Calculate welding time from weld length and travel speed, or solve for length or speed. Add passes, parts, and arc-on factor for practical job estimates.

Length and speed describe one pass on one part. Job assumptions apply even when that section is closed.

Use the applicable welding procedure, not this estimate, to choose speed.

Job assumptions
Blank means 1. All passes assumed the same length and speed.

Blank means 1. For pipe, the number of joints.

Blank means 100%. Arc-on time รท working time ร— 100, measured over the same activities.

Related Calculators

Welding Time Formula

The following formula gives arc-on travel time for one continuous pass on one part.

WT = L / S

Variables:

  • WT is the welding time (minutes)
  • L is the weld length (inches)
  • S is the welding speed (inches per minute)

Divide weld length by travel speed using matching length units. For repeated identical passes and parts, total arc time=(L/S)ร—passesร—parts. Estimated working time=total arc timeรท(measured arc-on factor/100). The operating factor includes only the non-arc activities represented in its measured scope; it is distinct from the machine’s rated thermal duty cycle. The length and speed inverse modes use continuous arc-on time directly, without job options.

What is Welding Time?

Welding time is the duration it takes to complete a weld along a joint of a specified length at a given speed. It is a critical factor in project scheduling, cost estimation, and labor planning in the welding industry. Understanding the welding time is essential for efficient workflow and resource allocation in fabrication and construction projects.

How to Calculate Welding Time?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Welding Time.

  1. First, determine the weld length (L) in inches.
  2. Next, determine the welding speed (S) in inches per minute.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above: WT = L / S.
  4. Finally, calculate the Welding Time (WT) in minutes.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

weld length (L) = 30 inches

welding speed (S) = 5 inches per minute