⚡ Wire Feed Speed to Amps Calculator

Convert MIG wire feed speed (IPM) to amperage — and amps back to IPM

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⚡ Recommended MIG Welding Equipment

Machines and wire matched to wire-feed / amperage tuning

Multi-process

Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP

210A MIG / TIG / Stick
Dual voltage 120V / 230V
Digital wire speed display
Strong shop all-rounder
Pairs with IPM ↔ amps math

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Home / light fab Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder

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Consumable Lincoln ER70S-6 MIG wire .035 inch

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10 lb or 25 lb spools
.035" everyday steel wire
Low spatter, smooth feed
Factor 0.57 A per IPM (steel)
Keep tips matched to diameter

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How to Use This Calculator

Choose IPM → Amps or Amps → IPM, select wire diameter and material, then enter your known value. The tool applies the burn-off factor for that wire and estimates matching amperage, a typical voltage window, and a thickness guide based on common MIG schedules.

The Burn-Off Rate Formula

On short-circuit MIG, melting wire draws a predictable current. The relationship is linear:

Amps = IPM × burn-off factor | IPM = Amps ÷ burn-off factor

The factor depends on wire diameter and alloy (steel vs stainless vs aluminum). Example: 0.035" mild steel uses 0.57 A per IPM — so 350 IPM ≈ 200 A. Your welder display may read slightly different; use this as a starting point, then tune by puddle and sound.

Why This Matters for Your Welds

Machine panels differ: Some machines show wire speed, others show amps — this converts between them.
Procedure records: WPS and traveler sheets often list amps; your gun dial may be in IPM.
Troubleshooting: Stubbing, burn-back, and cold lap often trace to IPM/amp mismatch for the wire size.
Spool changes: Switching from .030" to .035" changes the factor — recalculate instead of copying old numbers.
Second opinion: Cross-check with our MIG Welding Calculator for voltage and gas flow on the same job.

Position Adjustments

Flat and horizontal welding use the calculated IPM/amps as-is. For vertical and overhead, reduce heat input slightly — the calculator’s advanced position setting applies a ~10% reduction to recommended IPM (and matching amps) so you are less likely to overheat and sag the puddle.

Flat / horizontal: Use results directly; adjust by puddle if needed.
Vertical (3G/3F): Reduce IPM ~10%; weld uphill on structural steel when penetration matters.
Overhead (4G/4F): Reduce IPM ~10%; use slightly faster travel to avoid droop.

Pro Tips for Accurate Conversions

Measure real IPM: Run wire 6 seconds, measure inches fed, multiply by 10 — compare to the machine reading.
Match contact tip: Tip bore must match wire diameter or feed and amps will not track.
Stick-out matters: Long stick-out raises resistance and can feel “hotter” at the same WFS.
Material matters: Aluminum factors are lower — the same IPM produces fewer amps than steel.
Log proven pairs: Note IPM, amps, voltage, and thickness when a coupon looks right.

💡 Pro Tip: After converting IPM ↔ amps, open the Shielding Gas Flow Calculator and Heat Input Calculator if the weld is procedure-critical.

Related Calculators

Wire Feed Speed to Amps Troubleshooting — wrong burn-off factor, .030 vs .035, machine WFS vs real IPM, FCAW.

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Need machine reviews? See our welding equipment reviews.

⚡ Wire Feed Speed to Amps Calculator

Welding

Welding Reference Card

Complete Welding Settings Guide

Welding Job Estimator

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⚡ Recommended MIG Welding Equipment

Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 MP

Hobart Handler 140

Lincoln ER70S-6 Wire (.035")

How to Use This Calculator

The Burn-Off Rate Formula

Why This Matters for Your Welds

Position Adjustments

Pro Tips for Accurate Conversions

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