AWS A2.4 weld symbol
V-Groove Weld Symbol
A V-groove weld symbol is a V on the reference line, calling for both members to be bevelled so the joint forms a V that can be filled for full penetration.
How to read the v-groove weld symbol
- Both members are prepared — that is what distinguishes a V-groove from a bevel-groove, where only one member is cut.
- The included groove angle is written outside the V.
- The root opening, the gap between the members at the bottom, is written inside the V.
- Depth of bevel goes to the left of the symbol; the groove weld size follows in parentheses.
- A V above and below the reference line calls for a double-V joint, prepared and welded from both sides.
Where the dimensions go
| Position | What it specifies |
|---|---|
| Inside the V | Root opening, for example 1/8 |
| Outside the V | Included groove angle, for example 60° |
| Left of the symbol | Depth of bevel, with the groove weld size in parentheses |
Joint types
- Butt joint
- Corner joint
- Edge joint
Practical notes
- 60° included angle with a 1/8 in root opening and a 1/8 in land is the classic prequalified single-V configuration for plate.
- A double-V uses less filler and distorts less than a single-V on thick sections, but needs access to both sides.
- If no depth is shown, complete joint penetration is implied by the joint detail rather than by the symbol.
V-Groove Weld symbol — common questions
What is the difference between a V-groove and a bevel-groove symbol?
The V-groove symbol is a full V, meaning both members are bevelled. The bevel-groove symbol has one vertical leg and one angled leg, meaning only one member is cut — and the leader line is broken to point at the member to be prepared.
What does the number inside the V mean?
The root opening — the gap between the two members at the bottom of the groove, before welding.
What does 60 degrees outside the V mean?
The included groove angle, measured between the two prepared faces. On a symmetric single-V that means each member is bevelled 30 degrees from vertical.
What is a double-V groove symbol?
A V drawn both above and below the reference line. The joint is prepared on both faces and welded from both sides, which uses less filler and balances distortion on thick material.
Welding symbol anatomy
Every weld symbol attaches to the same framework. If any part of the diagram above is unfamiliar, the full guide to reading welding symbols walks through the whole system.
| Reference line | The horizontal backbone of every welding symbol. Everything else attaches to it, and it is always drawn horizontal on the drawing. |
|---|---|
| Arrow | The leader and arrowhead that connect the reference line to the joint. The side of the joint the arrow touches is the arrow side. |
| Weld symbol | The shape that says which kind of weld is required — triangle for a fillet, V for a V-groove, circle for a spot, and so on. |
| Arrow side (below the line) | A weld symbol drawn below the reference line calls for a weld on the side of the joint the arrow points to. This is the convention that catches people out most often. |
| Other side (above the line) | A weld symbol drawn above the reference line calls for a weld on the far side of the joint. |
| Both sides | Symbols drawn above and below the reference line call for welds on both sides of the joint. |
| Tail | An optional fork at the far end of the reference line, used to reference a specification, process or procedure such as GMAW or a WPS number. |
| Dimensions | Size is placed to the left of the weld symbol; length and pitch are placed to the right. |