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Calcimator

Casting Grain Calculator

Calculate how much casting grain (metal) you need for lost-wax casting based on wax model weight, metal density, and sprue/button allowance.

Inputs

g
%

Results

Total Metal Needed

81.11 g

Piece Weight

54.07 g

Sprue & Button Weight27.04 g
Total Troy Ounces2.61 ozt
Wax-to-Metal Ratio10.81x
Total Metal Dwt52.15
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the wax model weight in grams.
  2. Select your metal alloy (e.g., 14k gold, sterling silver) from the list.
  3. Review the calculated casting grain weight needed including sprues and gates.
  4. Add a safety margin if your casting setup has significant sprue losses.
  5. Use the metal weight to order the correct amount of casting grain from your supplier.

How the result changes with Wax Model Weight

Wax Model WeightTotal Metal NeededPiece Weight
20324.43 g216.29 g
701,135.52 g757.01 g
1302,108.81 g1,405.88 g
1802,919.9 g1,946.6 g

What each input means

Wax Model Weight
Weight of the wax model in grams (weigh on a jewelry scale)
Metal Type
1 = Sterling silver (10.49 g/cm³), 2 = 14k gold (13.07), 3 = Brass (8.5)
Sprue & Button Factor
Extra metal for sprues and casting button (40-60% typical, higher for complex trees)

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Wax Model Weight = 5, Metal Type = 1, Sprue & Button Factor = 50 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Total Metal Needed
    Total Metal Needed
    81.11 = 81.11
  3. Calculate Piece Weight
    Piece Weight
    54.07 = 54.07
  4. Calculate Sprue & Button Weight
    Sprue & Button Weight
    27.04 = 27.04
  5. Calculate Total Troy Ounces
    Total Troy Ounces
    2.608 = 2.608

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