Pottery Sherd Estimator | Vessel Size Calculator

Estimate whole vessels from weight.

Sum of Rim Percentages

Context

Archaeological calculations often rely on region-specific constants and calibration curves. Ensure inputs closely match your site's parameters.

Precision

Results are estimates. For radiometric dating, standard deviations and calibration software (OxCal, Calib) provide definitive ranges.

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About Pottery Sherd Estimator

The Pottery Sherd Estimator is an invaluable digital tool designed for archaeologists and ceramic specialists. It accurately predicts the estimated original size and weight of a complete pottery vessel by analyzing the total weight of its recovered, fragmented sherds. This tool addresses a critical challenge in archaeological analysis, providing a standardized and reliable method for inferring vessel volume and form from incomplete assemblages. By employing established proportional relationships between sherd weight and original vessel characteristics, the Estimator aids researchers in reconstructing ancient pottery repertoires, understanding past consumption patterns, and assessing site-specific ceramic production capacities. Its utility extends to supporting research, collection management, and curatorial decisions, offering quantitative data where only qualitative assessments were previously possible.

Sum of Rim Percentages

Context

Archaeological calculations often rely on region-specific constants and calibration curves. Ensure inputs closely match your site's parameters.

Precision

Results are estimates. For radiometric dating, standard deviations and calibration software (OxCal, Calib) provide definitive ranges.