Stick Welding Calculator — Electrode & Amperage Settings | Welders Supply — Welding Guides, Reviews & Technical Reference

Q: "How do I choose between E6010, E6011, E6013, and E7018 electrodes?"

"E7018 is the go-to for structural work — low hydrogen, strong, smooth arc. E6010 is for pipe roots and deep penetration on DC machines. E6011 does the same job on AC machines. E6013 is a beginner-friendly general purpose rod for thin to medium steel. Use E6010/E6011 for dirty or rusty metal where cleaning is impractical."

Q: "What amperage should I use for stick welding?"

"A rough rule is 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode core diameter. For a 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) E7018, that is about 125 amps — the middle of the 110-160A range. Start there and adjust: if the rod sticks, go up. If you are burning through, go down. Reduce 10-15 percent for vertical and overhead positions."

Q: "Why does position change my stick welding settings?"

"Gravity. In flat position, the puddle stays put and you can run higher amperage. Vertical-up and overhead require lower amperage so the puddle does not drip. The smaller puddle freezes faster, giving you control. This calculator automatically reduces amperage for out-of-position work."

Select your material, thickness, welding position, and application type. The calculator returns the recommended electrode, diameter, amperage range, polarity, arc characteristics, and technique notes.

Settings adjust automatically for position — vertical and overhead values are reduced from flat position to account for gravity and puddle control.

Select your parameters above and click Calculate.

How to Read These Results

Electrode type is the AWS classification (E7018, E6010, etc.). The first two digits after “E” indicate tensile strength in thousands of PSI. The third digit indicates positions (1 = all positions). The last digit indicates flux coating and current type.
Electrode diameter determines deposition rate and amperage range. Thinner rods for thinner metal — never use a 5/32" rod on 1/8" plate.
Amperage range is for flat position unless the calculator adjusted for your selected position. Start in the middle and fine-tune by sound and bead appearance.
Polarity matters. DCEP (electrode positive) gives deeper penetration. AC works on more machines and is required for some rods. Check that your machine supports the polarity shown.
Travel and work angles keep the arc directed correctly. Drag angle means the electrode leans back toward the completed weld. Work angle is measured from the plate surface.

For stick welding technique guides, see the stick welding section. For electrode storage and handling, see the welding consumables guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose between E6010, E6011, E6013, and E7018 electrodes?

E7018 is the go-to for structural work — low hydrogen, strong, smooth arc. E6010 is for pipe roots and deep penetration on DC machines. E6011 does the same job on AC machines. E6013 is a beginner-friendly general purpose rod for thin to medium steel. Use E6010/E6011 for dirty or rusty metal where cleaning is impractical.

What amperage should I use for stick welding?

A rough rule is 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode core diameter. For a 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) E7018, that is about 125 amps — the middle of the 110-160A range. Start there and adjust: if the rod sticks, go up. If you are burning through, go down. Reduce 10-15 percent for vertical and overhead positions.

Why does position change my stick welding settings?

Gravity. In flat position, the puddle stays put and you can run higher amperage. Vertical-up and overhead require lower amperage so the puddle does not drip. The smaller puddle freezes faster, giving you control. This calculator automatically reduces amperage for out-of-position work.