles, don't assume that one successful wick test automatically validates every fragrance in the collection.
Different fragrances can affect performance differently.
Suppose you've tested:
Coco Apricot Wax
- your chosen vessel
- HTP wick
- Lavender fragrance.
Wonderful.
That establishes useful information about that combination.
It doesn't scientifically prove that a dense bakery fragrance in the same vessel will behave identically.
Test your finished formulations.
It's less glamorous than designing labels.
It's also considerably cheaper than discovering a problem after you've made 100 candles.
When Should You Use Two Wicks?
Very wide vessels can sometimes perform better with multiple smaller wicks rather than one enormous central wick.
This distributes heat across the candle differently.
But don't automatically double-wick because a jar looks big.
Start with the vessel diameter and the recommendations for your wick system.
Candlehaven's existing wicking guide provides a useful starting calculation for multi-wick testing:
Vessel diameter ÷ number of wicks + 0.25 inches = approximate diameter each wick needs to cover. Candlehaven
For example, a 4.5-inch vessel with three wicks:
4.5 ÷ 3 + 0.25 = 1.75 inches
That gives you a starting point for selecting wick candidates capable of covering approximately that area.
And once again:
test it.
The calculator gives you candidates.
The candle gives you the answer.
How Far Apart Should Multiple Candle Wicks Be?
Multiple wicks should be positioned symmetrically so heat is distributed as evenly as possible.
Avoid placing them so close together that they behave like one oversized central flame.
Also avoid pushing them so close to the vessel wall that heat becomes concentrated against the glass.
The exact arrangement depends on the number of wicks and vessel geometry.
Consistency matters.
If you're testing a three-wick candle, position all your test candles the same way so you're comparing like with like.
How Do You Keep a Candle Wick Centred?
This sounds like a tiny detail.
It isn't.
A badly off-centre wick can produce uneven heating and make your test results less useful.
Use a wick sticker or another appropriate wick-securing method to hold the wick tab firmly at the bottom of the vessel.
Then use a wick centering tool at the top to keep the wick correctly positioned while the wax cools.
Candlehaven carries candle-making tools and accessories specifically for these jobs.
Shop Candle Making Tools & Accessories
What About Wick Length?
Before burning a finished candle, wick length matters too.
An excessively long wick can contribute to a larger flame and carbon buildup.
Follow the recommendations for the wick system you're using and provide proper candle-care instructions if you're selling finished candles.
Don't use wick trimming as a substitute for correct wick selection, though.
A fundamentally oversized wick doesn't become correctly sized simply because you gave it a haircut.
Do Different Wax Types Need Different Wicks?
Potentially, yes.
This is why we keep returning to the candle as a system.
Suppose you have a successful formula using:
Soy Container Wax + fragrance + vessel + wick.
Then you decide to upgrade to Coco Apricot Wax.
You haven't merely changed the colour of the wax.
You've changed one of the major components controlling the candle's burn behaviour.
Re-evaluate the wick.
The same principle applies when moving among soy, coconut-soy, coco-apricot, gel and other waxes.
You can explore these differences in our Best Candle Wax for Candle Making guide and browse the complete Candlehaven Candle Wax Collection.
Best Candle Wick for Soy Wax
There isn't one universal "best wick for soy wax."
Candlehaven offers several candidates for natural and blended wax formulations, including ECO and HTP wick families. Its existing technical guide specifically positions ECO for natural waxes and HTP across several vegetable and blended waxes. Candlehaven
The appropriate starting size still depends heavily on vessel diameter and your formulation.
Best Candle Wick for Coco Apricot Wax
HTP is one wick family Candlehaven identifies as compatible with Coco Apricot Wax. Candlehaven
But don't turn that statement into:
Coco Apricot = one specific HTP size.
The vessel diameter and formulation still determine which size you should test.
Best Candle Wick for Gel Wax
Candlehaven's HTP guidance includes gel among the wax systems in which HTP wicks can be used. Candlehaven
Gel candle making has additional formulation considerations, however, so wick choice should be part of a complete gel-candle test.
We'll tackle that properly in our upcoming Complete Guide to Gel Candle Making.
Best Candle Wick for a Candle Business
The best wick for a business isn't simply the wick that produces one beautiful test burn.
You also need:
Consistency
Can you reproduce the candle?
Availability
Can you reliably reorder the wick?
Cost
Does it fit the economics of your candle?
Appearance
Does it suit your brand?
Performance
Does it work reliably in your tested formulations?
This is where standardizing your candle collection can become extremely useful.
If you use a small number of vessel sizes and wax systems, you reduce the number of variables you're constantly managing.
That doesn't eliminate testing.
It makes testing considerably more organized.
Keep a Candle Testing Library
If you're serious about candle making, start keeping records now.
Record:
- wax
- wax batch if relevant
- vessel
- vessel diameter
- wick series
- wick size
- fragrance
- fragrance percentage
- dye
- pour date
- cure time
- each burn
- flame observations
- melt-pool observations
- soot or mushrooming
- final result
Eventually you'll build something more useful than any generic wick chart:
your own formulation history.
If you discover that a particular combination works beautifully, you can reproduce it.
If something fails, you know what you actually tested.
Memory is a terrible production system.
Write it down.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candle Wicks
How do I know what size candle wick I need?
Start with the inside diameter of your vessel, then consider your wax, fragrance, fragrance load and wick family. Use the wick manufacturer's or supplier's sizing guidance to select a starting candidate and verify it through burn testing.
Does candle wick size depend on jar size?
Yes, vessel diameter is one of the primary starting factors in wick selection, but it isn't the only factor. Wax and the rest of the candle formulation also affect performance.
Are wooden wicks better than cotton wicks?
Neither is universally better. Cotton and wooden wicks offer different aesthetics and performance characteristics. Choose according to your formulation, desired appearance and testing results.
Why does my candle tunnel?
Persistent tunnelling can be associated with insufficient heat, which may indicate an undersized wick, but don't diagnose wick size from one brief burn alone. Consider the complete formulation and test the candle over successive controlled burns.
Why is my candle flame too big?
An excessively large flame can be associated with an oversized or overly long wick, among other factors. Extinguish candles that are behaving unsafely and revisit the wick selection and formulation before continuing development.
Why is my candle wick mushrooming?
Carbon buildup at the wick tip can occur during burning. Wick size, wick construction, fragrance, formulation and burn conditions can all contribute. Evaluate it alongside flame size, soot and the rest of the candle's behaviour.
Can I use the same wick for every fragrance?
Don't assume so. Fragrance is part of the candle formulation, and different fragrances may affect performance differently. Test each finished candle formula before selling it.
Can I use the same wick if I change wax?
Treat a wax change as a meaningful formulation change. The previous wick can be a useful test candidate, but its previous performance doesn't guarantee performance in the new wax.
How many wicks should I put in a candle?
Many vessels work with one wick, while some wider vessels may benefit from multiple smaller wicks. Vessel diameter, geometry, wax and wick series all matter. Use supplier guidance to select candidates and then burn test.
Where can I buy candle wicks in Canada?
Candlehaven carries a wide selection of candle wicks in Canada, including cotton, ECO, HTP and numerous wooden wick styles for different candle-making projects. Candlehaven
So, Which Candle Wick Should You Choose?
Start with four things:
Your vessel.
Your wax.
Your fragrance formulation.
Your wick family.
Measure the vessel diameter.
Choose a wick series compatible with the kind of candle you're making.
Use a wick chart or Candlehaven's Wicking Guide to identify sensible starting candidates.
Then test.
Observe.
Record.
Adjust.
And test again.
There may not be one universal perfect candle wick.
But there absolutely can be a right wick for your candle.
Ready to start testing?
And if you're building your candle-making supply cupboard from scratch, visit our Ultimate Guide to Candle Making Supplies in Canada for our complete guide to wax, wicks, fragrance oils, vessels, molds, tools and more.
Because a beautiful candle starts with beautiful ingredients.
A great candle starts when those ingredients actually work together.