Candles come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own burning time. It is important to understand your candle’s burn time when creating or purchasing them.
On average, candles burn for four to eight hours, but this can differ depending on the wax used, the size of the candle, and the wick. External factors, including wind and ambient temperature, can also impact your candle burn time.
This article will explore the different candle types you can make or purchase and their burn times. We will also discuss the factors that impact candle burn times so you can understand the science behind it all!
Variables that impact candle burn time
Wax Type
The type of wax used in a candle can impact the burn time. This is because each wax type has a different burn velocity and density. Both of these factors affect how quickly the wax melts and is consumed.
Below we have included a table that includes the different burn velocities and densities of popular wax types.
Higher Burn Velocity = Lower Burn Time
Higher Wax Density = Longer Burn Time
We encourage you to check out our burn time calculator if you want to determine the burn time of your candle creations accurately. We also discuss how burn time is calculated and how you can boost your candle burn time.
Candle Size
The size of the candle also impacts the burn time. This is because a larger candle has more wax and will take longer to consume than a smaller candle. The size of your candle is determined by the diameter and height of the candle.
The larger the candle, the more wax volume, providing more fuel for the candle flame. The burn time increases as the candle size increases.
Wick Type and Placement
The type of wick you use in your candle can also impact burn time. This is because wicks come in different sizes, with some being able to handle more wax than others. The size of the wick also impacts the burn rate. A larger wick will have a lower burn time than a smaller wick. This is due to the wick consuming more fuel and providing a larger flame. This is required to ensure an even wax pool is created across the surface of your candle.
The placement of the wick can also impact your candle’s burn time. If the wick is placed too close to the side of the candle, it will consume the wax too quickly and cause the candle to tunnel. This will result in a shorter burn time and an uneven wax pool.
We recommend reading our wick placement guide to learn more about this topic.
External Environment
The environment in which your candle is burning can also impact the burn time. If the room temperature is too hot, the wax will melt too quickly, resulting in a shorter burn time. If the room temperature is too cold, the wax will harden, and the candle will take longer to burn.
Wind can also impact your candle’s burn time. If there is a draft in the room, the flame will be blown out frequently, causing the candle to take longer to burn. Drafts can also cause flames to flicker, resulting in an uneven burn and soot build-up on the sides of the candle.
We recommend burning your candles at an ambient temperature of 18-22°C (64-72°F) free of drafts for the best burn time.
Additives
The final factor that impacts candle burn time is additives. This is because some additives can increase the burn time of your candles while others can decrease it.
Stearic acid is a popular additive used to increase the burn time of candles. This is because it increases the melting point of the wax, allowing the candle to melt slower. This means that the wax will not be consumed as quickly and will result in a longer burn time.
Taper Candle Burn Time
Taper candles are a popular type of candle used for decoration and lighting. They come in various sizes, with the average burn time ranging from four to eight hours. The burn time of a taper candle can be affected by the factors we discussed above, such as wax type, size, and wick type.
We have listed standard taper candle lengths and burn times in the table below.
| Height of Candle | Burn Time (hours and minutes) |
| 6-inch Taper Candle | 6h |
| 8-inch Taper Candle | 8h |
| 10-inch Taper Candle | 10h |
| 12-inch Taper Candle | 12h |
| 18-inch Taper Candle | 18h |
Pillar Candle Burn Time
Pillar candles are another popular type of candle used for decoration and lighting. They are available in a wide range of sizes, with the average burn time being six to eight hours. The burn time of a pillar candle can be affected by the same factors as taper candles, such as wax type, size, and wick type.
We have listed standard pillar candle sizes and their corresponding burn times in the table below.
| Height of Candle | Burn Time (hours and minutes) |
| 2-inch Pillar Candle | 4h 19m |
| 3-inch Pillar Candle | 17h 57m |
| 4-inch Pillar Candle | 34h 28m |
| 6-inch Pillar Candle | 51h 42m |
Container Candle Burn Time
Container candles are a type of candle poured into a container, such as a jar. They are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, with the average burn time being eight to ten hours. The burn time of a container candle can be affected by the same factors as taper and pillar candles, such as wax type, size, and wick type.
We have listed popular container candle sizes and their corresponding burn times in the table below.
| Gross Weight | Burn Time (hours and minutes) |
| 4 oz Container Candle | 15h 7m |
| 6 oz Container Candle | 22h 41m |
| 8 oz Container Candle | 30h 14m |
| 10 oz Container Candle | 37h 48m |
| 12oz Container Candle | 45h 22m |
| 14oz Container Candle | 52h 55m |
| 16oz Container Candle | 60h 29m |
| 20oz Container Candle | 75h 36m |
Votive Candle Burn Time
Votive candles are a type of small candle named after their small and dainty size. They are typically used for decoration, lighting, and aromatherapy. The average burn time for a votive candle is 15 hours. The burn time of a votive candle can be affected by the same factors as taper, pillar, and container candles, such as wax type, size, and wick type.
We have listed standard votive candle sizes and their corresponding burn times in the table below.
| Diameter of Candle | Burn Time (hours and minutes) |
| 1.5-inch Votive Candle | 5h 13m |
| 2-inch Votive Candle | 9h 16m |
| 2.5-inch Votive Candle | 14h 29m |
| 3-inch Votive Candle | 20h 51m |
Tea Light Burn Time
Tea lights are a small candle used for decoration, lighting, and aromatherapy. They come in various sizes and shapes; the average burn time is four hours. The burn time of a tea light can be affected by the same factors as taper, pillar, container, and votive candles, such as wax type, size, and wick type.
We have listed standard tea light candle sizes and their corresponding burn times in the table below.
| Diameter of Candle | Burn Time (hours and minutes) |
| 1-inch Tealight Candle | 1h |
| 1.5-inch Tealight Candle | 2h 11m |
| 2-inch Tealight Candle | 3h 54m |
Candle Burn Time Tips
Now that you know how long your candles should burn, we have some tips to help you make the most of their burn time!
To get the most out of your candles, we recommend following these tips:
- Keep the wick trimmed to ¼ inch. This will help the candle burn evenly and prevent soot build-up.
- Avoid drafts. Drafts can cause the flame to flicker and the candle to burn unevenly. Don’t touch or move the candle while it’s burning. This can cause the flame to flicker and the candle to smoke.
- Extinguish the candle with a snuffer. This will help prevent hot wax from splattering. Be sure to wait until the wax is solid before moving the candle.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended. This is a fire hazard.
Now that you know how to make the most of your candles go out and enjoy their beautiful light!
Final Thoughts
Candles are a popular way to add light and ambiance to any setting. They come in various shapes and sizes, each with a different burning time. The average candle will burn for around four to eight hours, but this can vary depending on the type of wax, size, and wick used. So, before you light that candle for your next dinner party, check how long it is supposed to burn!
We hope this guide helped teach you about the different types of candles and their corresponding burn times. For more information on candles and candle care, be sure to check out our other blog posts!
