How to use the welding calculator
Prepare the values for this calculation
Calculate welding heat input from voltage, current, travel speed and an entered process-efficiency factor. Use the formula below to check that it answers your question. Read the input units before transferring figures from a statement, measurement or dataset.
Enter and check each input
- Arc voltage (V): enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Current (A): enter a value at least 0. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Travel speed (in/min): enter a value at least 1e-06. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
- Process efficiency (%): enter a value at least 1e-06 and no more than 100. Use the unit named in the label or selected above. Do not leave this required field blank.
The input table gives a complete example. Keep units and time periods consistent across related fields.
Calculate and resolve any input error
Choose Calculate after entering the values. Changes also update the answer after a short pause. If an error appears, follow its message, correct the field and calculate again. Reset restores the example values.
Interpret the answer
Check Estimated heat input first. With the unchanged example inputs, it is 23.04 kJ/in. Compare the additional metrics with the primary result; each has its own label and unit.
Compare and keep a useful result
For a controlled comparison, keep every other example input unchanged and change Arc voltage (V) from 24 to 26.4. The resulting Estimated heat input is 25.344 kJ/in. This illustrates the equation’s response to that input, rather than a forecast of real events.
Read the chart’s axis labels and data table. A scenario curve changes one stated input while holding the others fixed; it does not add external observations. Use Download graph to save an available chart as a PNG.
Use Copy result or Download CSV to keep the answer. Share tool shares the page address without placing your input values in the URL. Recheck inputs and assumptions before using the result for a decision.
Welding Calculator formula
Heat input (kJ/in) = volts × amps × 60 × efficiency ÷ (travel speed in/min × 1000).
Inputs and units
| Input | Format / range | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arc voltage (V) | minimum 0 | 24 |
| Current (A) | minimum 0 | 200 |
| Travel speed (in/min) | minimum 1e-06 | 10 |
| Process efficiency (%) | minimum 1e-06; maximum 100 | 80 |
Worked example
Using the example inputs above, the estimated heat input is 23.04 kJ/in.
- Estimated heat input
- 23.04 kJ/in
- Arc energy before efficiency
- 28.8 kJ/in
- Entered efficiency
- 80%
Results and assumptions
Heat-input conventions and process-efficiency factors vary by welding procedure and standard; use the convention required by the applicable procedure specification.
Fix an input or unexpected result
Arc voltage (V) is required. Enter arc voltage (v) using the format and bounds in the input table. Zero and an empty field are different: use zero only if it is allowed and represents your data.
If your answer differs from the example, choose Reset and compare every field, including selected units and options. Check percentage versus decimal entry and whether values describe the same period. Round only the final displayed answer when reproducing the formula.
If a discrepancy remains, report the calculator issue with the page address, non-sensitive example inputs, actual result, expected result and a reference for your calculation.