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Complete A2.4 Reference — 6x More Content

Everything above, plus: NDE examination callouts for your drawings, every process code decoded (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW-S...), D1.1 clause cross-references per symbol type, and a multi-page printable format. Free with email.

Section 1Symbol Anatomy

WPS-01 ARROW SIDE OTHER SIDE ARROW + JOINT REFERENCE LINE TAIL WELD-ALL-AROUND
1
Reference Line Horizontal baseline — all symbol elements attach to it. Arrow side = below, other side = above.
2
Arrow Points to the joint location. For bevel/J-groove, a break in the arrow indicates the prepared member.
3
Weld Symbol Graphic indicating weld type (triangle = fillet, V = groove, etc.). Placed below or above the line.
4
Dimensions Size to the left of the weld symbol. Length and pitch to the right. Depth/throat in parentheses.
5
Tail Forked end — contains process (SMAW, FCAW), WPS number, or specification reference. Omit if unused.
6
Weld-All-Around Circle at reference/arrow junction — weld must continue completely around the joint.
7
Field Weld Flag Filled triangle at reference/arrow junction — weld to be made in the field, not in the shop.
8
Contour Symbol Same side as the weld symbol, on its outer face — flush, flat, convex (outward arc), or concave (inward arc) — A2.4 lists flush and flat as distinct contour types. Arrow side = below reference line; other side = above. Paired with finishing letter.

Section 2Weld Symbol Reference

Weld Type Symbol Size Notation Common Applications
Fillet Leg size left of symbol (e.g. 6 for 6mm) T-joints, lap joints, corner joints — most common weld type
Square Groove D(S) — groove depth D, weld size (S) in parens Butt joints, full/partial penetration
V-Groove D(S) — groove depth D, weld size (S) in parens Butt joints, full/partial penetration
Bevel Groove Arrow break indicates prepared member One-sided prep butt joints, T-joints with PJP
U-Groove Groove depth and weld size as D(S) Thick section butt joints — reduces weld volume vs V
J-Groove Arrow break indicates prepared member One-sided prep, thick plates — half U-groove
Flare-V Groove Effective throat noted Round bar or tube to plate, formed sections
Flare-Bevel Groove Effective throat noted Round bar or tube to flat surface — one curved member
Plug Hole diameter left, depth inside symbol, pitch right Lap joints where fillet access is limited
Slot Width left, length-pitch right, depth inside symbol Elongated plug weld for wider lap joints
Spot / Projection Diameter left, pitch right, number of spots in parens Resistance welding, sheet metal
Seam Width left, length-pitch right Continuous resistance or EBW seam
Surfacing Height of deposit left, no groove prep Hard-facing, build-up, overlay
Stud Size left, pitch right, count in parens below — arrow-side only Shear connectors in composite construction
Back / Backing Same symbol for both. Removable backing: add R inside symbol. Distinction is welding sequence: a backing weld is placed before the groove weld, a back weld after. CJP groove back-gouged and back-welded
Edge Size (height of deposit) left of symbol Flanged butt joints in sheet metal, light gauge
Melt-Through Height of reinforcement left of symbol CJP welds requiring visible root reinforcement

Supplementary Symbols

Symbol Graphic Placement Meaning
Field Weld Flag at reference line / arrow junction Weld to be made in the field (erection site), not in the shop
Weld-All-Around Circle at reference line / arrow junction Weld extends completely around the joint perimeter

Section 3Size Notation Quick Reference

Fillet Weld Notation

  • 6Leg size — 6mm equal-leg fillet both sides when on both sides of reference line
  • 6×8Unequal fillet — both sizes appear to the left as S1×S2. Orientation not specified by the symbol; a drawing detail shows which leg goes on which member.
  • 6 left + 50-150 rightIntermittent — leg size (6mm) to left of symbol; length–pitch (50mm weld, 150mm c/c) to right. Not a single hyphenated string.
  • D(S)Groove notation — groove depth D without parentheses, weld size/effective throat S in parentheses. Per A2.4 §7.2.1.

Groove Weld Notation

  • D(S)D = groove depth (preparation depth). (S) = weld size/effective throat (design dimension)
  • 12(10)12mm groove depth, 10mm effective throat — D without parentheses, (S) in parentheses
  • RRoot opening value — often shown in tail or drawing note, not symbol
  • αGroove angle — typically shown in tail as a degree value (e.g. 45°)

Intermittent Weld Notation

  • length-pitchWritten right of symbol. Length = each weld run. Pitch = center-to-center spacing
  • 50-15050mm long welds, 150mm apart (center). Net gap = 100mm
  • staggeredIntermittent symbols offset on arrow side vs other side = chain or staggered

Tail Reference Codes

  • SMAWShielded Metal Arc Welding (stick)
  • FCAWFlux Cored Arc Welding
  • GMAWGas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)
  • GTAWGas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)
  • WPS-01Refers to specific Welding Procedure Specification document

Section 4Finishing & Contour Codes

G
Grinding
Angle grinder or belt grinder. Achieves flush or specified contour. Most common field method.
M
Machining
Mill, lathe, or surface grinder. High-tolerance finish. Used in precision machined weldments.
C
Chipping
Pneumatic chipping hammer. Removes slag or excess material. Rarely specified for final finish.
H
Hammering
Peening. Induces compressive stress in surface. Used in fatigue-critical applications.
R
Rolling
Roller burnishing. Smooths and work-hardens surface. Used in pressure vessels and pipe.
P
Planishing
Planishing roll or burnishing. Smooths weld surface by controlled plastic deformation. Uncommon in structural work.
U
Unspecified
Method not specified — contractor may use any suitable method to achieve the required contour.
FLAT

Flat Contour (flush)

Weld face finished flush with base metal surface. Symbol: straight line above the weld symbol. Typically paired with G, M, or C finish method.

CONVEX

Convex Contour

Weld face has outward curvature above the base metal. Symbol: arc curving away from reference line. Provides extra weld metal at the face.

CONCAVE

Concave Contour

Weld face has inward curvature (hollow profile). Symbol: arc curving toward reference line. Sometimes specified for fillet welds to control convexity on non-fatigue members.

Frequently AskedQuestions

Is there a free weld symbol chart PDF?
Yes. Click Print / Save PDF on this page or use your browser's print function. No registration required.
What standard do weld symbol charts follow?
In North America, weld symbols follow AWS A2.4 (currently A2.4:2020). In Europe and internationally, ISO 2553:2019 applies. The two are similar but differ in arrow-side/other-side conventions. Most drawings in the US, Canada, and the Middle East use AWS A2.4. Australia uses AS 1101.3 (aligned with ISO). Always check the drawing title block — it should state which standard governs.
How do I read the size dimensions on a weld symbol?
For fillet welds: the number to the left of the triangle symbol is the leg size. For groove welds: the groove depth (D) appears without parentheses, and the weld size/effective throat (S) appears in parentheses — written as D(S) per A2.4. Numbers on intermittent welds to the right of the symbol read as length–pitch (e.g. 50-150 means 50mm long welds on a 150mm center-to-center pitch).
What do the letters at the tail of a weld symbol mean?
The tail (the forked end of the reference line) contains a specification, process code, or reference. Common examples: a welding process (SMAW, FCAW, GTAW), a WPS number (WPS-001), or a drawing note reference (SEE DWG A-3). If no tail information is needed, the tail is omitted entirely. Per A2.4, the tail is used only when additional information is required that cannot otherwise be shown on the symbol.
What is the difference between AWS A2.4 and ISO 2553 weld symbols?
AWS A2.4 (used in North America) places the weld symbol below the reference line for the arrow side and above for the other side. ISO 2553 (used in Europe and internationally) uses a dashed identification line alongside the solid reference line to indicate the other side. Groove weld dimension placement also differs between the two standards. Most global projects specify which standard governs on the drawing title block.