Candle Burn Time Calculator
Estimate how many hours a candle will burn from its wax weight, and how long it lasts at your typical session length.
How it works
Total hours = wax weight (oz) × burn rate (hr/oz) · Sessions = total hours ÷ hours per session
A candle burns for a fairly predictable number of hours per ounce of wax, so the total burn time scales with how much wax is in the jar. Soy and coconut waxes tend to burn slower (more hours per ounce) than paraffin, and a wider wick or a bigger flame burns faster. Burning in sessions of three to four hours gives a full, even melt pool without overheating the container, and this calculator translates the total hours into how many such evenings a candle will give you.
Worked example
An 8 oz container candle at about 7 hours per ounce burns roughly 56 hours. Enjoyed 3 hours at a time, that is about 18.7 sessions — nearly three weeks of evenings if you light it most days.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a candle burn per ounce?
A common rule of thumb is about 7 hours of burn time per ounce of wax for a typical container candle, though it ranges from roughly 5 to 9 hours depending on the wax type, wick size and how large a flame it produces. Slower-burning soy and coconut waxes sit at the higher end.
How long should I burn a candle at a time?
Aim for 3-4 hours per session, and always long enough on the first burn for the wax to melt all the way to the edges. Stopping short repeatedly causes "tunneling," where the candle burns straight down the middle and wastes the wax around the sides — cutting your real burn time well below the estimate.
Does trimming the wick change burn time?
Yes. Trimming the wick to about a quarter inch before each burn keeps the flame small and steady, which slows the burn and extends total hours. An untrimmed wick produces a larger flame, more soot, and a faster burn that falls short of the calculated time.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.