Centering Calculator

Calculates centering an object horizontally or vertically, or both, around a larger object; For example centering a clay sprig or decal on a hand-built pottery piece.


Calculator Entry Fields

Centering Horizontally - To center your smaller object horizontally, specify both the larger and smaller objects' widths.

Centering Vertically - To center your smaller object vertically, specify both the larger and smaller objects' heights.

The smaller object does not necessarily have to be a clay object added on top of an underlying pottery piece, such as a sprig adhered to a pottery planter. It can also be used when carving a design into a pottery piece, where you've created a template beforehand that you will transfer onto the piece; Similarly, if you are doing photo transfer onto your pottery and want to center the photo silk screen or decal.

In each of these instances - adding clay, carving or painting a design, or image transferring - this calculator will indicate the coordinates for centering your design!

About Center Calculator Results

The centering calculator will show:

  • Horizontal Left - The left coordinate of where to place the smaller object on the left side of the larger object. For example, if the left coordinate is calculated as 2 inches, you would place your smaller object's left side 2 inches from the left side of your larger pottery piece.

  • Vertical Top - The top coordinate of where to place the smaller object on the larger object. For example, if the top coordinate is calculated as 4.5 inches, you would place your smaller object's top side 4.5 inches from the top side of your larger pottery piece.

  • Horizontal Center - The center point, horizontally, on the larger object, over which the center of the smaller object will be located. It's the mid-point between the left and right side of the larger piece.

  • Vertical Center - The center point, vertically, on the larger object, over which the center of the smaller object will be located. It's the mid-point between the top and bottom side of the larger piece.

Note: Horizontal position is shown if you opted to center horizontally; Vertical position is shown if you opted to center vertically.

Important: In certain situations, the placement location many not be completely centered. For example, if centering clay add-on and the main pottery piece is at a different drying stage than the add-on, this calculator will not account for shrinkage, which could cause an offset when fully dry.

Suggestion: Mark the calculated centering positions on the larger piece before adding the smaller object to make sure you are satisfied with its location. Use a tool that will enable you to remove the markings. For instance, if working on greenware, a wood tool to make small notches that you can then smooth out; Or, if you'll be transferring a decal onto bisqued pottery, a pencil which dissipates during kilning.