Candle Melt Pool Timer
Estimate hours to achieve a full melt pool based on container diameter, wax type, and wick trim length.
Inputs
Results
Hours to Full Melt Pool
3.6 hrs
Min First Burn Time
3 hrs
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter container diameter in inches.
- Select wax type (soy, paraffin, or coconut) — each melts at different rates.
- Enter wick trim length in inches (standard trim is 1/4 inch).
- Review Hours to Full Melt Pool, Min First Burn Time, Max Recommended Burn, and whether a full pool is achievable.
How the result changes with Container Diameter
| Container Diameter | Hours to Full Melt Pool | Min First Burn Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1.7 | 2 hrs | 1.7 hrs |
| 3.45 | 4.1 hrs | 3.5 hrs |
| 5.55 | 6.7 hrs | 5.6 hrs |
| 7.3 | 8.8 hrs | 7.3 hrs |
What each input means
- Container Diameter
- Inner diameter of the candle container in inches. Achieving a full melt pool prevents tunneling.
- Wax Type
- Wax type: 1 = Soy (1.2 hr/in, slowest), 2 = Paraffin (0.8 hr/in, fastest), 3 = Coconut (1.0 hr/in).
- Wick Trim Length
- Length of the wick above the wax surface. 1/4 inch (0.25) is ideal. Shorter = slower melt; longer = faster but sooty.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersContainer Diameter = 3, Wax Type = 1, Wick Trim Length = 0.25 = 3 input(s) provided
- Calculate Hours to Full Melt PoolHours to Full Melt Pool3.6 = 3.6
- Calculate Min First Burn TimeMin First Burn Time3 = 3
- Calculate Max Recommended BurnMax Recommended Burn4 = 4
- Calculate Full Pool in Safe Time?Full Pool in Safe Time?1 = 1
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
Related Calculators
The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.
Wick Size Calculator
Get a recommended wick series and size number based on your container diameter, wax type, and fragrance load.
Candle & Soap MakingCandle Wax Calculator
Calculate the weight of wax needed to fill a candle container based on container volume, wax type density, and fill percentage.
Candle & Soap MakingCandle Burn Time Estimator
Estimate total burn hours for a candle based on wax weight, burn rate by wax type, and wick size factor.
Unit Conversion ExpandedIlluminance Converter
Lux, foot-candles, and luminous flux from lux × area (or lumens ÷ area).
More in Crafts, Hobbies & Games.