Kiln Cost Per Firing Calculator

The electricity cost of one firing and of each piece in it, from the kiln power, the duration and the duty cycle.

Kiln power rating kW

The rating on the kiln plate. A small studio kiln draws 3 to 7 kW.

Firing duration h

From switch on to the end of the cool, or the time the kiln is drawing. A bisque or glaze firing usually runs 8 to 12 hours.

Electricity price per kWh

Your own unit price, including any standing charge apportioned if you want the full picture.

Duty cycle %

The share of the time the elements draw full power. About 65 percent is realistic for a bisque or glaze firing, because the elements cycle once the kiln is near temperature.

Pieces in the firing

The number the kiln genuinely holds, not the number you would like it to hold.

Measured consumption from a meter kWh

Leave at zero to use the calculated figure. Enter a metered reading to compare it with the estimate.

Cost of a set of elements

Optional. Used for the element wear share per firing.

Firings a set of elements lasts

A set of elements might last 100 to 200 firings depending on the kiln and the temperature.

Firings a year

Used for the annual electricity figure.

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Free calculator by Handcraft worked examples and methodology No account, nothing stored.