Welding and Metalwork Calculators
Stick welding amperage chart.
Pick the electrode, current type and diameter to get the manufacturer's amp range, and a lower starting range for vertical-up and overhead. Runs in your browser; nothing is sent or stored.
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Answer first. For a 1/8 in E7018 on DC electrode positive, Lincoln Electric lists 85 to 150 amps for Excalibur 7018. For 1/8 in E6011 it lists 75 to 120 amps on AC and 70 to 110 amps on DC. Start in the lower part of the range for vertical-up and overhead welds.
Worked example
You are welding with 1/8 in E6011 on an AC-only welder. The AC range is 75 to 120 A, midpoint 97.5 A. Lincoln also says that on AC only you should run E6011 at about 10 percent higher current than the DC setting, which fits the AC range sitting above the 70 to 110 A DC range.
How it works
Where the ranges come from. The ranges are the current ranges Lincoln Electric prints in its Stick Electrode Welding Guide (publication C2.410) for Fleetweld 5P (E6010), Fleetweld 35 (E6011), Fleetweld 37 (E6013), Excalibur 7018 (E7018 DC) and Excalibur 7018-1 (E7018 AC). Other brands and other products in the same class have different ranges, so use the figures on your electrode package when they differ.
Position. Lincoln's vertical-up and overhead procedures use currents in the lower portion of the electrode's range. The tool shows the lower half of the range for those positions. That split is this tool's reading of "lower portion", not a number from the guide.
Not covered. Plate thickness, joint design, travel speed and code requirements change the right setting, and the chart does not turn plate thickness into amps. Run a test bead and follow your welding procedure.
Safety. Welding produces arc radiation, fumes, sparks and burns. Use a proper welding helmet, gloves and flame-resistant clothing, ventilate or extract fumes, and remove flammables from the area. This is a planning aid, not a welding procedure, engineering design or professional advice.
Stick electrode amp ranges (Lincoln Electric)
| Electrode and current | 3/32 in | 1/8 in | 5/32 in | 3/16 in | 7/32 in | 1/4 in |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E6010 (Fleetweld 5P), DC electrode positive | 40-70 | 75-130 | 90-175 | 140-225 | 200-275 | 220-325 |
| E6011 (Fleetweld 35), AC | 50-85 | 75-120 | 90-160 | 120-200 | 150-260 | 190-300 |
| E6011 (Fleetweld 35), DC either polarity | 40-75 | 70-110 | 80-145 | 110-180 | 135-235 | 170-270 |
| E6013 (Fleetweld 37), AC | 75-105 | 110-150 | 160-200 | 205-260 | - | - |
| E6013 (Fleetweld 37), DC either polarity | 70-95 | 100-135 | 145-180 | 190-235 | - | - |
| E7018 (Excalibur 7018), DC electrode positive | 70-110 | 85-150 | 125-200 | 170-260 | - | - |
| E7018-1 (Excalibur 7018-1), AC | 80-120 | 95-160 | 130-210 | 180-280 | - | - |
Sources
- Stick Electrode Welding Guide, publication C2.410, 11/14 (Lincoln Electric) (opened 2026-10-15)
Amp ranges are for Lincoln Electric products named in the table. A dash means the guide lists no such size for that electrode.
FAQ
What amps for a 1/8 in 7018 rod?
Lincoln lists 85 to 150 amps on DC electrode positive for Excalibur 7018 and 95 to 160 amps on AC for Excalibur 7018-1.
What amps for 6011 and 6013?
For 1/8 in, Lincoln lists 75 to 120 A AC and 70 to 110 A DC for E6011 (Fleetweld 35), and 110 to 150 A AC and 100 to 135 A DC for E6013 (Fleetweld 37).
What amps for 3/32 in 6010?
40 to 70 amps on DC electrode positive for Fleetweld 5P, per the Lincoln guide.
Do I use more amps on AC for 6011?
Lincoln says that when only AC output is available you can use E6011 at about 10 percent higher current than the DC setting.
Is there an amps per thickness rule?
This tool does not apply one. The manufacturer ranges depend on electrode, diameter and current type, and joint, position and procedure decide where in the range to weld.