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Stick Welding Amperage Chart: Settings for Every Rod Size
A practical stick welding amperage chart is a starting point, not a substitute for the electrode package: for common 1/8-inch rods, begin around 75–125 amps for E6010, 80–130 amps for E6013, and 90–140 amps for E7018, then tune the setting to the joint, position, and machine.
The printable chart below gathers useful starting ranges for common electrode diameters and connects them to the steel thicknesses they’re typically used on. Actual recommended settings vary by manufacturer, polarity, and technique. Check the rod label or datasheet first, especially for low-hydrogen E7018 electrodes.
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Printable stick welding amperage chart
Use this stick welding settings chart as a field reference for mild steel. Amperages are approximate starting ranges in DC amps; some electrodes and machines may call for different settings. “Steel thickness” is a practical guide, not a limit on what a skilled welder can join.
| Rod diameter | Typical steel thickness | E6010 amps | E6013 amps | E7018 amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32 in (2.4 mm) | About 1/8–3/16 in (3–5 mm) | 40–85 A | 40–90 A | 70–100 A |
| 1/8 in (3.2 mm) | About 3/16–1/4 in (5–6 mm) | 75–125 A | 80–130 A | 90–140 A |
| 5/32 in (4.0 mm) | About 1/4–3/8 in (6–10 mm) | 110–160 A | 105–160 A | 130–190 A |
| 3/16 in (4.8 mm) | About 3/8 in and thicker (10 mm+) | 140–200 A | 150–200 A | 180–250 A |
To print it, use your browser’s print command and select landscape orientation if the columns don’t fit. This is a general stick welding electrode chart, not a welding procedure specification. For structural, pressure, or otherwise safety-critical work, follow the qualified procedure and applicable code.
Choose the rod and setting for the job
- E6010: A fast-freezing, deep-penetrating electrode often chosen for root passes and dirty or rusty steel where the procedure allows it. It commonly runs on DCEP (electrode positive) and requires a DC-capable welder. Some machines have trouble maintaining a smooth arc with it.
- E6013: A more forgiving general-purpose rod with a softer arc and easier slag removal. It is often used on thinner material and light fabrication. Many E6013 electrodes work on AC or DC, but verify the specific product’s polarity guidance.
- E7018: A low-hydrogen electrode used for strong, sound welds when the application and procedure call for it. It typically runs on DCEP or AC depending on the electrode. Moisture control matters: follow the manufacturer’s storage and exposure instructions rather than using damp or poorly stored rods.
Rod diameter is only one input. A vertical or overhead pass often needs a lower setting than a flat pass, while a long arc, poor fit-up, or heavy joint can change how the weld behaves. Start near the middle of the listed range, then adjust in small increments while keeping a short, steady arc.
Match the amperage range to a welder that can deliver it
For shopping, compare the machine’s rated output and duty cycle at the amps you need—not just its advertised maximum. A welder that reaches 200 amps briefly may be a poor fit for repeated long passes if it must cool frequently. The ranges below are practical targets, not endorsements of a specific model.
| Typical work | Useful output range | Welder type to consider | What to check before buying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/32-in rods; repairs on lighter steel | 40–100 A | 120-V inverter stick welder | Stable low-end adjustment, compatible input circuit, and leads suitable for the job |
| 1/8-in rods; general home and shop work | 80–140 A | Dual-voltage inverter stick welder | Rated output on both input voltages; 120 V may limit sustained output |
| 5/32-in rods; thicker stock and longer passes | 130–190 A | 240-V inverter or transformer stick welder | Duty cycle at the working amperage and the required circuit capacity |
| 3/16-in rods; heavier work | 180–250 A | Higher-output 240-V machine | Whether the machine sustains the needed current, plus suitable cables and electrode holder |
For a concrete buying comparison, the Lincoln Electric POWER MIG 140 is a real 120-V wire-feed MIG machine, not a stick welder; its name should not be mistaken for a stick-output rating. For stick welding, compare machines specifically advertised with stick/SMAW output, such as the Lincoln Electric Square Wave 205 or Miller Thunderbolt series, and verify the exact model’s current range, input requirements, and duty cycle on its current manufacturer specification sheet. Product versions and specifications can change.
A sensible rule: if your regular work calls for 1/8-inch E7018 at roughly 120–140 amps, choose a machine that can sustain that output on the power supply available at your shop. If your work is mostly 3/32-inch rods, paying for a 250-amp maximum may add little value.
Dial in the setting: a quick setup method
- Confirm rod, diameter, and polarity. Read the electrode packaging. Don’t assume every rod of a given classification has identical recommendations.
- Set a middle-of-range starting point. For a 1/8-inch E6013, for example, start near 105 amps, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise.
- Strike an arc on scrap of similar thickness. Keep the arc short and travel steadily. A stable crackle and a controlled puddle are more useful clues than the dial alone.
- Adjust in small steps. If the rod sticks repeatedly and the puddle is sluggish, increase current slightly. If the puddle is hard to control, the bead is excessively flat, or the edges undercut, reduce current and reassess travel speed and technique.
- Inspect the bead and clean between passes. Remove slag before adding another pass; trapped slag can create defects. Check for visible undercut, incomplete fusion, and excessive spatter.
Amperage is not a fix for every defect. Poor joint preparation, contaminated metal, incorrect travel angle, and an excessively long arc can all produce a bad weld even when the setting is in range.
What the chart can’t tell you
Electrode recommendations differ by manufacturer, and the same rod size can behave differently with AC and DC. Machine displays may also be approximate, especially on lower-cost units. Keep cables and connections in good condition: loose or undersized leads can cause voltage drop and a weak-feeling arc. Replace damaged insulation and worn electrode holders, and keep the work clamp attached to clean metal near the weld.
Use appropriate eye, hand, and skin protection, and ensure ventilation. Before welding, remove flammable materials from the area and follow safe procedures for cylinders and electrical equipment. For code work or joints whose failure could cause injury or major damage, use a qualified welding procedure and welder rather than relying on an arc welding stick chart alone.