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AWS A2.4 §7 · D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1 Type 2

V-Groove Weld Symbol

How to read a V-groove weld symbol — groove angle, root opening, single-V vs double-V. D1.1:2025 prequalified CJP details for the most common groove weld type.

V-Groove Weld Symbol — Anatomy
R=1/4 45° R inside, angle right
Single-V — 45°, R=1/4"
weld both sides
Double-V (X-groove)
(3/8) (S) in parens = PJP
PJP — (3/8) weld size
Key rule: The V-groove symbol is symmetric — both legs are equal angle. Unlike bevel or J-groove symbols, there is no perpendicular-leg orientation rule and no broken arrow convention. Root opening goes inside the V. Groove angle goes to the right.
D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1

Prequalified V-Groove CJP Details

D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1 (Type 2) specifies prequalified single-V-groove CJP butt joints. These are the most commonly used groove weld configurations in structural steel.

Process Designation Root Opening Groove Angle Positions
SMAW B-U2a 1/4" 45° All
SMAW B-U2a 3/8" 30° F, V, OH
SMAW B-U2a 1/2" 20° F, V, OH
GMAW/FCAW B-U2a-GF 3/16" 30° F, V, OH
SAW B-L2a-S 1/4" 30° F only
Groove angle is the total included angle, not a per-side half-angle. A 45° groove angle means each member is beveled at 22.5° from the joint centerline. A 30° angle means 15° per side. Using less than the prequalified minimum groove angle voids the prequalification.
Reading the Symbol

How to Read V-Groove Dimensions

The V-groove symbol follows the standard groove dimension rules from A2.4 §7. All dimensions go on the same side of the reference line as the V symbol.

Root opening (R) goes inside the V — between the two legs. This is the gap between the members before welding. Per D1.1 Figure 5.1, fit-up tolerance is +1/4", −1/16" from the specified root opening.

Groove angle (α) goes to the right of the V. This is the total included angle of the prepared groove.

Groove depth (D) goes to the left without parentheses — only for PJP. For CJP, D is omitted.

Weld size (S) goes to the left in parentheses — only for PJP. The parentheses distinguish it from groove depth. For CJP, both D and (S) are omitted.

Single-V vs Double-V

Single-V: V symbol on one side of the reference line only. The joint is prepared from one side. Used for most structural butt joints.

Double-V (X-groove): V symbols on both sides of the reference line. The joint is welded from both sides. Used on thick plate (>1") to reduce weld metal volume and balance distortion. Per A2.4, the V-groove is a symmetric symbol, so axes align directly across the reference line.

Common Questions

V-Groove Weld Symbol FAQ

What is a V-groove weld symbol?
A V-groove weld symbol is a V-shape placed on the reference line of a welding symbol. Both legs of the V are equal and symmetrical, representing a joint where both members are beveled to form a V-shaped groove. It is the most common groove weld type in structural steel. The V-groove is symmetric — unlike the bevel groove, there is no perpendicular-leg orientation rule. Below the reference line means arrow side; above means other side.
What is the difference between a V-groove and a bevel groove?
In a V-groove, both members are beveled symmetrically to form a V-shaped groove. In a bevel groove, only one member is beveled while the other remains square. The V-groove symbol is symmetric (no orientation rule), while the bevel symbol has the perpendicular leg always on the left per AWS A2.4 §6.3. The bevel groove also uses the broken arrow convention to indicate which member gets the bevel. V-grooves use more weld metal but distribute shrinkage evenly; bevel grooves are more economical but produce asymmetric distortion.
What is the standard groove angle for a V-groove per D1.1?
Per D1.1:2025 Figure 5.1 (prequalified CJP joints), the standard V-groove angles for butt joints are: SMAW — 45° with 1/4-inch root opening (all positions), 30° with 3/8-inch root opening (flat, vertical, overhead), or 20° with 1/2-inch root opening (flat, vertical, overhead). GMAW/FCAW — 30° with 3/16-inch root opening. SAW — 30° with 1/4-inch root opening (flat only). The groove angle is the total included angle, not a per-side half-angle.
What is the difference between single-V and double-V groove?
A single-V groove has the V-shape on one side of the reference line only — the joint is prepared and welded primarily from one side. A double-V groove (also called an X-groove) has V-shapes on both sides of the reference line — the joint is welded from both sides. Double-V is used on thick plate to reduce weld metal volume and minimize distortion by balancing shrinkage. Per A2.4, the V-groove is a symmetric symbol, so the axes align directly across the reference line in a double-V configuration.
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