Lithic Reduction Sequence Calculator
Classify a stone flake into reduction stages based on platform type, cortex, and dorsal scar attributes.
Inputs
°
mm
%
Results
Reduction Stage
Late Reduction (finishing)
Likely Technology
Soft Hammer / Pressure
Stage Score45/100
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Platform Angle, Platform Width, and Dorsal Scar Count.
- Set Cortex Coverage, Length:Width Ratio, and Bulb Prominence.
- Review Reduction Stage and Likely Technology.
- Use Stage Score (/100) to inform your decision.
- Use the chart to visualize the results and explore different scenarios by adjusting inputs.
What each input means
- Platform Angle
- Angle between platform and dorsal surface.
- Platform Width
- Width of the striking platform.
- Dorsal Scar Count
- Number of flake scars on the dorsal surface.
- Cortex Coverage
- Percentage of dorsal surface covered by cortex.
- Length:Width Ratio
- Flake length divided by width.
- Bulb Prominence
- 1=diffuse/absent, 5=very prominent bulb of percussion.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersPlatform Angle = 75, Platform Width = 12, Dorsal Scar Count = 3, Cortex Coverage = 20 = 6 input(s) provided
- Calculate Reduction StageLate Reduction (finishing) = Late Reduction (finishing)
- Calculate Likely TechnologySoft Hammer / Pressure = Soft Hammer / Pressure
- Calculate Stage ScoreStage Score45 = 45
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