How to Size a Candle Label
Measure the container
Measure the diameter or circumference and the height of the straight area where the label will go.
Choose the wrap
A full wrap with a small gap, a wrap with an overlap, or a front label that leaves the glow visible.
Download and test
Download the SVG, PNG or PDF template and print the Print Test to check the fit on a real jar or tin.
How to Measure a Candle Jar or Tin
- Jars and tumblers
- Measure the diameter across the middle of the label area, or wrap a tape around it for the circumference. For the height, measure the straight part of the side, above any thick or rounded base.
- Tins
- Candle tins often have a rolled rim at the top and a seam at the bottom. Measure the body between them, and use that height for the label.
- Tapered vessels
- If the top and bottom diameters are different, tick Top and bottom diameters are different and enter both. A tapered container needs a curved label, which the calculator draws for you.
Measure twice: a 1 mm (0.04 in) error in the diameter changes the wrap length by about 3 mm (1/8 in).
Label Sizes for Common Candle Containers
The presets come from published container dimensions. With a full wrap and a 1/8 in (3.175 mm) gap, the calculator gives these label sizes:
| Container | Diameter | Label size (width × height) |
|---|---|---|
| Straight-sided tumbler jar | 3.15 in (80.0 mm) | 9.771 × 3 in (248.2 × 76.2 mm) |
| Medium straight-sided jar | 2.88 in (73.2 mm) | 8.923 × 2.38 in (226.6 × 60.5 mm) |
| 8 oz candle tin | 3.07 in (78.0 mm) | 9.520 × 1.25 in (241.8 × 31.8 mm) |
Diameters (top outside), heights and label heights as published by CandleScience. Suppliers sometimes list slightly different label widths because they choose their own gap or overlap, so test before printing in bulk.
For a front label instead of a full wrap, choose Partial wrap and a coverage such as 40%: on the 3.15 in tumbler that gives a label 3.958 in (100.5 mm) wide.
Leave Room for the Warning Label
Candles usually carry a fire-safety warning, and it needs space on the container. In the United States, many candle makers follow ASTM F2058, the standard specification for candle fire safety labeling. It describes a warning with the safety alert symbol and the signal word WARNING, followed by cautionary statements or pictograms, placed where people can easily see it. In Europe, EN 15494 sets out product safety labels for candles.
Product labels often also need the product name, the net quantity and the name and address of the business responsible. Requirements differ between countries, so check the rules where you sell and plan the space before you design. A common layout is a front or wrap label for the brand and a separate label on the bottom or back for the warning and legal text.
This page explains label sizes, not legal requirements. Check the current standards and regulations for your market.
Lid, Bottom and Tapered Labels
- Lid and bottom labels: measure the flat area and use the Round Label Size Calculator for a circle template with bleed and a safe area.
- Tapered tumblers and glasses: the Tapered Tumbler Template Generator draws an exact curved wrap from the top and bottom diameters.
- Labels on several containers: to fit many labels on one sheet, plan the layout with the Sticker Sheet Calculator.
Use a label material and adhesive that your supplier recommends for candle containers, and test a finished candle through a full burn before you print a large run.