Systems and methods for real-time, closed-loop shape control of extruded ceramic honeycomb structures are disclosed. Methods include extruding batch material through an extruder barrel and through an extruder die using at least one extrusion screw to form the extrudate, and measuring a shape of the extrudate immediately adjacent the die. The batch material water content is determined or measured, at least one of the extruder barrel and screw temperature are measured, and the extrusion screw rotation rate are measured. At least one of the batch material water content, barrel temperature, screw temperature and rotation rate is adjusted to maintain the extrudate shape to within a select tolerance.