A new method has been used to prepare BaTiO3-based ceramics by combining Ba0.98Ca0.02Ti0.94Sn0.06O3 and Ba0.85Ca0.15Ti0.9Zr0.1O3, and (1-x)Ba0.98Ca0.02Ti0.94Sn0.06O3-xBa(0.85)Ca(0.15)Ti(0.9)Zr(0.1)O(3) ceramics were prepared by the normal sintering. The effect of BCTZ content on their phase structure and piezoelectric properties is investigated. A dense microstructure is developed, and a coexistence of orthorhombic and tetragonal phases is identified in the ceramic with x = 0.40, showing a good dielectric and piezoelectric behavior of epsilon(r) similar to 5500, tan delta similar to 0.3%, and d(33) similar to 407 pC/N. As a result, the combined method of BCTS and BCTZ could improve the piezoelectric properties of barium titanate ceramics. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.