Cone Temperature Chart
Pyrometric cones measure heatwork — the combined effect of temperature and time — not temperature alone. That's why a "cone" matters more than a thermometer reading: two kilns can hit the same peak temperature and reach different cones. Here are the most-used cones and what they're for.
Common cone temperatures
| Cone | °F | °C | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| ∆022 | 1087°F | 586°C | Lowest cone — overglaze, china paint, decals, low enamels |
| ∆06 | 1828°F | 998°C | Low-fire bisque and earthenware glaze |
| ∆04 | 1945°F | 1063°C | Low-fire glaze; common commercial-glaze cone |
| ∆6 | 2232°F | 1222°C | Mid-fire stoneware — the most popular studio range |
| ∆10 | 2345°F | 1285°C | High-fire stoneware, porcelain, reduction |
Temperatures are for Orton self-supporting cones at a 108°F/hour heating rate (the speed of the final ~200°F of firing). Because cones respond to heatwork, the exact temperature shifts with heating rate — fire slower and the cone bends a little cooler. Orton publishes the complete chart for every cone (022–32) at ortonceramic.com.
What cone should I fire to?
Cone 08–04
Bisque firing
First firing of greenware; hardens the clay before glazing.
Cone 06–04
Low-fire (earthenware)
Bright commercial glazes, majolica, terra cotta.
Cone 5–6
Mid-fire (stoneware)
Durable functional ware; the most common studio range today.
Cone 8–10
High-fire (stoneware & porcelain)
Vitreous bodies, reduction and ∆10 glazes.
What this means for your elements
The higher the cone, the hotter your kiln runs and the harder it is on the heating elements. Firing to Cone 10 wears elements far faster than Cone 04 — the wire spends more time near its temperature ceiling, where oxidation and creep accelerate. If you fire mid- or high-range regularly, Kanthal APM elements pay back their cost in fewer rewinds.
A kiln that suddenly stalls a cone or two short of where it used to reach is usually telling you the elements have aged — see why your kiln won't reach temperature and check them with our resistance calculator.
Keep reading
Firing hot and burning through elements?
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