Free Welding Calculator

Welding Travel Speed Calculator

Calculate travel speed in IPM or mm/s from weld length and time. Compare to typical ranges for your process.

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Travel speed formula

Imperial: Travel Speed (IPM) = Weld Length (in) ÷ Welding Time (min)
Metric: Travel Speed (mm/s) = Weld Length (mm) ÷ Welding Time (sec)

Convert: IPM × 0.423 = mm/s  ·  mm/s × 2.364 = IPM

Travel speed examples

Example 1 — 24-inch GMAW weld, 1 min 33 sec

24 ÷ (93/60) = 24 ÷ 1.55 = 15.5 IPM — within typical GMAW spray transfer range (12–30 IPM). ✓

Example 2 — 12-inch butt weld, 45 seconds

12 ÷ 0.75 min = 16 IPM — solid GMAW setting for structural steel in flat position.

Example 3 — 150 mm TIG weld, 68 seconds

150 ÷ 68 = 2.21 mm/s (8.7 IPM) — typical for GTAW root passes on pipe (range 2–10 IPM). ✓

Travel speed questions

What is a good welding travel speed?

Most MIG welding runs 10–20 IPM depending on thickness and wire size. Stick welding is slower, typically 3–10 IPM. GTAW is 2–8 IPM for most applications. Experienced welders on structural plate often run 15–20 IPM with GMAW spray transfer.

How do I calculate travel speed in welding?

Divide the total weld length (inches) by the time it took (minutes). If you timed in seconds, divide length by (seconds ÷ 60). A 24-inch weld completed in 1 minute 33 seconds = 24 ÷ 1.55 = 15.5 IPM.

Does travel speed affect heat input?

Yes — travel speed is a direct component of the heat input formula. Slower travel = higher heat input per inch, which affects HAZ grain structure, distortion, and toughness. See the Heat Input Calculator for the full calculation.

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