Water Absorption Calculator
Testing
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Water Absorption Calculator
Measure fired ceramic water absorption (porosity) using the standard dry/wet weight test.
Reviewed by ClayCalc Editorial · Updated
Weigh the fired test piece bone dry before soaking.
Weigh after boiling 2hr + soaking 24hr. Pat dry surface before weighing.
Results
Enter your measurements above and click Calculate.
Water Absorption Arithmetic
Water absorption compares a fired specimen's dry mass with its mass after a defined saturation procedure. The calculation indicates accessible open porosity under that procedure. For a result to be represented as ASTM C373 or ISO 10545-3, follow the current applicable standard in full; this page performs only the weight arithmetic.
Descriptive Comparison Bands
| Absorption | Classification | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| < 0.5% | Very low | Compare with the product/body specification |
| 0.5–3% | Low | Useful for a firing-temperature series |
| 3–6% | Moderate | Investigate against intended use |
| 6–15% | High | Relatively open pore structure |
| > 15% | Very high | Check preparation, firing and test procedure |
These bands are editorial descriptors, not ceramic product classes. Absorption by itself does not certify food-contact safety, glaze durability, mechanical strength or freeze-thaw resistance.
Method & review note
About this calculation
Calculates a result from measured specimens. This is a studio aid, not a claim that a certified laboratory standard has been followed.
Reference: ASTM C373 — Scope and Significance. See the editorial methodology for testing, precision and corrections.
Input handling: Values are sent to the ClayCalc server for this request and are not written to the application database.