Firing Schedule Generator
Firing
claycalc.com
Firing Schedule Generator
Generate a complete multi-segment kiln firing schedule for bisque or glaze firing.
Reviewed by ClayCalc Editorial · Updated
Results
Enter your measurements above and click Calculate.
What Is a Kiln Firing Schedule?
A firing schedule is a sequence of temperature ramp rates and hold times that controls how a kiln heats and cools. Each phase addresses a specific physical or chemical event in the clay and glaze: moisture release, organic burnout, quartz inversion, and final vitrification.
Critical Temperature Zones
| Zone | Range | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Candling | 20–120°C | Mechanical and steam water evaporates |
| Burnout | 120–600°C | Chemical water releases; organics burn off |
| Quartz Inversion | ~573°C | Silica changes crystal structure — rapid expansion/contraction |
| Approach | 900°C → peak | Glaze melts and fluxes activate |
| Soak | At peak | Temperature equalizes throughout the load |
Bisque vs. Glaze Firing
Bisque firings require slower early rates to fully burn off organics without blowing out pieces. Glaze firings can be faster through early stages but need careful control through the quartz inversion zone and a controlled approach to peak temperature to allow the glaze surface to develop correctly.
Method & review note
About this calculation
Produces a planning estimate from the values entered. Nameplate power, utility billing, kiln condition, load and witness cones remain the authoritative studio checks.
Reference: Orton Ceramic — Pyrometric Cone Resources. 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.