Pottery Clay Shrinkage Calculator
Accurately calculate pottery shrinkage from wet to fired size. Essential tool for throwers and handbuilders working with Porcelain, Stoneware, and Earthenware.
Reverse Calculation
Calculate required wet clay size for a desired finished size.
Result:
11.36 cm(Wet)
Mastering Clay Shrinkage in Pottery
Understanding clay shrinkage is one of the most challenging aspects of ceramics. Every potter knows the disappointment of making a beautiful piece, only to find the lid doesn't fit or the final mug is too small after firing. Our free pottery shrinkage calculator solves this problem by helping you predict exact dimensions.
How to Calculate Clay Shrinkage
This tool serves as both a reverse shrinkage calculator and a forward estimator, handling the math for you:
- Target → Wet (Reverse): Perfect for precise work like fitting lids or making sets. Enter your desired finished size, and we'll tell you exactly how large to throw or build your wet clay.
- Wet → Fired (Forward): Ideal for testing new clay bodies. Input your current wet dimensions to see what the final fired size will be.
Common Shrinkage Rates for Clay Bodies
Different clays shrink at different rates during drying (greenware) and firing (glaze firing). While you should always check your manufacturer's specifications, here are general guidelines used in our ceramics calculator:
- Porcelain (12-14%): Known for high shrinkage due to its purity and density.
- Stoneware (10-12%): Moderate shrinkage, widely used for functional ware.
- Earthenware (5-8%): Lower shrinkage, fired at lower temperatures.
Why Calculation Matters
Whether you are a beginner learning how to measure clay shrinkage or a professional production potter, using a reliable tool ensures consistency. Avoid the guesswork in your ceramic studio workflow and save time on test tiles.