Frequently Asked Questions
What is Unity Molecular Formula (UMF) in glaze chemistry?
UMF is a standardized way of expressing a glaze's chemical composition as a ratio of molecules rather than raw percentages. It allows potters and ceramic artists to predict how a glaze will behave — including melt, surface quality, and stability — regardless of which specific materials are used. It's the language professional glaze chemists use to design and compare glazes.
What is COE, and why does it matter for ceramics?
COE stands for Coefficient of Thermal Expansion — a measure of how much a glaze expands and contracts as it heats and cools. When a glaze's COE is mismatched with the clay body it's applied to, it can cause crazing (fine cracks) or shivering (glaze flaking off). Checking COE before firing helps you avoid these problems.
How do I calculate a glaze batch recipe?
A batch recipe converts a glaze formula — expressed as percentages of oxides or materials — into actual gram weights for each ingredient. This calculator does that conversion automatically, so you can scale recipes up or down for any batch size without doing the math by hand.
Can I use this glaze calculator for free?
Yes, completely free, with no account or sign-up required. It's designed to give independent potters and ceramic artists access to the same tools used by professional glaze chemists.
What ceramic materials are in the database?
The materials library includes commonly used ceramic raw materials from around the world — feldspars, frits, colorants, fluxes, and more. It's designed to be useful whether you're sourcing materials locally or working with international suppliers.
What languages does the glaze calculator support?
The calculator is available in English, Español (Spanish), Français (French), Deutsch (German), 简体中文 (Simplified Chinese), 日本語 (Japanese), and हिंदी (Hindi), making it accessible to ceramic artists worldwide.
Is this glaze calculator suitable for beginners?
Yes. While the underlying chemistry is sophisticated, the calculator is designed to be approachable. Whether you're just learning about glaze chemistry or you're an experienced ceramic chemist, the tool works at your level.
