Welding Shade Standards & Ratings

Welding lenses are rated by shade numbers from 2 to 14, which indicate their darkness. The higher the number, the darker the lens, which provides increased protection against bright arcs, ultraviolet (UV), and infrared (IR) radiation.

These lenses must meet the ANSI Z87.1 standard set by the American National Standards Institute. This standard defines the requirements for impact resistance, optical clarity, and protection from radiation. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) enforces these standards in the workplace.

Recommended Welding Lens Shades by Operation

Use the chart below as a general guide to determine which shade number is appropriate for your welding or cutting task. The right shade will protect your eyes while allowing you to see the work.

Torch Soldering

N/A

Shade 2–4

Torch Brazing

N/A

Shade 3–4

Gas Welding (Oxyacetylene)

< 30 Amps

Shade 4

30–100 Amps

Shade 5

> 100 Amps

Shade 6–8

Plasma Cutting

< 20 Amps

Shade 4

20–40 Amps

Shade 5–6

40–60 Amps

Shade 6–8

> 60 Amps

Shade 8–9

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

< 60 Amps

Shade 7

60–160 Amps

Shade 8–10

160–250 Amps

Shade 10–12

> 250 Amps

Shade 12–14

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)

< 60 Amps

Shade 7–9

60–200 Amps

Shade 10–11

> 200 Amps

Shade 12–13

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)

< 50 Amps

Shade 8

50–150 Amps

Shade 10

> 150 Amps

Shade 12

Carbon Arc Welding

N/A

Shade 14

Key Points to Remember

Welding lens shades range from Shade 2 to Shade 14, with higher numbers providing more protection.
Shade 2–6 lenses are for light work like soldering, cutting, and torch use.
Shade 7–14 lenses are for electric arc welding and offer protection from extremely bright arcs and radiation.
All welding lenses should meet ANSI Z87.1 standards to ensure proper safety compliance.

Find the Right Welding Safety Glasses at RX-Safety

At RX-Safety.com, we carry various prescription and non-prescription welding glasses in various fixed shade levels. Whether you’re a professional welder or working on occasional repairs, our ANSI-rated safety eyewear helps keep your vision protected during every operation.

Protect your vision. Choose the correct welding lens shade for every job.

Welding Shade Standards & Ratings

Recommended Welding Lens Shades by Operation

Key Points to Remember

Find the Right Welding Safety Glasses at RX-Safety

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