by Rustic Escentuals

The below listed steps show you how to calculate the burn time of any candle whether it’s a container, pillar, or votive.

 
Supplies Needed
Candle
Digital Scale

* The numbers used in this example do not depict an actual test burn.

Step 1: Measure the weight of your candle. It’s easiest to measure in ounces or grams. This is your starting weight. Write this down on your test sheet.

Step 2: Make sure the wick is trimmed to approximately 1/4″. Keep the candle on a level, heat resistant surface away from drafts. Light the candle and record the time.

Step 3: Burn the candle for approximately 3-4 hours. Extinguish candle. This is your time of test burn.

Step 4: Weigh the candle. This is your final weight.

Step 5: Do the following calculation to get the approximate amount of wax consumed during the test burn.

Subtract the final weight from the starting weight.

16 oz. (starting weight) – 15 oz. (final weight) = 1 oz
This is the amount of wax consumed.

Step 6: Now divide the time of test burn by the amount of wax consumed.

4 (time of test burn) ÷ 1 (wax consumed) = 4 hrs burned per ounce

This is the approximate number of hours per ounce your candle will burn.

Step 7: Multiply the hours burned per ounce by the total weight of the candle to get your total burn time.

4 (hrs burned per oz) x 16 (starting weight) = 64 total approximate burn time

NOTE: The accuracy of the test burn increases with longer burn times.