How Long Does a Candle Burn? A Guide to Long Lasting Scented Candles
As a rough guide, a 200g candle burns for about 35 to 50 hours, and a 300g candle for about 50 to 70 hours. Three wick candles burn faster for their size because they have three flames, and the exact time depends on the wax, the wick and how you burn it. To compare different brands properly, see our guide to the best luxury scented candles.
How long do candles usually burn?
| Candle | Typical burn time |
|---|---|
| Votive or mini (under 100g) | 10 to 20 hours |
| 200g single wick | 35 to 50 hours |
| 300g single wick | 50 to 70 hours |
| Large 3 wick | Often 35 to 60 hours, depending on size |
These are typical ranges for the industry, not guarantees, so always check the burn time each brand gives before you compare candles.
What shortens a candle's life?
- Long wicks: a longer wick produces a bigger flame, and bigger flames consume the wax much faster.
- Draughts: flickering flames burn unevenly and melt wax on one side of the container.
- Very long burns: after more than four hours, the wick mushrooms at the tip and the flame becomes too large.
- Tunnelling: any wax left clinging to the sides of the container is simply wasted fragrance.
How do you get every hour from a candle?
- During the first burn, let the melted wax spread right across to the edge.
- Trim the wick to about 5mm every time, before lighting the candle.
- Burn the candle for two to four hours at a time, then extinguish it carefully.
- Keep it well away from draughts, open windows and busy doorways.
- Stop using the candle when about 1cm of wax remains in the bottom.
You will find more practical help in our guide to 8 candle fixes for tunnelling, flickering and smoking.
What does a candle cost per hour?
To compare value, divide the price by the number of burn hours. Then compare the result with a reed diffuser, which gives fragrance day and night for weeks. For a fuller comparison, read our guide to reed diffuser vs candle and the other options.
Do candles expire?
Unlit candles keep well, although the fragrance gradually fades over a year or two. Store them with the lid on, somewhere cool and dark, to keep the scent fresh for longer.
Want a candle in every room? Our candle Home Sets let you mix any three scented candles for £115, or five for £180.
Quick answers
How long should you burn a candle the first time?
Burn it until the melted wax reaches the edge of the container, which often takes two to three hours.
How many hours should you burn a candle at once?
Burn it for no more than four hours at once, then let it cool completely before relighting it.
Why do 3 wick candles burn faster?
Three flames melt the wax three times as fast, although they also deliver a noticeably bigger fragrance in return.
Our candles
Every IVNA London candle page includes the burn steps above, so you can enjoy every possible hour from each one. Our 30cl scented candles burn for around 40 hours, and our three wick candles for around 80 hours. For long, slow evenings, try the Mayfair Library scented candle, with vanilla, tonka and cedarwood. For a fresh kitchen candle, the Kew Morning scented candle brings mandarin, bergamot and vetiver. For a bathroom, try the Hampstead Spa scented candle.
See all our scented candles handmade in England, which are vegan, with no palm oil.
You will find plenty more answers in our reed diffuser FAQs.
New to IVNA London? Every scent we make comes as a luxury reed diffuser and a matching scented candle, both handmade in England.
