Welding Electrodes Explained: Types, Sizes, Uses & How to Choose the Right One

Choosing the right welding electrode can make the difference between a clean, reliable weld and unnecessary rework.

A welding electrode carries electrical current to create the welding arc and, depending on the welding process and electrode type, can also provide the filler metal that becomes part of the weld.

But not every electrode is suitable for every job. The right choice depends on the material, thickness, welding position, welding machine, application and project requirements.

What Is a Welding Electrode?

For Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as stick welding, the electrode is a consumable covered with a flux coating. The electrode melts during welding and contributes to the weld metal.

The coating also helps provide shielding and forms slag over the weld as it solidifies. This helps protect the molten weld from atmospheric contamination.

AWS A5.1/A5.1M:2025 specifies classification requirements for carbon-steel covered electrodes used for SMAW, including weld-metal properties, soundness, usability, electrode covering moisture and packaging.

Technical reference: AWS A5.1/A5.1M:2025 →

Welding Electrode vs Welding Rod: What's the Difference?

The terms are often used interchangeably, especially when discussing stick welding.

Technically, however, electrode terminology covers different consumable and non-consumable forms used across welding processes.

• SMAW: the covered stick electrode is consumable and becomes part of the weld.
• MIG/MAG: the electrode is continuously fed wire.
• TIG: the tungsten electrode is non-consumable and separate filler rod may be used when required.

Tikweld's welding-electrode guide similarly distinguishes consumable SMAW electrodes from non-consumable TIG electrodes and continuously fed MIG wire.

Read: Understanding Welding Gas, Electrodes & Accessories →

Types of Welding Electrodes

Different electrodes are designed for different materials, applications and welding requirements.

E6013, E7018 & Other Electrode Numbers Explained

If you've ever looked at a welding electrode package and wondered what E6013 or E7018 means, the classification provides important information about the electrode.

AWS A5.1/A5.1M establishes classifications for carbon-steel covered electrodes, while ISO 2560:2020 provides an international classification system for covered electrodes used in manual metal arc welding of non-alloy and fine-grain steels.

View ISO 2560:2020 →

E6013

E6013 is widely encountered in general-purpose mild-steel fabrication. Tikweld currently lists E6013 products for mild-steel fabrication, including ESAB and Askaynak options.

View Tikweld E6013 Electrodes →

E7018

E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode classification commonly associated with structural and heavier fabrication applications. Moisture control is especially important for low-hydrogen electrodes.

Tikweld currently lists several E7018 options, including Askaynak, ESAB and YAWATA products.

View Tikweld E7018 Electrode →

E6010

E6010 is associated with cellulosic electrodes and is used in applications where its penetration and welding characteristics are appropriate, including certain field and pipeline applications.

Quick Comparison

Important: An electrode number does not automatically tell you whether it is suitable for your project. Always check the applicable WPS, project specification and welding code.

Welding Electrode Sizes Explained

Common stick-electrode diameters include:

2.0 mm   |   2.5 mm   |   3.2 mm   |   4.0 mm   |   5.0 mm

But bigger does not automatically mean better.

Electrode diameter should be selected according to factors such as:

• Material thickness
• Joint design
• Welding position
• Required current
• Electrode classification
• Application

These are general considerations, not universal welding settings. Always follow the electrode manufacturer's recommended current range and the applicable welding procedure.

How Do You Choose the Right Welding Electrode?

Before buying an electrode, answer these seven questions.

1. What material are you welding?

Mild steel, stainless steel, cast iron and other materials require different consumable considerations.

2. How thick is the material?

Thickness influences electrode diameter, current and welding technique.

3. What position are you welding in?

Flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead welding can have different electrode requirements.

4. What welding machine are you using?

• AC/DC capability
• Polarity
• Current range

5. What does the project specification require?

Some projects specify the electrode classification that must be used.

6. What properties does the weld need?

Depending on the application, requirements may include strength, toughness, penetration, corrosion resistance and other properties.

7. How will the electrodes be stored?

This is particularly important for moisture-sensitive electrodes such as low-hydrogen classifications.

E6013 vs E7018: Which One Should You Use?

This is one of the most common comparisons when buying welding electrodes.

Why Is My Welding Electrode Producing a Poor Weld?

A poor weld isn't always caused by the welding machine.

Wrong electrode

The classification may not be suitable for the material or application.

Incorrect amperage

Too little or too much current can affect weld quality.

Moisture

Moisture control is particularly important for low-hydrogen electrodes.

Dirty base metal

Oil, rust, paint, moisture and other contaminants can affect welding.

Incorrect arc length

Arc length affects arc stability and weld characteristics.

Poor technique

Travel speed, electrode angle and manipulation can affect the result.

Wrong polarity

The electrode and welding procedure may require a particular polarity.

How Should Welding Electrodes Be Stored?

Storage is not an afterthought.

AWS A5.1/A5.1M includes requirements concerning electrode coverings, including moisture-related requirements for low-hydrogen electrodes.

In practice:

• Keep electrodes protected from moisture.
• Follow the manufacturer's storage instructions.
• Keep packaging protected until needed.
• Pay particular attention to low-hydrogen electrodes.
• Do not assume every electrode has the same storage or reconditioning requirements.

6 Common Welding Electrode Mistakes

Which Welding Electrode Is Right for Your Job?

Use the application as your starting point.

The correct electrode is determined by the job — not simply by what is most popular or cheapest.

How Many Welding Electrodes Do You Need?

For a small repair, buying a single pack may be straightforward.

For a larger fabrication project, electrode requirements can depend on:

• Weld length
• Joint size
• Number of passes
• Electrode diameter
• Deposition efficiency
• Expected wastage
• Rework

Don't estimate solely from the amount of base metal. For larger projects, calculate consumable requirements from the actual weld design and applicable procedure.

Welding Electrode Buying Checklist

Before you place your order:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a welding electrode?

A welding electrode is used to conduct electrical current and, depending on the process and electrode type, provide filler material for forming a weld.

What is the most common welding electrode?

There is no single electrode that is best for every application. E6013 is widely encountered in general fabrication, but the appropriate classification depends on the job.

What is the difference between E6013 and E7018?

They have different classifications and characteristics. E7018 is commonly associated with low-hydrogen welding applications, while E6013 is widely used for general fabrication.

What size welding electrode should I use?

It depends on material thickness, joint design, welding position, electrode classification, current and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Can I use any electrode with my welding machine?

No. Check the electrode's process, current and polarity requirements against your welding machine and the applicable welding procedure.

Why do welding electrodes need proper storage?

Some electrode coverings are sensitive to moisture. Proper storage helps maintain the electrode's intended performance and is especially important for low-hydrogen electrodes.