What Size Are Candle Jars?
Candle jars are containers made of glass, metal, or other materials that hold candle wax and the candle wick. They come in a variety of standard sizes, ranging from very small tealight holders to large jars over 32 ounces. The most common sizes for home use are between 4 ounces and 16 ounces. Candle jars can be purchased off the shelf in standard sizes, or custom ordered in specific dimensions for unique candle designs.
This article provides an overview of common candle jar sizes on the market, factors that impact sizing, recommendations for pairing jar sizes with candle types, and tips for selecting the right size for your needs. Whether you’re new to candle making or an experienced pro, read on to learn more about the versatile world of candle jar sizes.
History of Candle Jars
Candle jars first became popular in the mid-1800s as candle making transitioned from an artisanal craft to more of an industrial scale production. At that time, many candles were poured into tin candle molds, but glass jars also emerged as a popular container for candles.
Some of the earliest candle jars were actually re-purposed glass jars that had originally contained food, medicine, or other household goods. These upcycled jars were readily available and provided an inexpensive option for holding candles. Common sizes for early candle jars included pint jars, quart jars, and half-gallon jars.
As candle making grew into more of a commercial industry, companies began manufacturing specialized glass jars solely for candle making. Ball Mason and Kerr were two of the leading companies producing glass jars around the turn of the 20th century. Popular sizes included 4 oz, 8 oz, 12 oz, and 16 oz jars, which paired nicely with the ballot candles and pillar candles that were common at the time.
Over time, candle jar sizes expanded to accommodate different candle types and customer preferences. Some companies focused on decorative jars in a wider range of shapes and colors. Others optimized their jars to be flameless candle compatible. Standard modern candle jar sizes now range from 2 oz mini jars up to 22 oz large jars. Custom sizes are also readily available from many manufacturers.[1]
Standard Candle Jar Sizes
There are some common standard sizes for candle jars that many candle makers use. Understanding the dimensions of popular sizes can help in selecting the right jar for your candle type and needs.
Some of the most common candle jar sizes include:
- 4 oz jars – These small jars are typically around 2.5-3 inches tall with a 2-2.5 inch diameter. Their short stature makes them good for single-wick candles.
- 8 oz jars – A very popular mid-size jar, these are usually 3.5-4 inches tall with a 2.5-3 inch diameter. 8 oz jars work well for 2-wick candles.
- 12 oz jars – Also called 1 pound or 1 lb jars, these are around 4.5-5 inches tall with a 3-3.5 inch diameter. Their larger size accommodates 3-wick candles.
- 1 lb jars – Similar in size to 12 oz jars, 1 pound jars are around 4.5-5 inches tall and 3-3.5 inches wide.
- 16 oz jars – At 5.5-6 inches tall and 3.5-4 inches wide, these larger jars suit 4-wick candles or candles with more wax.
- 24 oz jars – With their taller and wider dimensions, approximately 6-7 inches tall and 4-4.5 inches wide, 24 oz jars work well for pillar candles.
Candle makers may also use metric sizes like 200ml, 340ml, 450ml, and 600ml jars. Knowing the typical height and diameter for each popular candle jar size can help determine if a certain jar will meet the needs of a candle design.
Source: https://jarstore.com/candle-containers/glass-candle-jars/glass-candle-jars-by-size/
Factors Impacting Candle Jar Size
Several key factors should be considered when determining the ideal jar size for a candle. The main factors include:
Wax Type
The type of wax used in candle making significantly impacts the appropriate jar size. Hard waxes like paraffin and soy wax hold their shape well and can be used in larger, wider jars. Softer waxes like beeswax and coconut wax are better suited for narrower jars to allow the candle to burn evenly without tunneling (according to Candle Packaging Depot).
Intended Burn Time
Larger jars allow more wax volume which extends burn time. Shorter burn times of 10-15 hours pair well with 4-6 oz jars while longer 60-80 hour burn times need larger 22-34 oz jars (according to Roetell).
Fragrance
Strong fragrances require less wax to scent a space so more modest jar sizes around 8 oz are ideal. Lighter fragrances need larger wax pools and jar volumes closer to 16 oz to properly fill a room with aroma.
Budget
Larger candle jars hold more wax so they require more supplies. This makes larger jars like 22 oz and above more expensive. Smaller 4-6 oz jars maximize affordability.
Aesthetic
Shorter, wider jars have a classic candle look while tall slender jars create a more modern style. Consider the aesthetic you want when picking jar dimensions.
Best Sizes for Different Candle Types
When selecting a candle jar, it’s important to choose the right size for the type of candle you’ll be making. Here are some recommended sizes for common candle varieties:
Pillar Candles
Pillar candles range in diameter from 2-3 inches to over 6 inches. Mini pillar candles can be around 1-2 inches wide. A standard 3 inch pillar candle usually uses a 16 oz glass jar.1
Votive Candles
Votive candles are short and squat, with diameters around 1.5-2 inches. They traditionally use small 2 oz glass jars, but can also fit well in 4 oz containers.2
Container Candles
Container candles work well in jars ranging from 4 oz for mini containers, up to 22-24 oz for standard sizes. Larger mouth jars around 3-4 inches wide allow for a greater wax pool.3
Tealight Candles
Tealights use very small jars, usually 0.6-1 oz. The jars have straight sides and are only about 1 inch tall and 1.5 inches wide.4
Taper Candles
Taper candles are long and thin, requiring appropriately sized holders. Common sizes range from 4″ to 12″ long, with diameters around 1/2″ thick.5
Custom Candle Jar Sizes
One of the great things about candle jars is that you can get custom sizes made to fit your specific needs. When ordering custom sized candle jars, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
First, think about the ideal height and width for your candle type and intended use. For example, large pillar candles and candles used for centerpieces may require taller jars, while votive and tealight candles need short, wide jars. Consider the candle burn time you want, as that impacts how much wax the jar needs to hold. Custom jars allow you to get the perfect fit.
Most suppliers require minimum order quantities for custom candle jars, often starting around 100-500 pieces. However, some manufactures like Boye-Hz offer lower MOQs. Ordering in bulk helps lower the per unit cost.
It typically takes 2-4 weeks from order to delivery for custom sized candle jars. More complex designs or shapes may take longer. Make sure to plan ahead if needing jars for a specific event or deadline. The specific production timeline can be discussed with your supplier.
Pricing for custom candle jars varies greatly based on size, shape, material, order quantity, and other factors. Expect to pay $1-5 per jar. Luxury, designer, or very large jars can cost more. Getting samples first is recommended to ensure the sizing, quality and price meet your needs before placing a full order.
Tips for Picking the Right Size
Here are some tips for choosing the right size candle jar for your needs:
Consider the candle’s use
Think about where the candle will be placed, how often it will be lit, how long you want it to burn, etc. For instance, if you want a candle for your bedroom to scent the space at night, a small 4-6oz jar that burns for a few hours may work best. If it’s for a frequently used common area, a larger 13-20oz jar may be ideal. Outdoors on a patio, go even bigger with a 24oz+ jar.
Factor in your budget
Larger candle jars tend to be more expensive. An 8oz jar may cost $1 but a 16oz could be $2 or more. Make sure to account for the jar cost when pricing your candle products. Smaller jars are great if you want to offer lower priced items.
Consider the look and feel
The shape, color, size, etc of the jar impacts the overall aesthetic and user experience. For a clean modern look, stick to simple cylindrical jars in solid colors. For farmhouse or rustic style, use jars with more detailing like embossed patterns. Match jar style to your brand.
Pair with the right fragrance
Light or clean fragrances often work best in smaller jars that let the scent throw effectively throughout a room without being overwhelming. Bolder fragrances can shine in larger jars.
Factor in wax type
The wax you use determines ideal wick sizes, melt pool, burn time, etc. This impacts what jar sizes work. Soy wax blends do well in medium 8-16oz jars. Beeswax or coconut wax candles can fill larger 24oz+ jars.
Where to Buy Candle Jars
There are many options for purchasing candle jars, whether you need a few jars for a small home-based candle-making hobby or want to buy in bulk for a larger business. Here are some of the most popular places to buy candle jars:
Online retailers like Jar Store and CandleScience offer a wide selection of wholesale candle jars that can be purchased online and shipped directly to you. They carry various sizes, styles, colors, and materials to suit any candle-making need. Buying online is convenient, especially when purchasing large wholesale quantities. Many online retailers also offer discounted bulk pricing.
Major craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby have candle-making sections that sell candle jars and supplies for small-scale hobbyists. The selection is more limited than specialty online shops but allows you to shop in person. These stores may carry popular jar styles and seasonal options.
Specialty candle supply retailers like The Flaming Candle offer an extensive selection focused solely on candle-making materials. These retailers may have brick-and-mortar store locations in some areas but also sell online. They provide great options for hobbyists who want more variety than a generic craft store but don’t need the bulk quantities of an online wholesaler.
If you need very large wholesale quantities of candle jars, going directly to a manufacturer or wholesale distributor may provide the best pricing and customization options. Many candle companies buy directly from manufacturers to get customized jars printed with their branding.
Caring for Candle Jars
Properly caring for candle jars is important to ensure safety and maximize their lifespan. Here are some key tips for cleaning, storing, and reusing candle jars:
For cleaning, wait until the candle has completely burned out and cooled before attempting to remove any wax. Use a plastic or metal scraper to detach any remaining wax stuck to the sides of the jar. Avoid using anything sharp or abrasive that could scratch the glass. Once scraped, wipe the jar with a soft cloth to remove wax residue. If needed, a mild soap and water solution can help remove stubborn wax remnants. According to Colonial Candle, be sure to fully dry the jar before reuse or storage.
For storage, avoid direct sunlight which could cause wax remnants to melt or stain the jar. Wrap jars in newspaper or place in a box to prevent glass-to-glass contact that could lead to breakage, as recommended by Real Simple. Store upright and avoid any heavy materials that could cause cracks or chips.
For reuse, thoroughly cleaned jars can hold cotton balls, bathroom essentials, pens and office supplies, potpourri, spices, holiday decorations, and more. Get creative! Just be sure the original scent is fully removed before placing new items inside. Repurposing old candle jars into decorative household items gives them new life. The Hotel Collection recommends spray painting candle jars to easily transform them for the next purpose.
Never forget safety when handling used candle jars. Allow adequate cooling time before attempting to clean or move them. Inspect for damage and avoid using jars that are chipped or cracked. Never burn a candle all the way down as this can cause the glass to overheat and possibly fracture. Follow all manufacturer guidelines for proper and safe candle usage.
Candle jars come in all shapes and sizes to suit different needs. When selecting candle jars, it’s important to consider the candle type, burning time, fragrance, and aesthetic you’re looking for. The right jar size can make all the difference in letting your candle perform optimally.
Conclusions on Candle Jar Sizes
In summary, standard candle jar sizes range from 2oz to 22oz, with 4oz, 6oz, 8oz, and 16oz being some of the most common. Smaller jars around 4-6oz work well for votives, tealights, and tarts while larger jars from 8-22oz are ideal for pillar candles, container candles, and wax melts. Going with the recommended jar size for each candle type ensures proper melt pool, fragrance dispersion, and burn time. Those looking for more unique, customized options can find candle makers offering exclusive jar designs in just about any size imaginable. The key is choosing the jar dimensions that align with your needs and enhancing your home ambiance. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can pick jar sizes for candles that delight and inspire.
