What Do Candle Wick Numbers Mean?

Candle wicks are an essential component in candle making. They are the string inside the candle that bring the flame to the wax and allow the candle to burn. Choosing the right wick is critical for a properly burning candle. The wick must be sized appropriately for the diameter of the candle and wax type, so that it burns at the correct temperature without tunneling, smoking, or going out.

Candle wicks are numbered according to their thickness and intended use. Understanding wick sizing and numbering is important for matching the wick to the candle you are making. Wicks that are too small can drown, while wicks that are too large can get too hot. Using the properly sized wick will allow the candle to burn evenly down to the bottom.

Wick Numbering Systems

Candle wicks typically use a standard numbering system to indicate the thickness or diameter of the wick. This numbering system is fairly consistent across manufacturers, though there can be some variation. Some of the main numbering systems are:

Standard Numbering: This is the most common numbering system in the United States. The numbers correspond to the wick diameter in mm. So a #1 wick has a 1mm diameter, #2 is 2mm, #3 is 3mm, and so on. Smaller numbers indicate thinner wicks for smaller candles, while larger numbers are thicker wicks for wider candles.

European Numbering: This system uses smaller numbers than the standard system. A #0 wick corresponds to 1mm diameter, #1 is 2mm, #2 is 3mm. So the European numbers are generally one size smaller than the standard numbers.

Eco Numbering: Some natural wax candles use a special eco-numbering system from 1-5. #1 is approximately 2mm, #5 approximately 4mm. The wick diameters increase in increments of 0.5mm from 1 to 5.

Regardless of the numbering system, the general rule is: smaller numbers mean thinner, less wide wicks, while larger numbers are thicker, more wide wicks. Matching the wick size to the correct candle diameter is crucial for proper burning.

Number 0

Number 0 wicks are the smallest size of square braid candle wicks. They are typically used for candles with a diameter of 1/2 inch or less, like birthday candles or votives.PremiumCraft Square Braid Cotton Candle Wick They are a good choice for rolling beeswax candles as well, which are often quite narrow in diameter.

The small size allows adequate capillary action to draw wax up the wick as the candle burns, without being too large for the candle’s diameter. Using too large of a wick can lead to issues like tunneling. Number 0 wicks are sometimes called “zeros” or triple zero (000) wicks.

Number 1

The Number 1 wick is the smallest wick size in the ECO wick system produced by Atkins & Pearce in the UK (ECO 1 6″ Pretabbed Wick, Hive and Honey Candle Co). It is recommended for use in pillars, votives, and containers with a diameter of 1-1.5 inches (ECO-1 1” Pre-tabbed Wick, The Flaming Candle). The thin flat braided cotton wick provides a small flame perfect for these small diameter candles.

Number 1 wicks are designed to curl and self-trim as they burn. The interwoven paper filaments give the wick stability and rigidity while allowing it to curl back into the melt pool as the candle burns (ECO-01 Wicks, Cal Candle Supply). This helps prevent smoking, tunneling, and mushrooming of the melt pool. The high melt point wax coating also helps the wick remain upright and rigid. Number 1 ECO wicks are recommended for use with soy, vegetable, paraffin, and beeswax candle waxes.

Number 2

Number 2 wicks are a popular middle-of-the-road choice for many candle makers. They are versatile enough to be used in a wide variety of wax types, from softer waxes like paraffin to harder waxes like soy and beeswax. Number 2 wicks have a medium thickness and are commonly made from braided cotton [1].

The number 2 wick is ideal for use in container candles that have a diameter between 2-3 inches. The thickness of the wick provides an appropriate sized flame to properly melt and pool the wax when used in the right sized container. Too small of a wick will produce insufficient melt, while too large of a wick can create smoke, soot, and an overpowered flame [2].

Number 2 wicks are also a good choice for pillar candles and votives. They allow complete melt and burn in these applications. Many candle makers recommend a number 2 for handmade beeswax candles, as the wick is sturdy enough to withstand natural waxes but not so large it risks flaming or burning too hot [3].

With its versatility across wax types and candle sizes, the number 2 wick is a safe option suitable for many basic candle making needs. It provides a good balance of flame size and melt pool for a variety of containers and applications.

Number 3

Number 3 candle wicks are one of the most popular wick sizes. According to Amazon, number 3 wicks are commonly used for 3″ diameter pillar candles, birthday candles, and votives.

The thicker 3 wick provides a taller flame that stands up well in containers with a wider diameter. The larger flame also helps the wax to pool and melt evenly across the entire surface of larger candles. Number 3 wicks are a good balance between a small flame incontainers like votives and an overly large flame in wider containers.

Number 3 wicks are versatile enough to be used in candles, wax melts, and tarts. They allow enough wax to melt to provide a good scent throw without getting dangerously hot. Number 3 wicks are recommended for soy, paraffin, and palm waxes.

Overall, the number 3 wick provides a flame that’s visible, attractive, and appropriate for many common candle styles and wax types. It hits the sweet spot between too small and too large for a variety of home fragrance applications.

Higher Number Wicks

Wicks numbered four and above are considered higher number wicks. These larger wicks are designed for candles with wider mouths or larger diameters that require more fuel and fragrance to fill the space.

Number 4 wicks and above help generate a larger melt pool to liquefy more wax and allow more fragrance to be released. They are commonly used in pillars, votives, containers with mouth diameters over 3 inches, and novelty or figural candles. The higher the number, the larger the wick. As a general rule, the larger wick sizes will have a bigger melt pool and usually have higher wax consumption.

For example, a 3-inch diameter pillar candle would need a larger wick like a #6 to create an adequate melt pool. Without a wide enough wick, the melt pool could tunnel down the center without reaching the edges. Larger wicks help prevent this while fully liquefying all the wax and maximizing fragrance throw.

Wick Sizing

The wick number refers to the diameter or thickness of the wick. Standard wick sizes range from number 0, which is the thickest, to number 3, which is the thinnest. Higher numbered wicks above 3 may also be available for very thin container candles.

As a general rule, thinner candles need thinner, higher numbered wicks. Thicker candles require thicker, lower numbered wicks. This is because the wick needs to be proportional to the diameter of the candle in order to burn properly.

If the wick is too thin for the candle diameter, it may struggle to draw up enough wax, drowning the flame in melted wax and creating smoke and soot. If the wick is too thick, it may overheat and mushroom out, also leading to excess smoke.

The optimal wick thickness allows just the right amount of wax to be drawn up so that the candle burns brightly and evenly down.

Most candle wick manufacturers provide charts that recommend the ideal wick size for a given candle diameter. For example, a 1-inch diameter pillar candle would use a #1 wick, while a 3-inch diameter pillar would use a #0 wick. In general, votives and containers under 2 inches suit a #2 or #3 wick.

Testing different wick sizes during the candle making process is recommended to find the best fit for a particular wax type and formulation.

Wick Trimming

Properly trimming the candle’s wick to match its number is crucial for optimal performance and safety. As the candle burns, the wick becomes longer which can create excess smoke, soot, and an uneven flame if left untrimmed. The wick numbers correspond to an ideal trimmed wick length. For example, a #1 wick performs best when trimmed to 1⁄4 inch, while a #2 wick needs 1⁄2 inch ^[1]. Trimming to the wrong height can lead to tunneling, mushrooming, or a flame that is too big and smoky. The general rule is to trim the wick to the corresponding number in inches before lighting, then trim again each time before relighting as needed. This simple maintenance allows the wick to curl and burn properly for an even melt pool without excess carbon buildup.

Conclusion

In summary, candle wick numbers refer to the thickness or diameter of the wick. Lower numbers like #0 to #2 indicate thinner wicks best for containers with smaller diameters. Higher numbers like #3 to #6+ mean thicker wicks ideal for wider containers. Properly pairing the wick size to the candle diameter is crucial for clean burning and to prevent issues like tunneling, mushrooming, or sooting. Taking the time to understand wick sizing systems and test different wicks is an essential part of candle making. With the right knowledge, makers can select the perfect wick to maximize scent throw and provide the ideal melt pool for any candle.

Choosing the correct wick size for a candle allows for proper melt pool diameter and fragrance dispersion. This results in an even burn, maximizing how much wax is used before having to extinguish the candle. The information provided gives candle makers a reference guide on typical wick sizes and what they mean. With this foundation, makers can confidently select and test wicks, ensuring customers have the best experience burning their candles.