How long does a candle last? Complete guide with formula and table by wax type
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If you've ever wondered how long a candle lasts before buying it—or before making it—this guide is for you. Whether you're a regular consumer or you make artisanal candles, here you'll find the real answer: not vague estimates, but the formula professional manufacturers use in their burn tests.
Why there isn't "one" standard burn time
A candle's burn time isn't a fixed number. It depends on at least three variables:
- The net wax weight (not the total jar weight)
- The type of wax and its burn rate
- The care you give it: wick, drafts, burn time
The good news is that with these three pieces of information, you can calculate the burn time of any candle with considerable accuracy.
The key metric: grams of wax per hour (g/h)
The variable that manufacturers use in professional burn tests is the wax consumption per hour, measured in grams. Not the jar size, not the diameter: the grams that the flame consumes each hour.
Estimated consumption by wax type:
| Wax Type | Estimated Consumption |
|---|---|
| Paraffin | 6 – 10 g/h |
| Soy wax | 4 – 7 g/h |
| Coconut wax / coconut-soy blend | 3 – 6 g/h |
| Hard vegetable waxes | 5 – 8 g/h |
Actual consumption varies depending on wick diameter, percentage of added fragrance, and environmental conditions (temperature, ventilation).
The real burn time formula
With hourly consumption, calculating burn time is simple:
Burn time (hours) = net wax weight (g) ÷ average consumption (g/h)
Practical example:
A 200g soy wax candle with an average consumption of 6 g/h:
→ 200 ÷ 6 = ~33 hours
This formula is the basis of any serious burn test and allows you to compare candles objectively, regardless of container size.
Estimated burn time table by wax weight and type
| Wax Weight | Paraffin (8 g/h) | Soy (6 g/h) | Coconut-Soy (5 g/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 g | ~12 h | ~17 h | ~20 h |
| 150 g | ~19 h | ~25 h | ~30 h |
| 200 g | ~25 h | ~33 h | ~40 h |
| 300 g | ~37 h | ~50 h | ~60 h |
| 400 g | ~50 h | ~67 h | ~80 h |
Approximate values calculated with the average consumption of each wax type. For the exact data of your candle, perform a controlled burn test.
What does this mean in practice?
A 200g coconut-soy candle lasts up to 60% longer than a paraffin candle of the same weight. It's not marketing: it's chemistry.
How to conduct your own burn test?
If you make candles or simply want to know exactly how long yours lasts, you can measure it at home:
- Weigh the candle before lighting it (wax only, without the container if possible, or note the total weight)
- Light it for exactly 2 hours under normal conditions (no drafts)
- Weigh it again once cold
- Calculate: grams lost ÷ 2 hours = consumption per hour
- Apply the formula: initial wax weight ÷ consumption per hour = estimated total burn time
This method is what artisan manufacturers use to honestly label their candles.
How to make your candle last longer
Knowing the formula is good, but daily care also adds up. These habits can extend your candle's life by up to 30%:
- Trim the wick to 5 mm before each use. A long wick generates more smoke, consumes more wax, and shortens burn time.
- The first time, let it burn for at least 2 hours. Wax has memory: if you extinguish it before it reaches the edges, it will repeat that pattern and tunneling will occur.
- Do not burn it for more than 4 hours at a time. Let it cool before relighting.
- Avoid drafts. An unstable flame consumes wax unevenly.
- Store it covered and away from direct light. Heat and UV light degrade both wax and fragrance.
When to discard a candle?
When less than 1 cm of wax remains at the bottom, it's time to stop using it. Continuing to burn it can overheat the container and be dangerous.
The empty container—if it's ceramic or glass—can be cleaned with hot water and reused. A second life for an object that deserves to stay in your home.
Which candle to choose if you want it to last?
If you're looking for longevity without sacrificing scent or quality, artisanal candles with soy wax are the best option. They burn slower, cleaner, and release fragrance consistently over time—not just in the first few minutes.
At Monsters Candles, we work exclusively with BIOINSPECTA certified organic soy waxes and organic cotton wicks. Each candle undergoes a burn test before reaching your hands, so you know exactly what you're buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours does a 200g candle last?
It depends on the type of wax. With soy wax, between 30 and 40 hours. With paraffin, between 20 and 25 hours. With coconut wax, it can exceed 40 hours.
How long does a 100g candle last?
Between 12 and 20 hours depending on the type of wax. Soy or coconut waxes are closer to the upper limit; paraffin, to the lower.
Do artisanal candles last longer than industrial ones?
Generally, yes. Artisanal candles often use vegetable waxes with lower hourly consumption and wicks calibrated for that type of wax, which extends burn time and improves burn quality.
How do I know how many grams of wax my candle has?
Look for the net weight on the label. If it doesn't appear, you can weigh it and subtract the weight of the empty container.
Does fragrance affect burn time?
Yes. A high percentage of fragrance oil can slightly increase hourly consumption. Serious manufacturers calibrate the wick to compensate for this.
Did you find this guide useful? Save it for the next time you buy a candle—or share it with someone who's also a fan :)
Alejandra and Txema
If you're looking for longevity and quality
Monsters Candles Handmade Soy Candles
Certified organic soy wax, organic cotton wicks, and literary fragrances. Each candle undergoes a burn test.
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