Is the 1.5× transverse factor included?

No. The page uses the base longitudinal strength. A fillet loaded perpendicular to its axis may take the 1.5 factor per Spec J2.4 — apply it deliberately, not by default.

Why is the base-metal number sometimes lower than the weld?

Because thin base metal shears before the weld does: 0.3/0.45 × F_u × area of the base metal along the weld. Whichever is lower governs, and the page marks it.

What about minimum and maximum fillet size?

That is a different check — plate thickness sets a minimum (Table J2.4) and an edge thickness sets a maximum. Use the fillet weld size calculator for that, then come back here for capacity.

Fillet & Groove Weld Capacity Calculator — ASD/LRFD per Inch

Weld type Electrode F_EXX (ksi) Weld leg size (in) Weld length (in)

Base metal F_y (ksi) Base metal F_u (ksi) Base metal thickness (in)

Formula & assumptions

Coefficients per AISC Basic Design Values (ANSI/AISC 360-22): fillet/PJP shear 0.3/0.45 F_EXX A_w ≤ 0.3/0.45 F_u A_BM, PJP tension 0.32/0.48 F_EXX A_w ≤ 0.5/0.75 F_u A_BM, groove compression 0.48/0.72 F_EXX A_w ≤ 0.6/0.9 F_y A_BM. Fillet effective throat = 0.707 × leg size. CJP groove welds: strength equals base metal - check the member, not the weld. Excludes the 1.5× transverse-loading factor for fillet welds and other AISC Spec J2 provisions - verify against the full Specification and EOR.

What this calculator does

ASD and LRFD capacity per inch — and for a given length — of fillet, PJP and groove welds, with the weld metal and base metal checked side by side and the smaller one marked as governing. Coefficients are AISC's Basic Design Values for ANSI/AISC 360-22; fillet throat is 0.707 × leg. CJP groove welds are as strong as the base metal, so the page tells you to check the member instead.

Worked example

1/4" fillet, E70: throat 0.177". Per inch: 0.3 × 70 × 0.177 = 3.71 kips ASD, 0.45 × 70 × 0.177 = 5.57 kips LRFD. An 8" weld carries 29.7 kips ASD / 44.5 kips LRFD — before the base-metal check.

Common questions

Is the 1.5× transverse factor included?: No. The page uses the base longitudinal strength. A fillet loaded perpendicular to its axis may take the 1.5 factor per Spec J2.4 — apply it deliberately, not by default.
Why is the base-metal number sometimes lower than the weld?: Because thin base metal shears before the weld does: 0.3/0.45 × F_u × area of the base metal along the weld. Whichever is lower governs, and the page marks it.
What about minimum and maximum fillet size?: That is a different check — plate thickness sets a minimum (Table J2.4) and an edge thickness sets a maximum. Use the fillet weld size calculator for that, then come back here for capacity.

Verify with project engineer, contract documents, and applicable code/specification. Preliminary/field-reference values only — not a substitute for a licensed engineer’s design. Does not check bolt spacing, edge distance, block shear, prying action, weld access holes, ply-thickness limits, or any other requirement of a complete connection design — see AISC Specification Chapter J.

Weld capacity (ASD/LRFD)

What this calculator does

Worked example

Common questions

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