Skip to main content
Calcimator

Ceramic Temper Analysis Calculator

Analyze ceramic thin section point counts to determine temper type, proportion, and porosity.

Inputs

Results

Dominant Temper

Quartz/Sand

Porosity Assessment

Low (well-fired)

Total Temper %35%
Clay Matrix %59%
Porosity %6%
Secondary TemperShell
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter Total Points Counted, Quartz / Sand, and Feldspar.
  2. Set Mica, Shell, and Grog (crushed pottery).
  3. Adjust Voids / Pores as needed.
  4. Review Dominant Temper and Porosity Assessment.
  5. Use Total Temper % and Clay Matrix % to inform your decision.

What each input means

Total Points Counted
Total point count in the thin section analysis.
Quartz / Sand
Points identified as quartz or sand grains.
Feldspar
Points identified as feldspar minerals.
Mica
Points identified as mica flakes.
Shell
Points identified as crushed shell.
Grog (crushed pottery)
Points identified as recycled ceramic fragments.
Voids / Pores
Empty spaces and pore points.

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

  1. Identify Input Parameters
    4 parameters
    Total Points Counted = 200, Quartz / Sand = 40, Feldspar = 10, Mica = 5 = 7 input(s) provided
  2. Calculate Dominant Temper
    Dominant Temper
    Quartz/Sand = Quartz/Sand
  3. Calculate Porosity Assessment
    Low (well-fired) = Low (well-fired)
  4. Calculate Total Temper %
    Total Temper %
    35 = 35
  5. Calculate Clay Matrix %
    Clay Matrix %
    59 = 59

Related Calculators

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

Archaeology

Artifact Classification Score Calculator

Score artifacts using type-variety classification from morphological attributes and contextual data.

Archaeology

Artifact Density Calculator

Calculate objects per cubic meter and per square meter from excavation unit dimensions and artifact counts.

Sculpture

Clay Volume Calculator

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

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.

Archaeology

Burial Depth Estimator

Estimate expected artifact burial depth from site age, depositional rate, and geomorphological context.

More in Science & Physics.