Why Is My Candle Flame Too High or Too Small?
A healthy candle flame should burn evenly: steady, centered, and within a safe height range. If your flame looks unusually tall or barely visible, it’s often a sign of issues with wick sizing, wax behavior, or burning conditions.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes these flame problems and how to address them safely and effectively.
What Does a Flickering or Unstable Candle Flame Mean?
An unstable or flickering flame usually points to airflow disruptions or fuel inconsistencies. If your candle is near a window, HVAC vent, or fan, the flame may appear to dance or shift irregularly. It can also happen if the wick is too long or if the wax isn't melting evenly across the surface.
Pro Tip: If your flame flickers constantly in a still environment, trim the wick with wick trimmers and evaluate your wick size and wax compatibility.
Why Is My Candle Flame So High?
A tall, “jumping” flame often means the candle is burning too hot, which affects both performance and safety.
Overwicking and Drafty Spaces
The most common cause of a high flame is a candle wick that’s too large or too long. A longer wick draws more wax into the flame than needed, resulting in excess heat. This can:
- Overheat the container
- Lead to soot buildup
- Increase fire risk if the flame exceeds safe height
For most container candles, flame height should stay between ½ and 1 inch. Larger pillars or tapers may have flames up to 2 inches. The ASTM standard limits indoor candle flames to a maximum of 3 inches in height.
Fix it: Trim the wick to ¼ inch before each burn. If your flame is still too high after trimming, the wick may be too thick for the wax type or vessel size.
Why Is My Candle Flame Too Small?
On the other end of the spectrum, a small or shrinking flame may not generate enough heat to melt the wax fully. This prevents a full melt pool and may lead to tunneling.
Wick Drowning and Wax Pooling Issues
When the wax pool floods the wick, the flame can’t stay upright or draw in enough fuel. This often happens when:
- The wick is trimmed too short
- The wax pool builds up from tunneling
- The wick sits below the surface of melted wax
Fix it: Carefully remove some melted wax with a spoon or paper towel while the wax is warm. Let the surface level out, then relight with a properly trimmed wick. If this keeps happening, you may need a larger or different wick series. Also consider wick stickers to stabilize the base of the wick.
Understanding Candle Flame Behavior
Candle flame movement tells you a lot about how the candle is performing. Here’s how to interpret different flame shapes and motion.
What Does a Dancing Flame Indicate?
A moving or swaying flame often means there’s airflow around the candle. If the environment is draft-free and the flame still moves, it may be overwicked or influenced by additives in the wax or fragrance oil.
Always check that your fragrance oil usage rates follow current IFRA guidelines and that your wick is properly matched to your formulation.
Can Flame Shape Signal a Burn Issue?
Yes. Here are some common flame shapes and what they may suggest:
- Cone-shaped, steady flame: Normal and efficient burn
- Tall, narrow flame: Wick too long or too thick
- Short, dim flame: Wick too short or underwicked
- Sputtering or smoky flame: Excess fragrance or contamination
What Does a Dancing Candle Flame Mean Spiritually?
While some people interpret dancing flames as signs of energy or presence, we focus on performance. If your flame is moving unpredictably, trim the wick and check for drafts or wick sizing issues before assigning symbolic meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my candle flickering even when there's no draft?
A: The wick may be too long, or the wax may not be melting evenly. Trim to ¼ inch and ensure the melt pool reaches the edges.
Q: How do I fix a small flame that won’t stay lit?
A: Your wick could be drowning. Carefully remove some melted wax and relight. If the issue persists, switch to a larger wick size.
Q: Why is my candle producing soot?
A: A tall flame caused by an overlong or oversized wick can lead to incomplete combustion. Trim regularly and make sure the wick suits your wax blend.
Q: Is it safe to let a candle with a high flame keep burning?
A: No. Extinguish the flame, trim the wick, and relight once cooled. High flames can overheat containers and increase the risk of accidents.