# HOW TO CALCULATE ELECTRODE EFFICIENCY ACCORDING TO THE JOINT — ## BASIC CONCEPTS **Electrode efficiency (or deposition efficiency)** is the ratio between the weight of weld metal deposited and the weight of the electrode core consumed, expressed as a percentage. — ## STEP 1 — CALCULATE THE WELD BEAD CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA The cross-sectional area depends on the **joint type**: ### Butt Joints | Joint Type | Area Formula | |—|—| | Square groove (no gap) | A = t × 0 (root pass only) | | Single V-groove | A = (g × t) + (tan α × t²) | | Double V-groove | A = [(g × t) + (tan α × t²)] / 2 | | Single bevel groove | A = (g × t) / 2 + (tan α × t²) / 2 | Where: – **t** = material thickness (mm) – **g** = root gap (mm) – **α**

To calculate welding consumption, there are different methods and reference tables that provide approximate information and characteristics to determine 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= Weight of electrode required.
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 (cross-section of the groove multiplied by the length) and convert it to weight using the factor 0.0078 kg per cubic centimeter for steel.

When welds with reinforcement are considered, a percentage must be added to the value of the weld without reinforcement.