Ben Carter
Candles are measured in a variety of ways, depending on the context. When making candles, accurate measurements of ingredients like wax and fragrance oils are crucial to ensure the desired scent and stability. This is typically done using a candle-making scale, specifically a bench scale, to ensure consistency across batches. The size of a candle holder or cup determines the ideal diameter for a candle, which can be measured with a ruler or flexible tape measure. Additionally, the shape and size of candles themselves vary, from slender taper candles to pillar candles with wide bases, and these differences influence the burning experience and ambiance they create.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diameter | Determined by taking a ruler, centering it on the opening of the candle holder or candle cup, and reading across. |
| Circumference | Determined by using a flexible tape measure and wrapping it around the candle until the ends meet. Can also be calculated by multiplying the diameter by pi. |
| Weight | Measured using a candle-making scale, typically a bench scale. |
| Wax | Calculated based on the container's volume, as wax takes up more space than water. |
| Fragrance Oil | Measured by weight and not by volume. |
| Wick | Depends on the type of wax and the diameter of the candle. |
| Height | Varies depending on the type of candle. Votive candles are about 2" in height, while taper candles are long and slender. |
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Candle diameter
Pillar candles, known for their wide bases, can have bases ranging from 2 to 6 inches. For taper candles, the diameter is achieved through a dipping process, with each candle dipped up to 27 times to reach the optimal size and shape.
When measuring the diameter of a candle, one can use a ruler, centering it on the opening of the candle holder or candle cup. Starting at either 1 or 0, read across to determine the diameter. A magnifying glass can be useful if there is difficulty reading the numbers or lines.
The metric system is the standard for candle measurements in most parts of the world. However, the United States, Liberia, and Burma have not adopted this system, which can lead to slight variations in candle sizes, especially when importing candles from countries using the metric system.
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Candle height
Tealights, for example, are typically small and round, measuring around 0.5 inches in height and 1.5 inches in diameter. They are designed to fit into special disposable cups or holders. Votive candles are slightly larger, with a height and diameter of about 2 inches. They have a bell-top design that allows the wax to melt evenly and can be placed in glass votives or small candle holders.
For taller, more slender options, taper candles are a popular choice. These candles gradually narrow toward the top, giving them an elegant appearance. They are often dipped multiple times to achieve the desired size and shape, with a standard diameter of ⅞ inch. Some taper candles can be as slim as ½ inch in diameter, providing a contemporary twist.
Pillar candles, on the other hand, are known for their wide base and body, which allow them to stand securely on their own, in a bowl, or on a flat surface. They can vary in size, with some having a base as small as 3 inches, while others boast a larger 6-inch base with three wicks for a full-bodied burning experience.
When measuring candle height, it is important to consider the diameter or width of the candle holder or cup. In most cases, the height of the candle is determined by the diameter of the holder, so measuring the diameter is crucial. To do this, centre a ruler on the opening of the holder and start at either the number 1 or zero, then read across to determine the diameter.
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Wax quantity
Candle-making requires precision, especially when it comes to measuring the wax quantity. The density of wax is less than that of water, which means that the same volume of wax and water will have different weights. Therefore, filling a container with water to measure the required amount of wax is not an accurate method.
To calculate the amount of wax needed for a single container, fill the container with water to the desired wax level and pour the water into a measuring jug. Note the volume of water in millilitres. Next, convert the water density to wax weight by multiplying the volume by 0.8 or 0.86. This will give you the amount of wax needed in grams. For example, if the volume of water is 200 ml, multiplying it by 0.8 will give you 160 grams of wax.
If you are making multiple candles, simply multiply the total wax weight by the number of containers. For instance, if you need 160 grams of wax for one candle, you will require 1600 grams of wax for ten candles (160 x 10).
You can also calculate the amount of wax needed based on the container's volume. If the container's volume is 250 ml, the wax level should be approximately 1 cm below the top, which equates to 200 ml of water. Using the formula, 200 x 0.8 = 160 grams of wax.
It is important to consider the fragrance load when calculating the wax quantity. Typically, candles have a fragrance load of 6%-10%. To calculate the amount of fragrance oil needed for a 10% load in a single vessel, multiply the total wax weight by 0.1. For example, for 135 grams of wax, you would need 13.5 grams of fragrance oil (135 x 0.1 = 13.5). Subtract this value from the total wax weight to find the wax weight without fragrance: 135 grams - 13.5 grams = 121.5 grams.
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Wick type
Zinc core wicks are cotton braids with an inner zinc core. They are designed to maintain maximum rigidity to stay straight in melted wax and are commonly used for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles. HTP wicks, on the other hand, are coreless and made of cotton flat braid with a paper filament that provides increased rigidity. They are versatile and can be used in both paraffin and soy waxes.
ECO wicks are coreless, cotton flat braids with a paper filament for added strength. They are suitable for tealights, votives, pillars, and container candles, and they work best with soy waxes but can also be used with paraffin waxes with lower melting points. Wooden wicks are known for their distinct crackling or sizzling sound when burning and are compatible with paraffin, soy, and palm wax.
The size of the wick is also critical. The diameter of the candle determines the size of the wick needed. A wider diameter requires more heat, so a larger wick or multiple smaller wicks may be necessary. The height of the candle usually does not impact the wick choice unless the candle is taller than the length of a pre-tabbed wick. Testing is crucial to ensure the proper wick size and type, as it can affect the candle's burning behaviour, including the size of the melt pool and the presence of excess smoke, soot, or mushrooming.
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Fragrance oil ratios
The fragrance load is the amount of fragrance oil in a candle, expressed as a percentage. This percentage is calculated relative to the wax or the total blend (wax and oil). The fragrance load is usually between 5-6% but can go up to 10% or 12% maximum for most waxes. This equates to around 1.6 fluid ounces per pound of wax. For instance, if you're making a candle with 2 pounds (32 oz/908 grams) of wax and want to use 6% fragrance oil, you would need 2 oz or 55 grams of fragrance oil.
The type of wax and oil used will determine the fragrance load, so it's important to research the compatibility of the two. For example, some fragrances with a high amount of vanillin may discolour the wax, and essential oils may cause the candle to smoke more than desired. Using too much fragrance oil can also result in candles with dry or lumpy wax or even those that do not hold a flame.
When calculating the fragrance load, you can use a candle calculator. First, enter the scent percentage, then specify the container mass and input the batch size. For example, with a scent percentage of 10% and a container mass of 220g, a batch of 100 candles would require 22g of fragrance oil per candle.
It is important to test fragrances in candles to see how they perform. One test involves burning the candle for one hour per 1" in diameter to see if it reaches a full melt pool. If it does, you can move on to the next steps.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no standard unit of measurement for candles. In the US, the metric system is the preferred system of weights and measures. In the UK, the British imperial system is used.
Take a ruler and centre it on the opening of the candle holder or the candle cup. Start at the number 1 or zero, then read across to determine the diameter.
Water is denser than wax, so a jar that holds 16 ounces of water does not need 16 ounces of wax. You can use a candle-making scale or a premium weighing scale to measure the correct amount of wax.
It is recommended to measure your candle fragrance by weight and not by volume. You can use a candle-making scale or a premium weighing scale to measure the correct amount of fragrance oil.
Votive candles are about 2” in height and diameter, tealights are smaller and measure around 1.5 inches in diameter and 0.5 inches in height, and taper candles have a diameter of ⅞”.
