Skip to main content
Calcimator

Clay Body Recipe Calculator

Calculate ingredient weights for a custom clay body from batch size and percentage breakdown of clay, feldspar, silica, and flux.

Inputs

lbs
%
%
%
%

Results

Clay Weight

25 lbs

≈ 6 bags of sugar

Feldspar Weight12.5 lbs
Silica Weight10 lbs
Flux Weight2.5 lbs
Water Needed (~22%)11 lbs
Entered Total100%
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the total batch size in pounds (e.g., 50 lbs for a typical studio batch).
  2. Set the percentage of clay minerals (kaolin or ball clay) — aim for 40–60% for good plasticity.
  3. Adjust feldspar percentage (15–30%) to control flux and glass-forming properties.
  4. Set silica/flint percentage (15–25%) to add structural strength and reduce fired shrinkage.
  5. Enter flux percentage (whiting, talc, or dolomite) to fine-tune the vitrification temperature.
  6. Read the calculated ingredient weights in lbs for each component, plus the recommended water addition (~22% of dry weight).

How the result changes with Batch Size

Batch SizeClay Weight
5125.5 lbs
17688 lbs
325162.5 lbs
450225 lbs

What each input means

Batch Size
Total dry weight of the clay body batch in pounds. 25-50 lbs is a common studio batch.
Clay (Kaolin/Ball Clay)
Percentage of clay minerals (kaolin, ball clay). Provides plasticity. Typical range is 40-60%.
Feldspar
Percentage of feldspar. Acts as a flux and glass former. Typical range is 15-30%.
Silica (Flint)
Percentage of silica/flint. Adds structural strength and reduces shrinkage. Typical range is 15-25%.
Flux (Whiting/Talc)
Percentage of additional flux (whiting, talc, dolomite). Lowers vitrification temperature. 0-10% typical.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Batch Size = 50, Clay (Kaolin/Ball Clay) = 50, Feldspar = 25, Silica (Flint) = 20 = 5 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Clay Weight
    Clay Weight
    25 = 25
  3. Calculate Feldspar Weight
    Feldspar Weight
    12.5 = 12.5
  4. Calculate Silica Weight
    Silica Weight
    10 = 10

Related Calculators

The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.

Ceramics & Pottery

Glaze Recipe Calculator

Calculate ingredient weights in grams from a total batch weight and percentage breakdown of silica, alumina, flux, and colorant.

Ceramics & Pottery

Shrinkage Rate Calculator

Calculate the final fired size and total shrinkage percentage from wet dimensions, wet-to-dry and dry-to-fired shrinkage rates.

Sculpture

Clay Volume Calculator

Estimate clay weight and volume needed for a sculpture based on dimensions, clay type, and construction method.

Ceramics & Pottery

Coil Pot Calculator

Calculate total coil length and clay weight needed for a coil-built pot based on dimensions and coil diameter.

More in Crafts, Hobbies & Games.