Throw Size
5.8" tall
Wet Dia.
4.7"
Clay
38.2 oz
Shrinkage
14%
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Inputs
Result
Shrinkage = 12% + 2% (cone 6) = 14%. Wet height = 4 / (1 - 0.14) = 4.65". Wet diameter = 3.5 / 0.86 = 4.07".
Inputs
Result
Shrinkage = 15% + 4% (cone 10) = 19%. Wet height = 3 / 0.81 = 3.70". Wet diameter = 8 / 0.81 = 9.88".
Shrinkage depends on clay body and firing temperature. Stoneware shrinks 12–14%, porcelain 15–19%, and earthenware 8–10%. Higher firing temperatures add 2–4% more shrinkage. A 5" tall finished piece in stoneware at cone 6 needs to be thrown at 5.81" wet.
| Clay Body | Base Shrinkage | Cone 6 | Cone 10 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stoneware | 12% | 14% | 16% |
| Porcelain | 15% | 17% | 19% |
| Earthenware | 8% | 10% | 12% |
| B-Mix | 13% | 15% | 17% |
Throw walls 50% thicker than your desired finished thickness to allow for trimming. For a 1/4" finished wall, throw at 3/8". The bottom should be 75% thicker than the wall to provide enough material for foot ring trimming.
A standard 4" tall × 3.5" diameter mug with 1/4" walls needs about 12–15 oz of wedged clay in stoneware. Porcelain mugs need 10–15% more due to higher shrinkage requiring larger wet dimensions.
Trim at leather-hard stage, typically 12–24 hours after throwing depending on humidity and clay thickness. The clay should be firm enough to hold its shape when inverted but soft enough to carve cleanly with a trimming tool.
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Last Updated: May 2, 2026
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