# HOW TO CALCULATE ELECTRODE EFFICIENCY ACCORDING TO THE JOINT — ## 1. BASIC CONCEPTS **Electrode efficiency (or deposition efficiency)** is the percentage of the electrode’s core wire that is actually deposited as weld metal, after accounting for losses from slag, spatter, stub end losses, and fume. **General formula:** $$eta = frac{W_{deposited}}{W_{core}} times 100$$ Where: – **η** = efficiency (%) – **W_deposited** = weight of deposited weld metal (kg) – **W_core** = weight of the electrode core wire (kg) — ## 2. TYPICAL EFFICIENCY VALUES BY ELECTRODE TYPE | Electrode Type | Efficiency (%) | |—|—| | Cellulosic (E6010, E6011) | 65 – 75% | | Rutile (E6013) | 70 – 80% | | Basic low-hydrogen (E7018) | 95 – 110% |

To calculate welding consumption, there are different methods and reference tables that provide approximate information and characteristics for determining welding expenditure. Below is a reference formula for determining welding consumption.

CALCULATION BASIS

The electrode quantities shown in the tables have been calculated as follows:

P= Required electrode weight.
L= Total electrode losses
S= Weight of deposited steel

To obtain the weight of the deposited steel, it is first necessary to calculate the volume of the deposited metal (groove cross-section multiplied by the length) and convert it to weight using the factor 0.0078 kg per cubic centimeter for steel.

When reinforced welds are considered, a percentage must be added to the unreinforced weld value.