Skip to main content
Calcimator

Kiln Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate energy consumption in kWh and electricity cost per kiln firing based on kiln wattage, firing duration, and your electricity rate.

Inputs

W
hrs
$/kWh

Results

Energy Used

33.6 kWh

≈ 34 loads of laundry

Cost Per Firing

$4.37

Monthly (4 Firings)$17.48
Peak Demand6 kW
Amperage (240V)25 A
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter your kiln's rated wattage from the nameplate or manual (common hobby kilns are 4000–8000 W).
  2. Enter the total firing duration in hours from start to shut-off, not including cooling time.
  3. Enter your electricity rate in dollars per kWh — check your utility bill (US average ~$0.12–0.16/kWh).
  4. Read the total energy used in kWh and the cost per firing in dollars.
  5. Use the monthly cost estimate (4 firings/month) for studio budgeting.
  6. Note the amperage output to verify your electrical circuit is sized correctly for the kiln.

How the result changes with Kiln Wattage

Kiln WattageEnergy UsedCost Per Firing
2,45013.72 kWh$1.78
7,32541.02 kWh$5.33
13,17573.78 kWh$9.59
18,050101.08 kWh$13.14

What each input means

Kiln Wattage
Rated wattage of your kiln. Check the kiln nameplate or manual. Common hobby kilns are 4000-8000W.
Firing Duration
Total firing time in hours from start to shut-off (not including cooling). Bisque ~8-10 hrs, glaze ~6-10 hrs.
Electricity Rate
Your electricity cost per kilowatt-hour. Check your utility bill. US average is ~$0.12-0.16/kWh.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    Kiln Wattage = 6000, Firing Duration = 8, Electricity Rate = 0.13 = 3 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Energy Used
    Energy Used
    33.6 = 33.6
  3. Calculate Cost Per Firing
    Cost Per Firing
    4.37 = $4.37
  4. Calculate Monthly
    Monthly
    17.48 = $17.48
  5. Calculate Peak Demand
    Peak Demand
    6 = 6

Related Calculators

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

Ceramics & Pottery

Kiln Firing Schedule

Calculate total firing time, peak temperature, and cooling time based on target cone, ramp rate, hold time, and kiln size.

Ceramics & Pottery

Kiln Element Life Calculator

Estimate remaining kiln element firings and months of life based on usage rate, max cone fired, and total firings completed.

Ceramics & Pottery

Kiln Loading Calculator

Estimate how many pieces fit per firing and how many shelves you need based on kiln interior volume and piece size.

Crypto Mining

Mining Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate monthly and annual power costs from mining rig wattage, electricity rate, and cooling overhead.

Environmental & Sustainability

Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate the electricity cost of any appliance or device. Find out daily, monthly, and yearly energy costs based on wattage and usage.

More in Crafts, Hobbies & Games.