Find AWS welding symbols fast. This chart covers the most common weld types. Each row shows the symbol, what it means on the arrow side, and where you use it. Built for welders, engineers, and shop techs.
Showing 14 of 14 weld types
Weld Type ▲
Symbol ▲
Arrow Side ▲
Other Side ▲
Common Use ▲
Fillet
Weld in the corner on the arrow side
Weld in the corner on the other side
T-joints, lap joints, corner joints. The most common weld type.
Square Groove
Square-edged groove on the arrow side
Square-edged groove on the other side
Butt joints on thin metal. No bevel needed.
V-Groove
V-shaped groove on the arrow side
V-shaped groove on the other side
Butt joints on thick plate. Both edges are beveled.
Bevel Groove
One edge beveled on the arrow side
One edge beveled on the other side
Butt joints where only one plate gets a bevel.
U-Groove
U-shaped groove on the arrow side
U-shaped groove on the other side
Thick plate butt joints. Uses less filler than a V-groove.
J-Groove
J-shaped groove on the arrow side
J-shaped groove on the other side
Thick plate joints. Only one edge is curved.
Flare V
Flare-V on the arrow side
Flare-V on the other side
Two round or curved parts meet. Like pipe to pipe.
Flare Bevel
Flare-bevel on the arrow side
Flare-bevel on the other side
One round part meets a flat part. Like a tube to a plate.
Plug / Slot
Fill hole or slot on the arrow side
Fill hole or slot on the other side
Fill a hole or slot to join overlapping parts.
Spot
Spot weld on the arrow side
Spot weld on the other side
Sheet metal. Quick point welds that hold parts together.
Seam
Seam weld on the arrow side
Seam weld on the other side
Sheet metal. A continuous line of spot welds for a seal.
Back / Backing
Backing weld on the arrow side
Backing weld on the other side
Reinforces the root of a groove weld from the back.
Surfacing
Build up material on the surface
Not used on other side
Add material to a surface for wear resistance or repair.
Edge
Weld the edges together on the arrow side
Weld the edges together on the other side
Join thin edges that are side by side. Like sheet metal flanges.
No weld types match your search. Try a different term or filter.
Weld Symbol Anatomy
Every weld symbol on a drawing has the same basic parts. Learn these parts once, and you can read any weld symbol.
1Reference LineThe flat line. All symbols sit on or near it.
2ArrowPoints to the joint where you weld.
3TailHolds extra info like weld process or spec number. Left off if not needed.
4Weld Symbol (Below Line)Below the line means arrow side. This is where you weld.
5Supplementary SymbolsCircle = weld all around. Flag = field weld.
6Size & LengthNumbers show weld size, length, and pitch.
Supplementary Symbols
These extra symbols go with the basic weld symbol. They tell the welder more about how to finish or apply the weld.
Weld All Around
A circle at the junction of the arrow and reference line. Run the weld the full way around the joint.
Field Weld
A flag at the junction. This weld happens in the field, not in the shop. Do it on site during assembly.
Melt-Through
A convex curve on the opposite side. The weld must fully melt through the root of the joint.
Backing Bar
A rectangle on the other side. A backing strip sits behind the weld to stop melt-through and support the root.
Flush Contour
A straight line over the weld symbol. Grind or finish the weld smooth and flat with the base metal.
Convex Contour
A curved bump over the weld. Leave the weld bead raised above the surface.
Concave Contour
A dip curve over the weld. Shape the weld bead so it curves inward, below the surface.
Notes on This Chart
All symbols follow the AWS A2.4 standard (American Welding Society).
The arrow side is always the side the arrow points to. The other side is the opposite.
If a symbol appears both above and below the reference line, weld both sides.
Size and length numbers go to the left and right of the weld symbol on the reference line.
Always check the drawing notes and welding procedure spec (WPS) before you start.
Need welded CNC assemblies?
Upload your CAD file for an instant quote. Free DFM review included with every order.
Start with the reference line. It is the flat line in the middle. The arrow points to the joint. The weld type symbol sits on or below the reference line. If the symbol is below the line, the weld goes on the arrow side. If it is above the line, the weld goes on the other side. The tail holds extra notes like process or spec info.
What is the difference between arrow side and other side?
The arrow points to one side of the joint. That is the arrow side. The opposite side of the joint is called the other side. If the weld symbol is below the reference line, you weld on the arrow side. If the symbol is above the reference line, you weld on the other side. If symbols appear on both sides, you weld both sides.
What does the circle on a weld symbol mean?
A small circle where the reference line meets the arrow means weld all around. This tells the welder to run the weld the full way around the joint. You see this on pipes, tubes, and parts that need a seal on every side.
What is a fillet weld and when do I use it?
A fillet weld joins two surfaces at a right angle. It makes a triangle-shaped bead in the corner where the parts meet. Fillet welds are the most common type. Use them for T-joints, lap joints, and corner joints. They are strong, easy to make, and do not need edge prep.
