Ceramics Shrinkage and Absorption Calculator

Compute the linear shrinkage and water absorption of a ceramic body from measured wet and fired dimensions and masses.

Wet size (mm)

Fired size (mm)

Saturated mass (g)

Dry fired mass (g)

How to Use the Ceramics Shrinkage and Absorption Calculator

Mark and measure a wet test bar.
After firing, measure the new length and dry mass.
Saturate the bar and record the wet mass.
Enter all four values and click Calculate.

Cas d'utilisation

•Clay body development.
•Kiln QA.
•Studio potter recipe testing.

Formule

Shrinkage % = (L_wet − L_fired) / L_wet × 100. Absorption % = (m_wet − m_dry) / m_dry × 100.

Questions fréquemment posées

Why measure shrinkage?

Shrinkage determines the model size you need to produce the intended fired dimensions. Earthenware shrinks 8–10%, stoneware 10–13%, porcelain up to 15%.

What does absorption tell me?

Absorption is a standard indicator of vitrification — under 0.5% is impervious porcelain; 3–10% is stoneware; 10–20% earthenware.

Are both measured on the same piece?

Usually yes: a test bar is measured wet, bisque-fired, weighed dry and then saturated by boiling or soaking for 24 h.