MIG & Stick Amperage / Wire Speed Calculator
Starting-point voltage, wire feed speed, and amperage settings by steel thickness (MIG) or electrode diameter and type (Stick/SMAW) — dial in from here, then fine-tune on a test weld.
How this is calculated
MIG settings come from a published settings table for solid ER70S-6 wire with 75/25 argon-CO2 shielding gas, flat position, on clean mild steel. Wire feed speed and amperage rise together with wire diameter and steel thickness — in MIG welding, wire feed speed is what actually sets the amperage, since faster wire draws more current across the arc.
Stick (SMAW) settings come from a published electrode amperage chart, flat position, DC+ polarity, on clean mild steel. A rough rule of thumb some welders use as a sanity check: about 40 amps per 1/32" of electrode diameter as a starting point, then adjust from there.
MIG settings by steel thickness (reference)
| Thickness | Wire | Voltage | WFS (IPM) | Amps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 ga (0.030") | 0.023" | 14-16V | 120-160 | 30-50 |
| 20 ga (0.036") | 0.023" | 15-17V | 140-180 | 40-60 |
| 18 ga (0.048") | 0.023-0.030" | 16-18V | 160-220 | 50-80 |
| 16 ga (0.060") | 0.030" | 17-19V | 200-260 | 70-110 |
| 14 ga (0.075") | 0.030" | 18-20V | 240-290 | 90-130 |
| 1/8" (0.125") | 0.030" | 18-20V | 250-310 | 110-140 |
| 3/16" (0.188") | 0.035" | 20-22V | 280-360 | 140-180 |
| 1/4" (0.250") | 0.035" | 22-24V | 350-410 | 170-210 |
| 5/16" (0.313") | 0.035-0.045" | 23-26V | 400-475 | 200-240 |
| 3/8" (0.375") | 0.045" | 24-27V | 440-525 | 230-270 |
| 1/2" (0.500", multi-pass) | 0.045" | 26-28V | 500-575 | 260-300 |
How this calculator works
MIG settings for ER70S-6 wire with 75/25 argon–CO₂, flat position; stick amperage ranges for E6010/E6011, E6013 and E7018 electrodes. The metric view converts the same rows (1 in = 25.4 mm, IPM × 0.0254 = m/min) and shows the nearest metric wire and electrode sizes.
Worked example
MIG welding 1/8" mild steel with ER70S-6 wire and 75/25 gas.
The table starts you at 0.030" wire, 18–20 V, 250–310 in/min wire feed, which is roughly 110–140 A.
For Stick on the same work with a 1/8" E7018 rod, the range is about 110–165 A. Start in the middle and adjust on a test piece.
Frequently asked questions
What amperage for 1/8" 7018?
About 110–165 A on DC+, flat position. Start near the middle and adjust for position and joint fit-up.
Does wire speed or voltage set MIG amperage?
Wire feed speed. Feeding wire faster draws more current; voltage mainly controls arc length and bead shape.
What is the amps-per-thickness rule?
A common rule of thumb is about 1 amp per 0.001" of steel thickness for MIG, so 1/8" (0.125") needs around 125 A. It is a starting point only.
Why do my settings differ from the chart?
Shielding gas, transfer mode, joint type, position, surface condition and your machine all change the ideal setting. Always dial in on scrap first.
Common mistakes
- Treating the chart as final. Charts give starting settings. Run a test bead on scrap of the same thickness and adjust voltage and wire speed from there.
- Ignoring the shielding gas. The MIG rows assume 75% argon / 25% CO₂. Other gases change the arc and the best voltage.
- Skipping joint preparation on thick plate. Thicker sections often need bevels and multiple passes; a single pass at higher amperage does not guarantee penetration.
What it does not cover
TIG, out-of-position welding and materials other than mild steel.
Sources
Sources, checks and limits for this calculator →
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