How to Read a Welding Helmet Shade Chart

Complete welding helmet shade number reference chart — recommended shade levels for MIG, TIG, stick, flux-core, plasma cutting, and oxy-fuel by amperage range.

Welding helmet shade numbers indicate how dark the lens filters the arc light. Higher shade numbers block more light. Using the wrong shade — too dark and you cannot see the weld puddle, too light and you risk eye damage — is a common beginner mistake with real consequences.

This chart covers the recommended shade numbers for every common welding process and amperage range, per ANSI Z87.1 and AWS guidelines.

Shade Number Reference Chart

ProcessAmperage RangeMinimum ShadeRecommended Shade
MIG (GMAW)Under 60A710
MIG (GMAW)60–160A1010–11
MIG (GMAW)160–250A1011–12
MIG (GMAW)250–500A1012–14
Stick (SMAW)Under 60A79–10
Stick (SMAW)60–160A1010–11
Stick (SMAW)160–250A1011–12
Stick (SMAW)250–550A1112–14
TIG (GTAW)Under 50A89–10
TIG (GTAW)50–150A810–11
TIG (GTAW)150–500A1011–14
Flux-Core (FCAW)60–160A1010–11
Flux-Core (FCAW)160–250A1011–12
Plasma CuttingUnder 20A45–6
Plasma Cutting20–40A56–8
Plasma Cutting40–80A68–9
Oxy-Fuel CuttingLight34–5
Oxy-Fuel CuttingMedium45–6
Oxy-Fuel CuttingHeavy56–8

What the Shade Numbers Mean

Each shade number represents a specific optical density that reduces the intensity of light reaching your eyes. Going up one shade number roughly halves the light transmission. The differences between adjacent shades are meaningful — shade 10 lets through approximately twice as much light as shade 11.

The "minimum" column represents the lowest shade that provides adequate UV and IR protection for that process and amperage. The "recommended" range reflects what most welders find comfortable — enough protection without making the weld puddle too dark to see clearly.

Finding Your Personal Preference

Within the recommended range, personal preference matters. Some welders prefer a slightly darker shade for less glare; others prefer a lighter shade for better puddle visibility. An auto-darkening helmet with adjustable shade lets you dial in your preferred setting without changing physical lenses.

Start at the lower end of the recommended range and increase shade if you experience glare or afterimages. If you cannot see the weld puddle clearly, drop one shade. Comfort varies by individual — there is no single "correct" setting within the recommended range.

Never weld with a shade below the minimum for your process. Even brief exposure to arc radiation below minimum shade can cause arc eye (photokeratitis) — a painful condition that feels like sand in your eyes and can take 24–48 hours to resolve. Repeated exposure causes cumulative eye damage.

Grind Mode

Most auto-darkening helmets include a "grind mode" at shade 3 or 4. This keeps the lens light enough to see clearly while grinding but still provides impact protection. Always switch out of grind mode before welding — grinding at shade 3 with an arc firing in the background will not protect your eyes.

For helmet recommendations at every price point, see our best auto-darkening helmets for beginners guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

▸What shade do I need for MIG welding?
For most hobby MIG welding in the 80–180A range, shade 10 or 11 is standard. Start at shade 10 and increase if you find the arc glare uncomfortable. An auto-darkening helmet lets you adjust without swapping lenses.
▸Is shade 10 dark enough for stick welding?
Shade 10 is the minimum for stick welding above 60A. For amperages in the 100–200A range (the most common hobby stick range), shade 10–11 is adequate. For high-amperage stick work (200A+), shade 12 is more comfortable.
▸Can I use the same shade for TIG and MIG?
Generally yes — shade 10 works for both at moderate amperages. However, TIG welding at very low amperages (under 50A for thin material) benefits from a lighter shade (8–9) because the arc is less intense and you need to see the small puddle clearly.