Brooke Martin
Candles are measured in a variety of ways, depending on the type of candle and the purpose of the measurement. For example, the size of a candle holder's opening is measured by its diameter, which can be determined by using a ruler or flexible tape measure. The diameter of a candle itself may be important when choosing a candle holder or when considering the optimal size and shape of a candle, such as taper candles, which are long and slender and gradually narrow toward the top. The amount of wax needed for a candle is also an important measurement, especially when curating the perfect container candle. This can be calculated using the specific gravity concept, which is the relationship between wax and water. In addition, the ratio of fragrance oil to wax is crucial to ensuring the desired strength of scent and stability of the candle. To achieve accurate measurements, candle makers often use a bench scale to weigh their ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Measured with a ruler or tape measure. Taper candles: ⅞”, ½”, ¼”. Votive candles: 2”. Tealights: 1.5 inches. Ball candles: 2" (small) to 4" (extra-large). Pillar candles: 3” (base), 6” (base). |
| Circumference | Determined by dividing the diameter by pi. |
| Weight | Accurate measurements are essential for consistent batches of candles. Weight is measured using a candle-making scale, typically a bench scale. |
| Volume | Not the same as the volume of water a container can hold. Wax takes up more space than water. |
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What You'll Learn
Candle diameter
Some candles have larger diameters, such as the pillar candles with a 6-inch base and three wicks, or the floating candles, which can be as large as 4 inches in diameter. On the other hand, some candles have a smaller diameter, such as the miniature taper candles, which are 4.5 inches long but only have a diameter of 0.5 inches.
The standard diameter of taper candles in candlesticks is 7/8 of an inch, although this may vary slightly due to the mass production of candles in Europe and China using metric measurements, which do not align with the British imperial measurement system.
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Candle height
Tealights, which sit in special disposable cups, are typically around 0.5 inches in height, making them significantly smaller than pillar candles. Votive candles, which are similar to miniature pillar candles and sit in glass votives, are slightly taller, with a height of about 2".
For candles that require a holder, it is important to
Additionally, the height of a candle can be determined by its diameter. By measuring the diameter of the candle holder or cup, one can ascertain the appropriate candle height without needing to measure the height directly.
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Wax quantity
To calculate the amount of wax per candle, you must understand the relationship between wax and water, known as specific gravity. Water is denser than wax, so it takes up less space. For example, a jar that holds 16 ounces of water does not need 16 ounces of wax; this is a common misconception.
When measuring wax, it is essential to use a scale. Candle-making scales are typically bench scales, small, compact weighing scales used on a worktop or counter. These scales ensure that your ingredients are correctly measured out. While any scale could theoretically be used, a higher-quality candle-making scale will yield more accurate results and is built to last. Using everyday kitchen scales can lead to inaccurate results as they can be poorly made.
The size of your operation will determine the type of scale you need. Larger batches require a scale with a larger capacity, while a smaller capacity instrument is suitable for hobbyists.
Measuring all ingredients by weight, including fragrance, simplifies the production process as everything uses the same units. This also allows for a percentage weighing technique, as the ratio of fragrance to wax affects the candle's performance. Without the correct ratio of ingredients, candles may smell too strong or weak or be unstable due to too much fragrance oil.
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Wick size
To determine the appropriate wick size for your candle, you can follow these steps:
- Measure the Inside Container Diameter: Measure the inside diameter of your candle jar or container. This measurement will be used to select the appropriate wick size from a wick size chart.
- Select a Wick Size: Using a wick size chart, such as the one provided by Pro Candle Supply, choose the wick size that corresponds to your container's inside diameter. For example, if your container has an inside diameter of 2.95 inches to 3.29 inches, you would select an ECO 14 wick.
- Consider Fragrance and Additives: Keep in mind that the fragrance and any additives you use can impact the wick size. If you're using soy wax and adding additional ingredients, you may need to increase the wick size to accommodate for the additional fuel.
- Test and Adjust: Always make test candles before producing a large batch. You may need to upsize or downsize your wicks depending on the fragrance and jar type used. Once you've found the perfect wick size for your candle, you can consistently use that size for future batches.
Additionally, there are tools available to assist in wick placement and stability. A wick centring tool helps keep the wick straight and centred while the wax sets, ensuring an even melt pool. A wick stickum is used to attach the base of the wick to the centre of the vessel, preventing it from floating in the liquid wax and potentially causing accidents.
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Fragrance oil ratio
The fragrance oil ratio is a crucial aspect of candle-making, as it determines the scent throw and stability of the candle. The amount of fragrance oil added to the wax blend is calculated as a percentage, known as the "fragrance load". The fragrance load can vary from 3% to 12% by weight, with 6% being a commonly used value. However, it's important to note that the optimal fragrance load depends on several factors.
Firstly, the type of wax used plays a significant role in determining the fragrance load. Different types of wax have varying capacities for holding fragrance oil. For example, if you're using palm wax, a lower fragrance load of 3% is recommended, while for other types of wax, a higher load of 6% or more may be suitable. The wax supplier's website or product specifications can provide information on the maximum fragrance load for a particular type of wax.
Secondly, the flashpoint of the fragrance oil is an important consideration. The flashpoint is the temperature at which the fragrance oil will ignite when exposed to an open flame. While this may not be a concern during the mixing process, understanding the flashpoint can help ensure the safe use of the final product.
Thirdly, the desired strength of the scent throw is a key factor in determining the fragrance load. A stronger scent throw typically requires a higher percentage of fragrance oil, while a more subtle scent can be achieved with a lower percentage. It's important to strike a balance, as using too much fragrance oil can lead to issues such as dry or lumpy wax, or difficulty in holding a flame.
Calculating the fragrance oil ratio involves measuring the weight of the wax and determining the desired fragrance load as a percentage. The weight of the fragrance oil can then be calculated by multiplying the weight of the wax by the fragrance load percentage. For example, if you have 90 grams of wax and want to use a 10% fragrance load, you would add 9 grams of fragrance oil (90 x 0.10 = 9).
In addition to these calculations, it's important to consider the specific gravity or relative density of the wax, especially when converting water weight to wax weight. A standard value of 0.86 can be used if specific information about the wax is unavailable. Online calculators and inventory software are also available to assist in determining the optimal fragrance load and amount of fragrance oil required for a given number of candles and container size.
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Frequently asked questions
To measure the diameter, centre a ruler on the opening of the candle holder or candle cup and read across.
Use a flexible tape measure and wrap it around the candle until the ends meet. Then, divide the circumference by the value of pi (3.141592) to get the diameter.
The amount of wax per candle is calculated based on the specific container it will be in. Water is denser than wax, so a jar that holds 16 ounces of water will need less wax.
A bench scale is ideal for candle-making as it is small and compact and can be used on a worktop or counter. A premium scale will provide more accurate results and last longer.
It is recommended to measure fragrance oil by weight and not by volume. This makes the production process easier as everything will be in the same units.
