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Kiln Shelf Layout Planner

Enter the size of the shelf, the footprint of one piece and the gap you want between pieces. The page counts the pieces in a straight grid, compares it with the same footprint turned 90 degrees and draws both.

Pieces on the shelf (as entered)

6

As entered 3 × 2 = 6 · turned 90° 3 × 2 = 6 · same either way · footprints cover 50 % of the shelf
As entered: 3 × 2 = 6
Turned 90°: 3 × 2 = 6

Geometry and arithmetic only. It does not check the load, the elements, the heat or the safety of a firing: follow your kiln maker's manual.

How it works

  1. Enter the shelf width and depth, and pick a unit.
  2. Enter the width and depth of one piece, and the gap you want between pieces and from piece to piece.
  3. Read the count as entered and turned 90°, and which one holds more.
  4. Check the drawing, then copy the plan.

What people use it for

  • Loading a small test kiln

    See at a glance how many identical tiles or cups fit on one shelf before you make them.

  • Choosing a gap

    Compare 1 cm and 2 cm gaps and see what the extra space costs in pieces.

  • Planning a batch

    Know the number of pieces for one shelf and divide your order by it.

Questions

What is the formula?
Columns = floor((shelf width + gap) ÷ (piece width + gap)) and rows = floor((shelf depth + gap) ÷ (piece depth + gap)). The count is columns × rows. The turned layout swaps the piece width and depth. The gap is also kept between the pieces, not around the edge of the shelf.
Is the best layout always a straight grid?
No. This is a simple grid with every piece the same way up and the same size. A mixed layout, staggered rows or pieces of several sizes can hold more. The page does not search for the optimum.
Does a layout that fits mean it is safe to fire?
No. It only checks lengths. Spacing from the elements, the walls and the probe, the weight on the shelf and how the pieces behave in the firing come from the kiln maker's manual and your own experience, not from this page.
What does the percentage mean?
The area of the footprints divided by the area of the shelf. Gaps are not counted as used, so it is a raw filling rate and not a measure of how well the kiln is loaded.