UseCalcPro
Home
MathFinanceHealthConstructionAutoPetsGardenCraftsFood & BrewingTools
Blog
  1. Home
  2. Crafts

Raku Firing Calculator — Fuel, Reduction Material & Time

Estimate fuel, reduction material, and firing time for raku pottery kiln sessions

Total Firing Time

135 min

Fuel

3.4 lb

Cost

$11.93

Firing Schedule

135 min
per firing (120 ramp + 15 hold)
Pieces
~9
Total Cost
$11.93

Material Costs

Fuel (Propane)
$11.81
3.4 lb
Reduction Material
$0.12
2.4 lbs newspaper + sawdust

Raku Tips

Temperature: Pull pieces at 1800–1850°F (cone 06). Glaze should be glossy and molten.
Reduction: Place hot piece in metal can with newspaper/sawdust. Cover tightly for 15–20 minutes.
Safety: Wear heat-resistant gloves, face shield, and long sleeves. Work outdoors only.

What You'll Need

AMACO Velvet Underglazes 12-Color Set 2oz Jars Cone 05-10

AMACO Velvet Underglazes 12-Color Set 2oz Jars Cone 05-10

$35-$504.5
View on Amazon
Geelin 9pcs Pottery Glaze Brushes Set (Fan, Detail, Hake)

Geelin 9pcs Pottery Glaze Brushes Set (Fan, Detail, Hake)

$8-$124.4
View on Amazon
Penguin Pottery Liquid Kiln Wash 16oz Ready-to-Use

Penguin Pottery Liquid Kiln Wash 16oz Ready-to-Use

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon
AMACO Velvet Underglazes 12-Color Set 2oz Jars Cone 05-10

AMACO Velvet Underglazes 12-Color Set 2oz Jars Cone 05-10

$35-$504.5
View on Amazon
Geelin 9pcs Pottery Glaze Brushes Set (Fan, Detail, Hake)

Geelin 9pcs Pottery Glaze Brushes Set (Fan, Detail, Hake)

$8-$124.4
View on Amazon
Penguin Pottery Liquid Kiln Wash 16oz Ready-to-Use

Penguin Pottery Liquid Kiln Wash 16oz Ready-to-Use

$12-$184.5
View on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Example Calculations

1Medium Propane Firing (1 session)

Inputs

KilnMedium (3 cu ft)
FuelPropane
Firings1

Result

Firing Time75 min

One firing in a 3 cu ft kiln: 60 min ramp + 15 min hold. Uses ~3.3 lbs propane ($11.50) plus 2.4 lbs reduction material.

2Large Wood-Fired Session (3 firings)

Inputs

KilnLarge (7 cu ft)
FuelWood
Firings3

Result

Total Fuel47.3 lbs

Three firings in a 7 cu ft kiln using wood. Each firing uses ~15.8 lbs of wood at $0.15/lb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How much propane does a raku firing use?

A medium (3 cu ft) raku kiln uses about 3–5 lbs of propane per firing. At $3.50/lb, that is $10–$18 in fuel per session. Smaller kilns use 1–2 lbs; larger kilns use 7–12 lbs.

  • Small kiln (1 cu ft): 1–2 lbs propane per firing
  • Medium kiln (3 cu ft): 3–5 lbs per firing
  • Large kiln (7 cu ft): 7–12 lbs per firing
  • Propane cost: ~$3.50/lb ($15–20 for 20 lb tank refill)
Q

How long does a raku firing take?

A typical raku firing takes 45–90 minutes: 30–60 minutes to ramp up to 1800°F and 15 minutes of hold time. Larger kilns take longer to reach temperature.

  • Small kiln: 30–45 minutes total
  • Medium kiln: 60–75 minutes total
  • Large kiln: 75–90 minutes total
  • Target temperature: 1800–1850°F (cone 06)
Kiln SizeRamp TimeHoldTotal
1 cu ft30 min15 min45 min
3 cu ft60 min15 min75 min
7 cu ft75 min15 min90 min
Q

What reduction materials do I need for raku?

Newspaper, sawdust, and dried leaves are the most common reduction materials. You need about 0.5–1 lb of material per cubic foot of kiln space.

  • Newspaper: 0.5 lb per cubic foot of kiln
  • Sawdust: 0.3 lb per cubic foot, burns slower
  • Dried leaves: alternative to newspaper
  • Place in metal trash can with lid for reduction
Q

How many pieces fit in a raku kiln?

A general rule is 3 small to medium pieces per cubic foot of kiln space. A 3 cu ft kiln holds about 9 small bowls or 4–5 medium vases per firing.

  • Small kiln (1 cu ft): 2–3 small pieces
  • Medium kiln (3 cu ft): 6–10 pieces
  • Large kiln (7 cu ft): 15–25 pieces
  • Leave 1–2 inches between pieces for even heating

Related Calculators

Kiln Temperature Calculator

Calculate firing schedules and cone temperatures.

Pottery Glaze Calculator

Calculate glaze ingredients for pottery pieces.

Pottery Clay Weight Calculator

Estimate clay weight for pottery forms.

Kiln Schedule Calculator \u2014 Firing Ramp & Time Estimator

Calculate kiln firing schedules with ramp rates, hold times, and energy costs. Select firing type and kiln size to get a complete segment-by-segment schedule.

Glass Fusing Calculator \u2014 Firing Schedule, Anneal Time & Energy Cost

Calculate glass fusing firing schedules, anneal times, and energy costs. Get complete kiln programs for COE 90 and COE 96 with tack fuse, full fuse, and slump.

Pyrography Calculator

Estimate wood burning project time, material costs, and fair commission pricing. Enter piece dimensions, wood type, and detail level for accurate estimates.

Related Resources

EV vs Gas Car Cost Calculator: Electric vs Gasoline Comparison

Read our guide

Road Trip Cost Calculator: How to Calculate Fuel and Budget for Travel

Read our guide

How to Build a Deck: Complete Materials & Cost Calculator Guide

Read our guide

Kiln Temperature Calculator

Pottery Glaze Calculator

Pottery Clay Weight Calculator

Pottery Wheel Calculator

Explore Crafts Calculators

Discover tools for pottery, ceramics, and firing.

View All Crafts Calculators

Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

UseCalcPro
FinanceHealthMath

© 2026 UseCalcPro