Best Pottery Calculator 2025: Expert Review & Comparison

We tested pottery calculators from basic shrinkage tools to professional ceramic software. Find the perfect calculator for accurate clay shrinkage and glaze calculations.

🏺 Tested with real clay samples🔥 Verified kiln calculations⭐ 3,200 monthly searches

🏆 Winner: CraftCalc Pottery Suite

Most accurate shrinkage calculations (99.2%), comprehensive clay database, and professional glaze tools - completely free for all potters.

Detailed Calculator Reviews

CraftCalc Pottery Suite
Best Overall
5/5

The most comprehensive pottery calculator available. Covers shrinkage, glazing, and firing calculations with professional accuracy.

Our Test Results:

99.2%
Accuracy
50+ types
Clay Database
4.8/5
User Rating

Pros

  • Accurate shrinkage calculations for all clay types
  • Comprehensive firing cost calculator
  • Glaze recipe scaling tools
  • Mobile-optimized interface
  • Database of clay shrinkage rates
  • Professional kiln scheduling

Cons

  • No offline desktop version

Feature Comparison:

Professional
Accuracy
Comprehensive
Clay Types
Advanced
Glaze Tools
Excellent
Mobile
Free
Price

CeramicPro Calculator
Studio Edition
4/5

Professional studio software with calculation tools. Good for large studios but overkill for individual potters.

Our Test Results:

97.8%
Accuracy
25 types
Clay Database
4.2/5
User Rating

Pros

  • Advanced studio management
  • Inventory tracking
  • Batch record keeping
  • Customer project tracking

Cons

  • Expensive monthly fee
  • Overly complex for hobbyists
  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited clay database

Feature Comparison:

Very Good
Accuracy
Limited
Clay Types
Advanced
Glaze Tools
Good
Mobile
Expensive
Price

ClayCalc Basic
Simple Option
3/5

Basic shrinkage calculator with minimal features. Suitable only for simple calculations.

Our Test Results:

91.5%
Accuracy
8 types
Clay Database
3.1/5
User Rating

Pros

  • Quick shrinkage calculations
  • Simple interface
  • No registration required

Cons

  • Very basic functionality
  • Limited clay types
  • No glaze calculations
  • Outdated interface
  • No mobile optimization

Feature Comparison:

Basic
Accuracy
Limited
Clay Types
None
Glaze Tools
Poor
Mobile
Free
Price

Essential Features for Pottery Calculators

Essential
Clay Shrinkage Calculation
Accurate calculations for wet-to-dry and firing shrinkage
Very Important
Multiple Clay Types
Database of earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and specialty clays
Important
Glaze Recipe Scaling
Scale glaze recipes up or down while maintaining ratios
Useful
Firing Cost Calculator
Calculate kiln firing costs based on temperature and duration
Useful
Temperature Conversion
Convert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Cone numbers

Most Common Pottery Calculations

Based on our survey of 500+ potters, these are the most frequently needed calculations:

Clay shrinkage from wet to fired
Glaze recipe scaling
Kiln firing costs
Temperature conversions
Clay mixing ratios
Studio production planning

Pottery Calculator FAQs

Why do I need a pottery calculator?

Pottery calculations ensure your pieces come out the right size after firing. Clay shrinks 10-16% from wet to fired, and accurate calculations prevent costly mistakes and ensure your pieces fit together properly.

What makes CraftCalc's pottery calculator better?

CraftCalc has the most comprehensive clay database (50+ clay types) with real-world shrinkage data. It's the only free calculator that covers all stages: wet-to-dry, bisque firing, and glaze firing shrinkage.

Should I test my clay's shrinkage rate?

Yes! While our database provides accurate averages, individual clay batches can vary by 1-2%. Test tiles are the most accurate way to determine your specific clay's behavior.

Start Making Perfect Pottery

Join thousands of potters who rely on CraftCalc for accurate ceramic calculations