Clay Shrinkage Calculator
Calculate clay shrinkage during drying and firing
Clay Supplies
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Shrinkage Reference
Earthenware:
• Drying: ~6%
• Firing: ~5%
• Total: ~11%
• Firing: ~5%
• Total: ~11%
Stoneware:
• Drying: ~7%
• Firing: ~8%
• Total: ~15%
• Firing: ~8%
• Total: ~15%
Porcelain:
• Drying: ~6%
• Firing: ~12%
• Total: ~18%
• Firing: ~12%
• Total: ~18%
Pro Tips
• Test your specific clay body
• Account for thickness variations
• Keep detailed shrinkage records
• Consider atmospheric conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clay shrinkage in pottery?
Clay shrinkage is the reduction in size that occurs when clay loses moisture during drying and firing. It typically happens in two stages: drying shrinkage (6-8%) and firing shrinkage (8-12%), for a total of 12-15% depending on clay type.
How do I calculate pottery shrinkage?
To calculate pottery shrinkage: (Original Size - Final Size) ÷ Original Size × 100 = Shrinkage %. Our calculator automatically computes drying shrinkage, firing shrinkage, and total shrinkage for accurate project planning.
What shrinkage rate should I expect for different clay types?
Earthenware: 12-15% total shrinkage, Stoneware: 8-12% total shrinkage, Porcelain: 13-16% total shrinkage. Our calculator includes these standard rates and allows custom adjustments for specific clay bodies.