Calculate the cost of a mug

Most potters underprice their work because they've never actually calculated the true cost. Let's fix that.

Track ALL inputs for one mug

Materials

• Clay: weight used × cost per kg
• Glaze: estimated volume × cost per batch
• Wax, kiln wash, etc.: small but real

Firing costs

• Electricity or gas for bisque: total bill ÷ pieces in load
• Same for glaze firing
• Kiln wash and furniture wear (amortize over ~50 firings)

Time

• Throwing: __ minutes
• Trimming: __ minutes
• Handle + attachment: __ minutes
• Glazing: __ minutes
• Loading/unloading: __ minutes per piece share

Overhead

• Studio rent (monthly ÷ pieces per month)
• Tools and equipment amortization

Now calculate

• Break-even price = total of all the above
• Retail price = materials cost × 3 (standard craft multiplier) or hourly rate × time

The uncomfortable truth

If your break-even is $12 and you're selling mugs for $15, you're barely paying yourself. Know your numbers.