Choosing the correct lens shade protects your eyes and helps you see the weld pool clearly. The chart below shows recommended shade levels for different welding processes and amperages, based on ANSI Z87.1 and EN 169 standards.
👉 Not sure which shade to use? An auto-darkening helmet automatically adjusts to the right level, so you can weld safely without switching lenses.
| Amperage (A) | MMA (Stick) | MIG (Light) | MIG (Heavy) | MAG | TIG (All) | Plasma Cut | Plasma Weld | Gouging (Arc/Air) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–40 | 9 | – | – | – | 7 | 7–8 | – | – |
| 40–80 | 9–10 | – | – | – | 8 | 8–9 | – | – |
| 80–100 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8–9 | 9–10 | 9–10 | – |
| 100–150 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 9–10 | 9–11 | 10 | 10 |
| 150–175 | 10–11 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10–12 | 10–11 | 11–12 | 10 |
| 175–200 | 11–12 | 11–12 | 12 | 12 | 11–13 | 10–12 | 11–12 | 11 |
| 200–225 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 11–12 | 12–13 | 11 |
| 225–250 | 12 | 12 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 11–12 | 12–13 | 12 |
| 250–275 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 13 | 13 | 13–14 | 11–12 | 13–14 | 12 |
| 275–300 | 12–13 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 13–14 | 13–14 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 13 |
| 300–350 | 13 | 13–14 | 14 | 14 | 13–14 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 13 |
| 350–400 | 13 | 13–14 | 14 | 14 | 13–14 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 14 |
| 400–450 | 13–14 | 14 | 14–15 | 14 | 14 | 12–13 | 13–14 | 14 |
| 450–500 | 14 | 14–15 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 12–13 | 14 | 14–15 |
