One of the hardest parts of selling is knowing what to charge. This approach uses two different calculations, using the most important variables for a potter: time and kiln space.

These factors can vary massively between pieces, making it quite tricky to compare. The example that prompted me to create the spreadsheet was trying to compare the largest bowls I make (relatively quick to make, use significantly more clay and glaze, and take up a large portion of the kiln) to small mugs (exactly the opposite).

In order to make a meaningful comparison, I created a spreadsheet to calculate the potential profit per hour worked and per kiln load. I've expanded on that original document to include a simple pricing suggestion too, and tried to make it as user friendly as possible. This blog post is meant to serve as a companion to the spreadsheet to help explain how to use it, and what I was thinking when I set it up the way I did.

There are now 2 versions of the calculation. The simple one reduces the inputs to the minimum and should be much faster to fill in. The full version breaks the timing into stages so you can be more precise.

Simple Version

Link to UK version (£ and kg)

Link to US version ($ and lbs)

How To Use