Welding Helmet Shade Numbers
Affiliate Disclosure: WC Safety earns a commission on qualifying Amazon purchases where linked.
Welding helmet shade numbers specify the optical density of the lens — the higher the number, the darker the lens and the less light transmission to the eye. ANSI Z49.1:2021 (Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes) and OSHA (29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5), with a selection guide at 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(H)) set minimum shade numbers by process and amperage. Using too light a shade causes arc eye (photokeratitis); using too dark a shade reduces puddle visibility and weld quality. This reference covers minimum and recommended shade numbers for every common arc and flame welding process, with a worked example for each.
What Is a Welding Shade Number?
Published · Last updated
A shade number represents optical density on a logarithmic scale. Each one-step increase cuts visible light transmittance to roughly a third (a factor of about 2.7, per the shade definition in ANSI Z87.1). Shade 10 transmits roughly 0.014% of incident visible light; shade 13 roughly 0.0007%. The scale runs from shade 1.5 (cutting torch observers) to shade 14 (high-amperage plasma cutting). Auto-darkening welding helmets darken electronically from a light state (shade 3–4) to the selected dark state, triggered by arc sensors detecting the UV/IR spike at arc initiation.
| Shade | Visible Light Transmittance | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | ~14% | Auto-darkening light state; torch brazing (observer) |
| 5 | ~1.9% | Gas welding <1/8 in.; plasma cutting observer; low-amp TIG |
| 8 | ~0.10% | Low-amp MIG; grind mode — entry threshold for arc processes |
| 10 | ~0.014% | Short-arc MIG 75–150A; stick 60–100A; standard beginner shade |
| 11 | ~0.005% | MIG 150–250A; stick 100–175A |
| 12 | ~0.002% | High-amp MIG spray/pulse 200–350A; stick 175–250A |
| 13 | ~0.0007% | Very high-amp MIG/stick 300A+; FCAW heavy |
| 14 | ~0.0003% | High-amperage plasma cutting; arc air gouging 800A+ |
ANSI Z49.1 Shade Number Chart by Process
The table below lists the mandatory minimum shades from OSHA's filter-lens table at 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) (“Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy”), with suggested working shades from the ANSI Z49.1:2021 lens-shade guide. "Minimum" is the lowest shade that provides adequate UV/IR protection. "Suggested" is the practical working shade for most welders at that amperage range — dark enough for comfort, light enough to see the puddle.
| Process | Amperage / Condition | Min. Shade | Suggested |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIG (GMAW) / Pulse MIG | <60A | 7 | 10 |
| 60–160A | 10 | 11 | |
| 160–250A | 10 | 12 | |
| Stick (SMAW) | <60A | 7 | 10 |
| 60–160A | 8 | 10–11 | |
| 160–250A | 10 | 12 | |
| 250–550A | 11 | 13 | |
| TIG (GTAW) | <50A | 8 | 10 |
| 50–150A | 8 | 12 | |
| 150–500A | 10 | 14 | |
| Flux Core (FCAW) | 60–160A | 10 | 10–11 |
| 160–500A | 10 | 12–14 | |
| Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) | Light (<300A) | 8 | 8–9 |
| Medium (300–400A) | 9 | 9–10 | |
| Heavy (400–800A) | 10 | 10–12 | |
| Air Carbon Arc (CAC-A) | <500A | 10 | 12 |
| 500–1000A | 11 | 14 | |
| Oxy-Fuel Welding (OFW) | Light (<1/8 in.) | 4 | 5 |
| Medium (1/8–1/2 in.) | 5 | 6 | |
| Heavy (>1/2 in.) | 6 | 8 | |
| Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC) | Light (<1 in.) | 3 | 4 |
| Medium (1–6 in.) | 4 | 5 | |
| Heavy (>6 in.) | 5 | 6 |
Source: minimum shades from OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5); suggested working shades per the ANSI Z49.1:2021 guide. Suggested shades reflect typical comfort at the midpoint of each amperage range.
Worked Example — Choosing the Right Shade
Scenario: You're MIG welding (GMAW) mild steel at 175A using short-circuit transfer. What shade should you use?
- Step 1 — Identify the process: GMAW (MIG), short-circuit transfer.
- Step 2 — Find the amperage band: 175A falls in the 160–250A row.
- Step 3 — Read minimum shade: 10. Do not go below shade 10 for this operation.
- Step 4 — Read suggested shade: 12. Start at shade 12 for comfortable visibility.
- Step 5 — Adjust for comfort: If you can't see the puddle clearly at shade 12, drop to shade 11. If your eyes feel strained at shade 12, try shade 13. Never go below the minimum (shade 10 in this case).
Result: Shade 11–12 is the appropriate range. Set your auto-darkening helmet to shade 11 or 12 and verify puddle visibility before continuing. The Miller Classic VSi and Lincoln Viking 1840 cover shade 8–13 and 7–13 respectively, and both allow this adjustment with an external dial.
Auto-Darkening vs. Passive Shade Numbers
Passive welding helmets use a fixed glass filter at a single shade — you set the shade when you buy the lens, and it never changes. Auto-darkening helmets (ADF) use an LCD panel that electronically switches between a light state (shade 3–4) for positioning and a dark state (shade 9–13) when an arc is detected. Key differences:
- Passive lens: fixed shade; no batteries; no sensor failure risk; inexpensive. The Miller MP-10 (shade 10) and Fibre-Metal Tigerhood Classic are passive options in the WC Safety lineup.
- Auto-darkening (variable): adjustable shade, changes between processes; sensors can miss arc in restricted positions if sensor count is too low; requires batteries and/or solar charging; higher cost.
- Fixed-shade ADF: auto-darkening with a non-variable lens, preset at a single shade. Less common.
For multi-process shops, variable ADF helmets (shade 5–13 or 9–13) are standard because no single passive shade works across TIG, MIG, and plasma cutting. For a dedicated stick or MIG welder using a fixed machine at one amperage, a passive shade 10 or 11 helmet is a reliable and low-maintenance choice.
Plasma Cutting Shade Numbers
Plasma cutting is where shade selection commonly goes wrong — in both directions. OSHA's filter-lens table (29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5)) sets the plasma arc cutting minimum at shade 8 below 300A, shade 9 at 300–400A, and shade 10 above 400A. (The lighter shade 6 row in OSHA's table belongs to plasma arc welding under 20A, not cutting.) A standard shade 9–13 helmet set at shade 9 meets the light-cutting minimum with margin; helmets that adjust to shade 8 — the Miller Digital Performance and Miller Classic VSi (8–13) — hit it exactly. Some torch manuals quote lighter shades for low-amp drag-shield cutting where the arc is hidden against the plate; treat the OSHA table as the floor for any open-arc work. Helmets that reach shade 5 — the ESAB Sentinel A50 and A60, Lincoln Viking 2450 and 3350 (5–13), and 3M Speedglas 9100XXi (5, 8–13) — add oxy-fuel gas welding and cutting coverage at the light end rather than a lower plasma requirement.
| Plasma Arc Cutting | Min. Shade (OSHA 1910.133(a)(5)) | Suggested Shade | Compatible Helmets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (<300A) | 8 | 8–9 | Shade 8-capable ADFs (Miller DP / Classic VSi, 8–13); any 9–13 helmet at shade 9 |
| Medium (300–400A) | 9 | 9–10 | Any 9–13 ADF helmet |
| Heavy (400–800A) | 10 | 10–12 | Any 9–13 ADF helmet |
OSHA Requirements for Welding Shade Numbers
OSHA's mandatory minimum shades live in the filter-lens table at 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) (“Filter Lenses for Protection Against Radiant Energy”). The welding standard, 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2)(ii)(H), adds a selection guide (“The following is a guide for the selection of the proper shade numbers”) and requires helmets or hand shields for all arc welding and cutting. (Older references to a “Table E-2” use a pre-1996 numbering that no longer exists in the standard.) Key OSHA points:
- Employers must provide welding filter lenses meeting the minimum shade number for the process in use.
- Filter lenses must comply with ANSI Z87.1 (lens marking visible as Z87.1 on the lens body).
- Auto-darkening helmets are acceptable as long as they meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements and darken to the appropriate shade before arc initiation.
- The light state (shade 3–4) does not meet the required viewing shade for an active arc — the ADF must darken to the set shade for arc viewing. Manufacturers state the passive UV/IR filter layer blocks UV/IR continuously even before darkening; the dark state manages visible brightness.
For OSHA compliance, verify that any welding helmet purchased is marked ANSI Z87.1 on both the shell and the lens. All helmets in the WC Safety welding helmet collection meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements.
Practical Shade Selection Tips
- Start at the suggested shade, not the minimum. The suggested shade is the ANSI comfort recommendation — the minimum is the legal floor, not the ideal.
- Adjust by amperage, not process alone. TIG at 150A uses the same shade as MIG at 150A (approximately shade 11–12). Process matters primarily at the extremes (plasma cutting vs. high-amp stick).
- Eye fatigue = wrong shade. If your eyes are tired after a session, you likely need one shade darker. If you're straining to see the puddle, one shade lighter.
- Sensor count matters for reliability, not shade. Two-sensor helmets can miss the arc in out-of-position or blind-corner work, leaving you at light state (shade 3–4) when the arc fires. Four sensors eliminate this risk. The 3M Speedglas 100V uses two sensors and the Miller Classic VSi three; the Lincoln Viking 1840 uses four.
- Grind mode ≠ no protection. Grind mode keeps the helmet in a light state (shade 3) for grinding — it does not darken on contact, so you must still wear ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses and a face shield if grinding produces significant sparks.
- Optical clarity (EN 379) affects puddle visibility at the same shade. A 1/1/1/1 lens (like the Viking 1840) provides a clearer puddle view at shade 11 than a 2/2/2/2 lens at shade 11 — if you're squinting, optical clarity may be the cause, not the shade setting.
Shade Number FAQs
What shade should I use for MIG welding?
Shade 10–12 for MIG (GMAW) at 60–250A. Start at shade 11 for 100–175A MIG; drop to 10 for very low-amp work; go to 12 for spray or pulse MIG above 200A. Never go below shade 10 for MIG at any practical amperage per ANSI Z49.1. See the best welding helmets for MIG welding guide for helmet picks.
What shade should I use for TIG welding?
Shade 8–14 for TIG (GTAW) depending on amperage. TIG at 15–50A typically uses shade 9–10; TIG at 50–150A uses shade 11–12; TIG at 150A+ uses shade 13–14. TIG requires better optical clarity than MIG because the puddle is smaller and more precise — a 1/1/1/1 EN 379 lens makes a significant difference at the same shade setting. See the best welding helmets for TIG welding guide.
What shade should I use for stick welding?
Shade 10–12 for most stick welding (SMAW) at 60–250A. At 250A+ (heavy structural stick), shade 12–13. Stick welding produces a brighter arc than MIG at the same amperage due to the electrode coating chemistry, so some welders prefer one shade darker than the MIG recommendation at equivalent amperages.
What shade do I need for plasma cutting?
OSHA's filter-lens table (29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5)) sets shade 8 as the minimum for plasma arc cutting below 300A, shade 9 at 300–400A, and shade 10 above. A standard shade 9–13 helmet set at shade 9 meets the light-cutting minimum; helmets that adjust to shade 8, like the Miller Digital Performance and Classic VSi, hit it exactly. Torch manuals sometimes quote lighter shades for low-amp drag-shield cutting where the arc is hidden — treat the OSHA table as the floor for open-arc work. The ESAB Sentinel A50/A60 (5–13), and 3M Speedglas 9100XXi also reach shade 5 for gas-process coverage.
What is the minimum shade for welding per OSHA?
OSHA's minimums are in the 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) filter-lens table: shade 8 for stick (SMAW) at 60–160A, shade 10 for MIG/GMAW at 60–160A, shade 10 for stick at 160–250A, and shade 11 for stick at 250–550A. These are the legal minimums in OSHA-regulated workplaces. Welders may use darker shades for comfort, but never lighter than the OSHA minimum for the amperage in use.
What happens if I weld with the wrong shade?
Using too light a shade causes arc eye (photokeratitis) — a painful condition similar to a sunburn on the cornea, with symptoms (gritty, painful eyes, light sensitivity, tearing) appearing 6–12 hours after exposure. A single severe flash exposure can cause temporary vision loss. Repeated low-level exposure causes cumulative damage. Using too dark a shade doesn't cause injury but degrades weld quality — you can't see the puddle and lose control of bead placement and penetration.
What shade should beginners use for welding?
Shade 10–11 is the best starting shade for beginner MIG or stick welders at typical learning amperages (75–150A). It's the ANSI Z49.1 suggested shade for 60–160A GMAW and provides comfortable puddle visibility. All auto-darkening helmets in the WC Safety beginner guide cover shade 10. See the best welding helmets for beginners guide for full picks.
What is the difference between shade 10 and shade 13?
Each full shade step cuts visible-light transmittance by a factor of roughly 2.7. Shade 10 transmits approximately 0.014% of visible light; shade 13 transmits approximately 0.0007% — about 19× darker. In practical terms, shade 13 makes the weld puddle significantly dimmer and is appropriate only for very high-amperage operations (300A+ MIG, heavy stick). Using shade 13 for 100A MIG will make the puddle so dim that weld quality suffers.
What shade is good for oxy-acetylene welding?
Shade 4–6 for oxy-acetylene welding (OFW) depending on material thickness: shade 4–5 for light work under 1/8 inch, shade 5–6 for medium (1/8–1/2 inch), shade 6–8 for heavy (over 1/2 inch). Oxy-acetylene uses a much lower-intensity flame than arc processes — arc welding shades (10+) are too dark for gas welding and will prevent you from seeing the puddle. Use proper welding goggles, not an arc welding helmet, for most oxy-acetylene work.
Can I use one helmet for MIG and TIG welding?
Yes, as long as the helmet covers the shade range for both processes. Both MIG and TIG use shade 9–13 at practical amperages, so any variable ADF helmet covering shade 9–13 handles both. The key differentiator for TIG is optical clarity (EN 379 rating) — TIG requires a clearer view of the smaller, more precise puddle. The Miller Digital Performance (ClearLight 4x) and Lincoln Viking 1840 (1/1/1/1 EN 379) are the best dual-process choices.
What shade for flux core welding (FCAW)?
Shade 10–14 for FCAW depending on amperage. FCAW runs at similar amperages to MIG but produces a brighter arc due to the flux shielding chemistry. At 100–200A FCAW, shade 11 is a common starting point. High-deposition FCAW at 300–500A uses shade 12–14. Check the amperage column in the shade chart above for your specific operating amperage. All helmets in the WC Safety lineup covering shade 9–13 handle standard FCAW amperages.
What shade should I use for gouging?
Shade 12–14 for air carbon arc gouging (CAC-A). Gouging typically runs at 400–1000A — one of the highest-amperage processes in arc work. At 500A+ gouging, shade 14 is appropriate. Ensure your helmet reaches shade 13 at minimum; most standard shade 9–13 helmets are marginal for high-amp gouging. If you regularly gouge at 600A+, verify your helmet's rated maximum shade before use.
What is EN 379 and how does it relate to shade numbers?
EN 379 is the European standard for welding filter lenses, used as an optical clarity rating on premium helmets sold in North America. The 4-number score (e.g., 1/1/1/1 or 2/2/2/2) measures optical class, diffusion of light, variation in luminous transmittance, and angular dependence of luminous transmittance. A 1/1/1/1 rating is the highest achievable clarity. EN 379 rating is separate from shade number — both a shade 10 and shade 13 lens can be rated 1/1/1/1. Helmets like the Lincoln Viking 1840 and Optrel Crystal 2.0 carry the 1/1/1/1 EN 379 rating. See the complete auto-darkening welding helmet guide for the full EN 379 explanation.
Do auto-darkening helmets protect eyes before they darken?
Yes, with a caveat. Quality auto-darkening helmets darken in 1/25,000 second (0.04ms) or faster — faster than the eye can respond to an arc strike. The ADF is designed to darken before a damaging UV dose reaches the cornea. However, the ADF provides some baseline UV/IR protection even in the light state (shade 3–4) through passive UV/IR-blocking coatings on the LCD panel. The shade 3–4 light state blocks virtually all UV and IR; what it doesn't block is sufficient visible light for comfort if the arc fires — hence the requirement to darken quickly to the set shade.
What hearing protection do I need for welding?
MIG and stick welding commonly run in the 90–100 dB range at the operator, and OSHA's action level is an 85 dB 8-hour time-weighted average — sustained welding days sit above it. Use foam earplugs with NRR 29 or higher under the welding helmet. Foam earplugs are the practical choice — earmuff-style hearing protection compresses against the helmet shell and loses significant effective NRR. Hearing loss from welding is permanent and cumulative; protect hearing from the first session.
How fast does an auto-darkening lens switch, and what if it fails?
Switching speeds run in the ten-thousandths of a second on quality hoods — fast enough that the arc flash never reads as a flash. The design detail that matters more is the failure state: auto-darkening lenses hold a passive light shade (typically 3 or 4) when unpowered, which protects impact-wise but not against the arc. Test the lens with the hood's check function before striking, and treat a sluggish or flickering lens as retired.
Related Guides & Products
- Complete Guide to Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets (2026)
- Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets (2026) — All Processes
- Best Welding Helmets for TIG Welding (2026)
- Best Welding Helmets for MIG Welding (2026)
- Best Welding Helmets for Beginners (2026)
- Browse All Welding Helmets at WC Safety
- Lincoln Electric Viking 1840 — Shade 7–13 (Plasma Capable)
- Miller Classic VSi — Best MIG Helmet
- Hearing Protection for Welders
- ANSI Z87.1 Safety Glasses for Welding
Written By
Steven Eaton
Safety Products Specialist, WC Safety Editorial. Independent, specification-based product research.
Reviewed By
WC Safety Editorial
Standards
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133(a)(5) · OSHA 29 CFR 1910.252(b)(2) · ANSI Z49.1:2021 · ANSI Z87.1 · EN 379
Affiliate Disclosure
WC Safety is an Amazon Associate. Commissions on qualifying purchases. Recommendations are editorial.
Related reference
Closely related on this site: how to choose a welding helmet, welding helmets complete guide, auto darkening vs passive welding helmet, best auto darkening welding helmets, best respirators to use with welding helmets, and how to set up welding ppe for your first weld.
Why trust WC Safety
WC Safety is an independent, affiliate-supported review site. It is not a retailer: it holds no inventory, takes no orders, and earns only from qualifying purchases through clearly marked links — which never changes what a product is rated to do. Standards language is taken from the regulation text directly, and ratings are reported as the manufacturer publishes them. We run no laboratory and perform no testing of our own. Where published sources disagree, we say so and plan on the conservative figure rather than the flattering one.
Our methodology
Figures come from the regulation and the published specification, in that order. Derated numbers are calculated, not estimated. Nothing here is presented as a measured result, because we measure nothing.
Researched and written by Steven Eaton, editor of WC Safety. Steven holds no safety certification and does not test products; this page compares what manufacturers and regulators publish, with the gaps in that record marked. Last reviewed August 2026.
Leave a comment