How to Calculate Your Candle’s Burn Rate

There are a couple of ways to determine a candle’s burn time (or burn rate). We recommend using the first method for more accuracy when approximating a candle’s burn time.

Note: For both methods below, we suggest slightly lowering the estimate to account for any remaining wax after the candle has extinguished itself.

Method 1: Full Burn Test

1. Burn the candle in 2-3 hour intervals.
2. Track how many burns it takes for the candle to completely burn down and extinguish itself.
3. For example, if you burn a candle in 2-hour intervals and it takes 25 burns to fully burn down, the candle would have an approximate burn time of 50 hours (25 burns * 2 hours each).

This method may take longer but provides a more accurate estimate of a candle’s burn time. If you are selling candles, we suggest performing this test on at least two candles simultaneously to ensure consistent results.

Method 2: Partial Burn Test (Weight Method)

1. Weigh the Candle Before Burning
   • Record the initial weight of the candle.
2. Burn the Candle
   • Burn the candle for approximately 2-3 hours (depending on the candle’s diameter).
3. Weigh the Candle After Cooling
   • Once the candle cools, weigh it again.
4. Calculate the Wax Used
   • Subtract the post-burn weight from the initial weight to determine the amount of wax used.
5. Estimate Total Burns
   • Divide the total wax weight used in the finished candle (excluding container weight) by the amount of wax used during the test burn.
6. Calculate Estimated Burn Time
   • Multiply the estimated total burns by the burn time hours to estimate the candle’s total burn time.

Example (Container Candle)

• Total wax weight = 340 grams
• Beginning candle weight = 794 grams
• Burn time for test = 2.5 hours
• Candle weight after burning = 765 grams
• Total wax used = 794 grams – 765 grams = 29 grams
• Estimated total burns = 340 grams / 29 grams ≈ 11.72 burns
• Estimated candle burn time = 11.72 burns * 2.5 hours = 29.3 hours

This example assumes a test burn time for a container candle. For free-standing candles, follow the same steps, but you won’t need to account for container weight.

While the partial burn test provides a quick way to estimate a candle’s burn time, it may not be as accurate. Candles can have different burning characteristics as they burn down (e.g., the glass gets hotter), and oddly shaped containers can skew the results due to varying candle widths.