The riser in casting serves as a reservoir of molten metal to compensate for shrinkage as the casting solidifies.
As the riser-to-casting volume ratio increases, a larger proportion of the total molten metal is directed into the riser.
Since the riser does not become part of the final casting, this extra volume does not contribute to the usable product, thereby lowering the effective yield.
Casting yield is defined as the ratio of the weight of the casting to the total weight of metal poured, so an increase in riser volume reduces this ratio.