Key Takeaways
- Stick welding amperage depends primarily on electrode diameter and type, not just material thickness alone.
- A 3/32″ 7018 rod typically runs 70–110 amps, while a 3/32″ 6013 rod runs cooler, generally around 50–90 amps.
- A simple rule of thumb is roughly 1 amp per 0.001″ of electrode diameter as a flat-position starting point, then fine-tune from there.
- The digits in an electrode classification like E6013 each mean something specific — tensile strength, welding position, and coating/current type.
- Manufacturer amperage recommendations vary slightly between brands, so always treat a chart as a starting point, not an exact setting.
How Many Amps Should I Use for Stick Welding?
The right amperage for stick welding depends mainly on your electrode’s diameter and type, with material thickness and welding position fine-tuning that starting point. As a general rule of thumb, plan on roughly 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode diameter as a flat-position baseline on mild steel, then adjust up or down based on how the arc and puddle behave. A 3/32″ rod, for example, generally starts somewhere in the 50–110 amp range depending on the specific electrode type.
Why It Matters Right Now
Running the wrong amperage causes more weld defects than almost any other beginner mistake. If amperage is set too high for the steel being welded, the arc undercuts the joint and the molten puddle becomes hard to control, and the rod may even glow red hot along its length as another sign you’re running too hot. Too low, and the rod struggles to form a stable puddle that properly fuses with the base metal. Getting into the right range for your specific rod and diameter solves most of these problems before they start. Hunker
Stick Welding Amperage Chart by Electrode and Diameter
These are general flat-position starting ranges — always check your specific brand’s data sheet for precise numbers.
| Electrode | 3/32″ | 1/8″ | 5/32″ |
| E6013 | 50–90A | 80–130A | 120–180A |
| E7018 Welders-supply | 70–110A | 100–150A | 130–200A |
A useful rule of thumb for 7018 specifically is about 30 amps of current per 1/32 inch of rod diameter, which lines up closely with the chart above. Hunker
How to Calculate Amperage for Stick Welding
Start with the rule of thumb of roughly 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode diameter for mild steel in the flat position on DC electrode positive — for a 3/32″ (0.093″) rod, that lands around 90–110 amps as a starting point. From there, adjust based on electrode type: low-hydrogen rods like 7018 generally run a bit cooler within their range to control hydrogen and cracking risk, while cellulose rods like 6010/6011 favor the upper end of their range for keyhole control and fast freeze.
Position matters too. Vertical-up welding typically cuts amperage 10–20% from flat settings to prevent the puddle from sagging, and overhead work calls for the lowest practical amperage with a short arc to avoid dripping. Metal Fusion Pro
Understanding Electrode Classification Numbers
Stick electrode numbers like E6013 and E7018 aren’t arbitrary — each digit conveys specific information defined by AWS specification.
First Two (or Three) Digits
Indicate tensile strength in thousands of psi — “60” means 60,000 psi, “70” means 70,000 psi.
Next Digit
Indicates welding position — “1” means suitable for all positions, “2” means flat and horizontal only.
Last Digit
Indicates the coating type and recommended welding current. For E6013, the “3” specifically points to a rutile/titania-type coating designed for AC, DC+, or DC- current, known for a smooth arc, light spatter, and easy slag removal — which is exactly why 6013 is considered an easy, beginner-friendly rod.
How to Dial In Your Stick Welding Amperage: Step-by-Step
- Start with the manufacturer’s recommended range for your electrode and diameter. Use a published chart as a baseline, not a fixed answer.
- Set amperage near the middle of that range. This gives you room to adjust up or down based on what you see.
- Run a test bead on scrap. A properly tuned rod produces a smooth, quiet arc with fine ripples in the finished bead and slag that peels off in sheets. Welders-supply
- Watch for signs you’re too hot or too cold. Excessive spatter, undercut, or a glowing rod means too hot; a rod that sticks on contact or a tall, narrow bead means too cold.
- Adjust position-specific settings as needed. Drop amperage for vertical and overhead welding compared to your flat-position baseline.
Common Mistakes With Stick Welding Amperage
- Using one amperage setting for every position — flat, vertical, and overhead all call for different adjustments from your baseline setting.
- Ignoring electrode type when relying only on diameter — a 3/32″ 7018 and a 3/32″ 6013 don’t run at the same amperage despite being the same size.
- Skipping the test bead — jumping straight to the actual project without testing means your first mistakes happen where they matter most.
- Running low-hydrogen rods too hot — pushes past the controlled range that helps 7018 minimize cracking risk.
- Ignoring rod moisture — even correct amperage can’t fix a damp 7018 rod, which produces a spitting, porous, weak weld regardless of setting.
Wrapping Up
Stick welding amperage comes down to matching your electrode type and diameter to the right starting range, then fine-tuning based on position and how the arc and bead actually look. Treat any chart, including this one, as a starting point — your specific brand’s data sheet and a quick test bead will always give you the most accurate setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many amps should I use for stick welding?
It depends on your specific electrode type and diameter, but a useful starting point is roughly 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode diameter in the flat position on mild steel. From there, adjust based on electrode type, material thickness, and welding position.
How many amps for 7018 stick welding?
A 3/32 inch 7018 rod typically runs 70–110 amps, a 1/8 inch runs 100–150 amps, and a 5/32 inch runs 130–200 amps. Start near the middle of the appropriate range and adjust based on how the arc and bead look. Welders-supply
What amperage for a 3/32 6013 welding rod?
A 3/32″ 6013 rod generally runs in the 50–90 amp range, running noticeably cooler than a 7018 rod of the same diameter. Starting around the middle of that range and adjusting based on bead appearance is the most reliable approach.
How do you calculate amperage for stick welding?
A practical rule of thumb is approximately 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode diameter for mild steel in the flat position, which gives a solid starting point before fine-tuning based on electrode type, material thickness, and welding position.
What does the 3 in 6013 mean?
The last digit in an electrode classification indicates the coating type and recommended welding current. For E6013, that “3” points to a rutile/titania coating designed for AC, DC+, or DC- current, known for a smooth, easy-to-control arc and light spatter — which is why 6013 is considered a beginner-friendly rod.