Calculating Filler Metal Consumption

The number of pounds of welding electrodes or welding wire necessary to complete a given weld joint may be calculated by the formula:  
P  = WL/ E  
Where:
 P    =    Pounds of electrode or wire required  
W  =    Weight per foot of weld metal  
L =    Length of weld (feet)  
E    =    Deposition efficiency Weight Per Foot of Weld Metal  

Calculating the weight of weld metal requires that we consider the following items. 1.   Area of the cross-section of the weld.  
2.   Length of the weld.  
3.   Volume of the weld in cubic inches.  
4.   Weight of the weld metal per cubic inch.