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🧵 Wick calculator

What size wick for a 2.5" candle?

Chart with the recommended wick for a 2.5" diameter container by wax type, plus how to confirm it with a burn test.

By The CeraVelas Team Updated ⏱ 3 min read

✅ Quick answer

For a 2.5" soy wax candle, start with a ECO 4 · CD 6 or a 0.5" (13 mm) wood wick.

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📑 Contents +

2.5" wick size by wax type

WaxCotton wickWood wick
🫘 Soy wax ECO 4 · CD 6 0.5" (13 mm)
🌼 Rapeseed wax ECO 4 · CD 6 0.5" (13 mm)
🥥 Coconut wax ECO 2 · CD 5 0.5" (13 mm)
🕯️ Paraffin wax LX 12 · CD 4 0.5" (13 mm)
🐝 Beeswax HTP 83 · CD 8 —
🏛️ Pillar candle wax ECO 4 · CD 5 0.5" (13 mm)

Starting point based on wick manufacturers’ standard charts. Fragrance, dye and wax brand all change the result: always confirm with a burn test.

How to do a burn test

  1. Let the candle cure as long as its wax requires (soy: at least 48 hours, ideally 1–2 weeks).
  2. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch (5–6 mm) and light it away from drafts.
  3. Let it burn 1 hour per inch (2.5 cm) of diameter, then measure the melt pool.
  4. The melt pool should reach within about 1/16 inch (1–2 mm) of the edge in 3–4 hours, with a steady flame and no smoke.
  5. If it tunnels, try a larger wick; if it smokes or the flame is very tall, try a smaller one.

What else affects wick size

  • Fragrance: with a high fragrance load (10% or more) you sometimes need a larger wick.
  • Dye: bold colors and mica can clog the wick.
  • Container shape: jars that narrow at the top trap heat.
  • Wax brand: two different soy waxes can call for different wicks.

Best cotton candle wicks in stock

See more cotton candle wicks on Amazon →

Best wooden wicks in stock

See more wooden wicks on Amazon →

Wicks for other diameters

Frequently asked questions

What wick should I use for a 2.5" candle?+

As a starting point, a ECO 4 · CD 6 with soy wax and a LX 12 · CD 4 with paraffin. Confirm it with a burn test.

Does a 2.5" candle need two wicks?+

No, at 2.5" in diameter a single well-chosen wick is enough.

How do I know if I have the right wick?+

In a burn test, the melt pool should reach almost to the edge in 3–4 hours, with a steady flame and no smoke or soot.

⭐ Our pick

EricX Light 100 Piece Natural Candle Wick, Low Smoke 6"…

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