Weigh the finished, unburned candle on a scale. If it is a container candle, subtract the weight of the container. This is the original weight of the candle.

Light the candle and allow it to burn for four hours. (Make sure to follow safe burning practices!) After four hours, blow out the candle and allow it to cool completely. Weigh the candle again, remembering to subtract the weight of the container. This is the post-burn weight.

Subtract the post-burn weight from the original weight, then divide by the number of hours burned. This number is the hourly burn rate.

To find the total number of hours the candle will burn, divide the original weight of the candle by the hourly burn rate.

Amount Consumed (Original weight - post-burn weight) ÷ Hours Burnt = Hourly Burn Rate

Original Weight (minus weight of container) ÷ Hourly Burn Rate = Approximate Burn Time

 PRO TIPS

• If your scale can measure in grams, we recommend using that as your unit of measurement. Ounces work just fine if you prefer. Because grams are a smaller unit of measurement, you end up with numbers that are easier to work with.
  Example: 5 grams/hour versus 0.16 ounces/hour.
  
  
• Although a single burn cycle (four hours) will give you a fairly accurate hourly burn rate, multiple cycles (three or four) will produce a more accurate number. The first burn cycle is always a little off because the wick is not yet completely saturated with wax, color, and fragrance.
  
  
• Ensure the wick in the candle is the appropriate size. An over-wicked candle will burn more quickly, while an under-wicked candle will burn more slowly.