Candle Sizes (Standard Dimensions, Burn Time & Chart)

In this candle sizes guide you’ll find standard sizes for different types of candles with size chart, candle jar sizes and how to size a candle.

One thing for the home that possesses both functional and decorative functions is the candle. Many types of candles exist, from simple tea light candles to more elaborate ones affixed on chandeliers. Aside from having various kinds of candles, it is also available in many shapes and sizes to suit whatever the homeowners need them for. 

The candle size is an essential factor when figuring out the specific candle needed. The size will dictate a lot of elements, from the appearance to functionality to burn time.

Different candle sizes will dictate how long the candle will be used. This can dictate the ambiance and estimate how long the fragrance will last for a specific room if the candle is scented.

Standard Candle Sizes (& Burn Time)

It is already established that candle size will impact the burn time. A larger candle tends to have more wax, meaning it will take longer to burn than a smaller candle.

Overall, candles are measured by looking at the diameter and height of the candle. The general rule of thumb is as the candle gets bigger, the longer it will be to burn and consume. 

Standard candles will vary according to type, and since there are many types of candles, it is hard to set what the set standard is. 

The smaller tea lights candle is around 1.5 inches or 4 centimeters in diameter with a height of 0.75 inches or about 2 centimeters. When burned once, these types of candles will burn for around 3 to 5 hours. Jar candles can be some of the biggest in the market. 

Most will come in a smaller 4 ounces jar, but more oversized jar candles are 64 ounces. Burn time will vary, with the smaller ones burning for 20 to 40 hours while bigger ones can burn for 200 hours. 

Beeswax candles or a beeswax and paraffin blend tend to burn slower than many other paraffin types. With its low drip rate, slow burn time, low soot emission, and bright flame, beeswax candles are a popular choice.

However, do keep in mind that soft wax candles will burn faster than their hard wax counterparts. Soft wax candles are typically those in glass jars, and hard wax candles often have a pillar candle stick style.

Candle wicks that are not straight can cause uneven burning and flare-ups. By trimming the wick after burning you can help extend the burn time up to 25% longer according to the National Candle Association.

How Many Oz Is A Standard Candle Size? 

The size of a candle depends on many factors, like type and the candle manufacturer. But sometimes, there are similarities across all brands in the way the candles are labeled with their weight which is usually measured according to ounces (oz) and grams (g). 

Since there are no standard kinds of candles, weights will vary according to each type of candle. There are smaller tea light candles that are usually around 0.25 to 0.5 ounces.

Floating candles are more extensive and are usually 1 to 2 ounces, while bigger jar candles can go up to 4 to 64 ounces depending on the candle size. 

Pillar Candle Sizes 

A pillar candle is made of rigid wax, which makes it possible to stand alone without needing any container. It varies in size and height but will mostly be cylindrical with one wick. 

Pillar candles will vary in size; there are the smaller pillar candles that are 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter with a height ranging from 3 to 4 inches or around 8 to 10 centimeters. Medium pillar candles have a diameter of 3 inches or 8 centimeters and a height of 4 to 6 inches or 10 to 15 centimeters. 

Larger pillar candles are thicker, with a diameter of 4 to 6 inches or 10 to 15 centimeters and a height ranging from 6 to 12 inches or 15 to 30 centimeters. Extra-large candles are also available, and they are as thick as 6 inches or 15 centimeters with a height starting at 12 inches or 30 centimeters and above. 

Votive Candle Size 

Votive candles are what is known as mini hurricane candles because they are generally smaller than pillar candles which makes them easy to transport but still efficient enough to light a room. 

Votive candles are available with a standard size of 2 inches or 5 centimeters in height and a diameter of 1.5 inches or about 4 centimeters. Although this is the standard size, it will still vary according to the specific brand or manufacturer and the votive candle’s design. 

Some candles can be broader and shorter than the standard size. It is essential to look at the proper size since it can affect everything from the ambiance to the burn time of the candles. 

Tealight Candle Size

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Tea light candles are some of the smallest candles possible. They are mostly placed on a candle holder or a container and used for various purposes, from providing a useful light source to decorative purposes. 

Tea light candles come with a standard size of 1.5 inches or around 4 centimeters in diameter with a height of about 0.75 inches or 2 centimeters on average.

This specific size will fit ordinary tealight holders. Most are sold in packs, and burn time will range from 3 to 5 hours, depending on the duration of use and also the overall quality of the tea light candles. 

Taper Candle Sizes 

Taper candles are the complete opposite of votive or pillar candles since they are long and slim. They are made to fit many candlesticks and candelabras.

The standard size for most taper candles will start with a height range of 8 to 15 inches or 20 to 38 centimeters and a candle diameter of 0.5 inches or 1 centimeter. 

Because of their height, one might think their burn time is longer, but on average, shorter taper candles have a burn time of 1 to 1.5 hours per inch. It takes around 8 hours or more for an entire taper candle to burn. 

Jar Candle Sizes 

Jar candles are especially poured into beautiful jars and other containers to ensure they burn in self-contained containers. No extra dish or holder will be needed to house the candle. The size of jar candles will vary widely, with the smaller ones starting at 4 ounces with a burn time of 20 to 25 hours. 

Medium-sized jar candles are 8 ounces with 40 to 50 hours of burn time. Large jar candles are 16 to 22 ounces with a burn time of 80 to 100 hours. More oversized jar candles are 22 ounces in size, with a burn time ranging from 150 hours and more. 

Flameless Candle Sizes

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Flameless candles are powered by electricity using LED lights to create the flickering flame effect seen with a real candle. Like regular candles, flameless candles come in many shapes and sizes; most of the time, they follow and mimic different kinds of candles. 

Flameless tea light candles are smaller and will be 1.5 inches or around 4 centimeters. Flameless pillar candles are bigger, with a diameter ranging from 3 to 5 inches or about 8 to 13 centimeters and heights ranging from 4 to 12 inches or 10 to 30 centimeters. 

Flameless taper candles are taller at 9 to 10 inches or 23 to 25 centimeters and can stick out to fit candelabras. 

Candle Dimensions Chart 

Candle Type	Candle Height	Candle Diameter
Pillar Candles	3 to 12 inches (8 to 30 centimeters)	2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters
Votive Candles	2 inches (5 centimeters)	1.5 inches (4 centimeters)
Taper Candles	8 to 15 inches (20 to 38 centimeters)	0.5 inches (1 centimeter)
Tea Light Candles	0.75 inches (2 centimeters)	1.5 inches (4 centimeters)
Jar Candles	4 to 22 ounces
Flameless Candles	1.5 to 10 inches (4 to 25 centimeters)	0.75 to 5 inches (2 to 13 centimeters)

Diameter Of Candles

The total diameter of candles will vary depending on different factors, from the type to the brand of the candles. Since no diameter is fixed for candles, it is better to look at the standard diameter for each candle type. 

Some of the smallest candles are tealight candles, usually with a diameter of 1.5 inches or around 4 inches. Votive candles are more oversized at 2 inches or 5 centimeters, while pillar candles can have a diameter of 3 inches or 8 centimeters. 

Taper candles are taller than they are broader, and their diameter usually starts at 0.5 inches or 1 centimeter. On the other hand, jar candle diameter ranges from the smaller 2.5 inches or 6 centimeters to the bigger 4 inches or 10 centimeters. 

Candle Jar Sizes

Candle jars are used to pour candle wax into pots and other containers to ensure that the wax will burn in self-contained containers. The size of candle jars will vary widely, with the smaller ones starting at 4 ounces with a burn time of 20 to 25 hours. 

Medium-sized jar candles are 8 oz, 10 oz, or 12 oz with 40 to 50 hours of burn time. Large jar candles are 16 to 22 ounces with a burn time of 80 to 100 hours. More extra large jar candles are 22 ounces in size, with a burn time ranging from 150 hours and more. 

When selecting a candle jar, looking at size, design, and shape is essential, especially if the homeowners have specific requirements. 

How Do You Size A Candle?

In general, candles will have a fixed height and diameter from the get-go, but it is also easy to consider requirements when the person knows how to measure them.

To calculate the height, measure from the top to the base of the candle, while measuring the diameter will require finding the widest point and measuring the width from there. 

See more related content in our article about the types of scented candles here.