Pottery Pricing Calculator
Calculate accurate pricing for your handmade pottery with our comprehensive ceramic cost analysis tool
Calculate Your Pottery Costs
Our pottery pricing calculator helps you determine the right price point by accounting for all costs:
Material Costs
- • Clay and clay body
- • Glazes and underglazes
- • Slips and engobes
- • Decorative materials
- • Shrinkage losses
- • Testing materials
Production Costs
- • Kiln firing (bisque + glaze)
- • Electricity/gas costs
- • Labor and studio time
- • Equipment depreciation
- • Studio rent and overhead
- • Packaging materials
Pricing Formula
Retail Price = (Materials + Firing + Labor + Overhead) × Markup FactorTypical Markups: Functional ware 3-4x, Decorative 4-6x, Sculptural 6-10x
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I price handmade pottery?
Calculate: (Clay + Glazes + Firing + Decorations) + Labor + Overhead × Markup = Retail Price. Include shrinkage losses, kiln costs, testing time, and market positioning for sustainable pricing.
What profit margin should I aim for in pottery?
Target 60-80% profit margin for retail pottery. Functional ware: 60-70%, Decorative pieces: 70-80%, Sculptural work: 80-100%. Material costs should be 15-25% of retail price.
How much should I charge for labor on pottery?
Calculate hourly rate: Beginner $20-30/hour, Intermediate $30-50/hour, Expert $50-100/hour. Include throwing, trimming, glazing, firing monitoring, and finishing time.
How do I factor in kiln firing costs?
Calculate cost per firing (electricity/gas + kiln depreciation) ÷ number of pieces per load = cost per piece. Add both bisque and glaze firing costs. Track kiln load efficiency for accurate pricing.
Calculate Firing Costs
Use our specialized pottery firing cost calculator to accurately track your kiln expenses.
Firing Cost CalculatorGeneral Pricing Tool
Use our general craft pricing calculator for comprehensive cost analysis.
General Pricing Calculator