The right wick makes all the difference. Even the most beautiful candle can burn unevenly, tunnel, or smoke if the wick isn’t sized correctly.

This guide will help you figure out which wick size works best — step by step — using a simple burn test. It’s a process every candle maker should follow whenever trying a new wax, fragrance, or vessel to ensure their candle burns cleanly and evenly.

Why Wick Size Affects Your Candle Burn

Your wick controls:

• How evenly the wax melts
  
• The height and steadiness of the flame
  
• How much fragrance fills the room
  
• How cleanly your candle burns
  

👉 A wick too small = tunnelling and wasted wax
👉 A wick too large = smoking and overheating
👉 A wick just right = even melt pool, steady flame, perfect burn

Testing helps you find the just-right size every time.

How to Do a Wick Test

You only need three candles, the same wax, and three wick sizes.

Step 1: Prepare

• Pick three wicks that vary slightly in size or strength (Example: small, medium, and large wicks from the same series — such as HTP or LX)
  
• Label the bottom of each jar so you know which is which.
  
• Keep everything else identical — same wax, vessel, fragrance, and dye.
  

Step 2: Burn Test

• Light all three candles at the same time.
  
• Let them burn for 2–3 hours — long enough to form a melt pool.
  
• Observe the flame and wax behaviour.
  

💡 Quick Checkpoints:

• Flame too small or weak? → Wick is too small.
  
• Flame too big or dancing? → Wick is too large.
  
• Steady, bright flame and even melt? → Wick is just right.
  

Step 3: Cool & Examine

After burning, blow out the candles and let them cool.

• Wax didn’t reach the jar wall? → Wick is too small.
  
• Soot or mushrooming on wick? → Wick is too large.
  
• Even melt to the edges? → You found your match!
  

Record the results in a simple table — wick size, wax type, vessel, and notes — so you can repeat success easily.

Common Testing Mistakes

A few small missteps can affect your results. Keep these in mind:

• Changing too many things at once – Only test one thing at a time (like the wick).
  
• Burning for less than 2 hours – Give your candle enough time to form a full melt pool.
  
• Skipping the second burn – Some issues only show up after the first burn.
  
• Not taking notes – Write down what worked and what didn’t so you can repeat your success later.
  

Quick Wick Comparison Chart

Keep this as your cheat sheet for future projects.

Tip Before You Start Testing

Not all wicks behave the same. Cotton, wood, and zinc-core wicks all burn differently depending on your wax type.

If you’d like to understand the materials before you test, check out this helpful guide:

A Complete Guide on Choosing the Right Type of Wick and Wick Size

Final Thoughts

Wick testing is the key to professional-quality candles. By testing just a few jars, you’ll save time, reduce waste, and get cleaner, longer-lasting burns.

Every candle formula is unique — so take a little time to test and record your results. Your candles (and customers) will thank you later.

Watch the Process in Action

Want to see what this looks like? Watch our short video tutorial below:

How to Choose the Correct Wick Size for Your Candle

You’ll see exactly how each wick burns and what results to look for during your test.

Ready to Start Testing?

Shop our full selection of candle wicks and accessories to start your next test batch. From cotton to wood wicks, Village Craft & Candle has everything you need to create your perfect burn.