The Rule
Container diameter determines wick size. Container height doesn't matter.
A 7cm wide jar needs the same wick whether it's 8cm tall or 15cm tall.
But Wax Type Matters Too
Different waxes burn at different rates. Coconut burns hotter than soy. Beeswax needs more heat than both.
The tables below are starting points. You must test.
Kerasoy 4130 (Container)
| Container Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5-6cm | ECO 4-6 |
| 6-7cm | ECO 8-10 |
| 7-8cm | ECO 10-12 |
| 8-9cm | ECO 14 |
| 9cm+ | ECO 16 or double wick |
EcoOlive Container
| Container Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5-6cm | ECO 6-8 |
| 6-7cm | ECO 10-12 |
| 7-8cm | ECO 12-14 |
| 8-9cm | ECO 16 |
| 9cm+ | Double wick |
Kerasoy 4120 / EcoOlive Pillar
| Pillar Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5cm | LX 10-14 |
| 7cm | LX 14-18 |
| 10cm | LX 18-22 or double wick |
EcoCoco Pillar
Coconut burns hot. Start smaller.
| Pillar Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5cm | LX 8-10 |
| 7cm | LX 12-14 |
| 10cm | LX 16-18 or double wick |
Beeswax Pillars
Beeswax needs more heat. Size up from soy.
| Pillar Diameter | Suggested Wick |
|---|---|
| 5cm | LX 14-16 or Square Braid 1 |
| 7cm | LX 18-20 or Square Braid 2 |
| 10cm | LX 22+ or multiple wicks |
When to Use Double Wicks
Generally, containers wider than 9cm need two wicks. One wick can't generate enough heat for a full melt pool.
Space them evenly, about 1/3 of the diameter from each edge.
How to Test Wicks
- Make 3 identical candles with different wick sizes (e.g., ECO 8, 10, 12)
- Cure them for at least 1 week
- Burn each for 4 hours minimum
- Check: Full melt pool? Flame height? Mushrooming? Smoke?
Signs of Correct Wicking
- Full melt pool within 2-3 hours
- Melt pool depth about 1cm
- Steady flame, not flickering wildly
- Minimal or no mushrooming
- No smoke or soot
Signs Wick Is Too Small
- Tunnelling (wax left on sides)
- Melt pool doesn't reach edges
- Weak scent throw
Signs Wick Is Too Large
- High, flickering flame
- Excessive mushrooming
- Smoke or soot on container rim
- Melt pool too deep (over 1.5cm)
- Container getting too hot
Fragrance Affects Wicking
High fragrance loads can affect how a wick burns. If you're at 10%, you may need to size down slightly compared to 6%.
Test each fragrance. They don't all behave the same.
Seasonal Testing
A wick that works in winter may burn too hot in summer. Room temperature affects how candles perform.
Test in the conditions your customers will use them.