I generally “guess” how much clay I need to make a mug, bowl, or plate.  But as I’m trying to become a better potter and more productively consistent in my work, I decided that I needed to figure out a way to get the right amount of clay before starting!  What a novel idea!

Anywho…found this great website page that gives the weights of clay needed for making various pots!  Most helpful!

Have a look HERE at Lakeside Pottery.  They have heaps of other great stuff too!

No.

Finished Item
After Firing *

Clay’s weight
lbs./oz.

Height
inches 
**

Width
inches **

1

6 oz. coffee mug

10 oz.

3.0

3.0

2

8 oz. coffee mug

14 oz.

5.0

3.0

3

14 oz. beer mug

1 lb. 5 oz.

7.0

3.5

4

Saucer

13 oz.

1.0

5.5

5

Large dinner plate

4 lb.

1.25

11.5

6

Medium dinner plate

3 lb.

1.0

10.0

7

Side plate

2 lb. 3 oz.

1.0

8.0

8

Bread and butter plate

1 lb. 5 oz.

.75

6.5

9

Large bowl

5 lb. 12 oz.

6.0

12.0

10

Medium bowl

4 lb.

4.5

10.0

11

Small bowl

1 lb. 6 oz.

3.0

6.0

12

Large mixing bowl

4 lb.

4.5

10.0

13

4 quart casserole

5 lb. 12 oz.

8.0

12.0

14

2 quart casserole

4 lb.

4.5

8.5

15

1 quart casserole

2 lb. 3 oz.

4.0

6.5

16

cream pitcher

14 oz.

5.0

3.0

17

1 pint pitcher

1 lb. 8 oz.

6.5

4.0

18

4 pint pitcher

5 lb. 12 oz.

14.0

6.0

19

Large teapot

4 lb. 6 oz.

8.0

8.0

20

Medium teapot

3 lb. 6 oz.

6.0

6.0

21

Small teapot

2 lb. 3 oz.

4.5

5.0

22

1 liter wine decanter

4 lb. 6 oz.

12.0

6.0

23

Small wine decanter

2 lb. 11 oz.

8.0

5.0

24

Large storage jar

5 lb.

12.0

5.0

25

Medium storage jar

3 lb. 6 oz.

10.0

4.0

“Finished Item” assumes Clay’s total shrinkage is 11-12%

** Height and width are to be measured on the freshly thrown pot.

(as seen on website)

Weigh away, clayers!

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