How to Read Welding Rod Numbers
The first two digits are tensile strength in thousands of psi. The third digit is position (1 = all positions, 2 = flat and horizontal only). The last digit tells you the coating type and polarity. E7018 = 70,000 psi, all positions, low-hydrogen iron powder on AC or DCEP.
Every stick welding rod has a code stamped on it. E7018, E6010, E6013, they look random until you know the system. Once you do, you can pick up any rod and know its strength, positions, coating type, and polarity just from the numbers.
The Breakdown
Take E7018 as an example.
E stands for electrode. Every stick rod starts with E.
70 is the tensile strength in thousands of psi. E70XX = 70,000 psi. E60XX = 60,000 psi. This tells you how strong the finished weld will be.
1 is the position digit. 1 means all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead). 2 means flat and horizontal only. If a rod ends in 2X, you cannot weld overhead or vertical with it.
8 is the coating and current type. This last digit (or last two digits together) tells you what kind of flux is on the rod and what polarity to run it on.
What the Last Digit Means
This is where it gets practical. The last digit of a stick rod tells you how the rod behaves:
0, cellulosic, DCEP only. Deep penetration, aggressive arc. That is E6010.
1, cellulosic, AC or DC. Same as 0 but runs on AC. That is E6011.
2, rutile, AC or DCEN. High slag, good gap bridging. That is E6012.
3, rutile, AC or DC either polarity. Easy arc start, smooth running, shallow penetration. That is E6013.
4, iron powder rutile, AC or DC. Faster deposition than 3. That is E7014.
8, low-hydrogen iron powder, AC or DCEP. Smooth arc, strong welds, code-quality. That is E7018.
The pattern: lower numbers (0, 1) mean deep penetration and aggressive arcs. Higher numbers (3, 4, 8) mean smoother arcs and easier operation.
MIG and Flux-Core Wire Numbers Work Differently
Wire electrodes use a different naming system. ER70S-6 breaks down like this:
ER = electrode rod (can be used as filler or electrode). 70 = 70,000 psi tensile strength. S = solid wire. 6 = chemical composition class (higher deoxidizer content).
For flux-core: E71T-11 means electrode, 70 ksi, all positions, tubular (flux-core), classification 11 (self-shielded).
The key difference: with wire, the number after the dash is a chemical composition code, not a coating/polarity indicator like stick rods.
Quick Cheat Sheet
If the first two digits are 60, the weld strength is 60,000 psi. If the first two digits are 70, the weld strength is 70,000 psi.
If the third digit is 1, you can weld all positions. If the third digit is 2, flat and horizontal only.
If the rod ends in 10 or 11, expect deep dig and rough beads. If the rod ends in 13 or 14, expect smooth easy running. If the rod ends in 18, expect code-quality low-hydrogen deposits.
What It Costs
Common stick rods cost $2-5 per pound. E6013 and E6011 are cheapest. E7018 costs slightly more. Specialty rods like stainless E308L-16 run $15-25 per pound. MIG wire costs $8-15 per 10-pound spool for mild steel, $30-50 for stainless.
How to Read Welding Rod Numbers: Common Questions
What does E7018 mean?
E7018 is an AWS electrode classification. The E means electric arc electrode. The first two digits (70) indicate the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal: 70,000 psi. The third digit (1) means the rod is rated for all welding positions, including flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. The last digit (8) identifies the flux coating type and polarity: low-hydrogen iron powder coating, designed to run on AC or DCEP (DC electrode positive). E7018 is the most widely used structural stick welding electrode. See the full E7018 specifications for amperage charts, storage requirements, and application guidance.
What does the last digit on a welding rod mean?
The last digit of a stick welding rod classification identifies the flux coating type and the polarity the rod can run on. For example, 0 means cellulosic coating on DCEP only (E6010), 1 means cellulosic coating on AC or DCEP (E6011), 3 means rutile coating on AC or DC either polarity (E6013), and 8 means low-hydrogen iron powder coating on AC or DCEP (E7018). Lower numbers (0, 1) indicate deep-penetration rods with aggressive arcs. Higher numbers (3, 4, 8) indicate smoother, easier-running rods.
What do the first two digits of a welding rod number mean?
The first two digits of a stick welding rod number indicate the minimum tensile strength of the deposited weld metal, measured in thousands of pounds per square inch (psi). E60XX rods produce weld metal with at least 60,000 psi tensile strength. E70XX rods produce at least 70,000 psi. This is the strength of the weld itself, not the base metal. For mild steel (A36), which has 58,000-80,000 psi tensile strength, both E60XX and E70XX rods produce welds that match or exceed the base metal strength.
What does the E stand for on a welding rod?
The E stands for electrode, meaning the rod conducts electric current to create the welding arc. This is part of the AWS (American Welding Society) classification system. Every stick welding rod starts with E. MIG and TIG filler wires start with ER, where the R means the wire can also be used as a non-electrode filler rod. The letter designation tells you the intended function of the consumable in the welding circuit.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Classification system defined by AWS A5.1/A5.1M, AWS A5.18/A5.18M, AWS A5.20/A5.20M.