The pottery kiln firing cost calculator estimates electricity cost per firing based on your kiln size, cone temperature, and local utility rate. Calculate cost per piece to price your pottery accurately.
Kiln Firing Cost
US average ~$0.13/kWh. Check your utility bill.
Firing Details
How to Calculate Kiln Firing Costs
Understanding your kiln firing cost is essential for pricing pottery correctly. Electricity is one of the largest ongoing expenses for studio potters — get it wrong and you're subsidizing your customers' mugs.
Step 1: Know Your Kiln's Power Draw
Check your kiln's nameplate or manual for wattage (kW). A 48A/240V kiln draws approximately 11.5 kW maximum. But kilns cycle on and off during firing — they don't run at 100% the entire time. Effective power consumption is typically 60-80% of nameplate rating over a full firing.
Step 2: Estimate Firing Time
Bisque (cone 06) takes 8-12 hours. Mid-fire glaze (cone 5-6) takes 10-14 hours. High-fire cone 10 takes 12-16 hours. These are total times from cold start to safe-to-open temperature (below 150°F). Don't include cooling time in your cost calculation — the elements aren't running during cooling.
Step 3: Find Your Electricity Rate
Look at your utility bill for the cost per kWh. US average is about $0.13/kWh, but rates range from $0.08 (Pacific Northwest) to $0.30+ (California, Hawaii). Some utilities have time-of-use rates — firing overnight can save 20-40% in peak-hour markets.
Step 4: Calculate Cost per Piece
Total firing cost ÷ pieces in load = electricity per piece. Add clay cost ($0.30-2 per piece), glaze ($0.25-1), and your studio labor. A well-loaded medium kiln firing 20 mugs at $5 total electricity = $0.25 per mug for electricity — well within range for a $25-40 retail price.
FAQ
How much electricity does a pottery kiln use?
A small test kiln (0.5 cu ft, 15A) uses roughly 5-8 kWh per bisque firing. A medium kiln (3 cu ft, 30A) uses 15-25 kWh. A large kiln (7 cu ft, 48A) uses 30-50 kWh. High-fire cone 10 firings use 20-30% more than bisque because they run hotter and longer. At $0.13/kWh, a large bisque firing costs roughly $4-6.50.
How long does a bisque firing take?
Bisque firings (cone 06, ~1828°F) typically take 8-12 hours including ramp-up and cool-down. Mid-fire (cone 5-6) takes 10-14 hours. High-fire cone 10 takes 12-16 hours. Actual time depends on kiln size, load weight, and your firing schedule. Always allow at least 12 hours for cooling before opening.
How do I calculate kiln cost per piece?
Total firing cost ÷ number of pieces in the load = cost per piece. A $6 firing with 20 bowls = $0.30 per bowl for electricity. Add clay cost ($0.50-2), glaze ($0.25-1), kiln wash, and your studio time for total per-piece cost. Many pottery studios charge $0.50-1.50 per cubic inch of fired ware for community kiln rentals.
What cone temperature should I use?
Cone 06 bisque (1828°F/998°C) is standard for first firing of greenware. Cone 5-6 (2167-2232°F) mid-fire glaze is popular for home kilns — good color range, achievable on standard 240V circuits. Cone 10 (2345°F/1285°C) high-fire produces stronger, more vitrified ware but requires more power and time.
Is this kiln cost calculator free?
Yes, completely free with no account needed. All calculations run in your browser.