V-Groove Weld Symbol
A V-groove weld uses prepared edges on both members to form a V-shaped groove. The callout can specify depth of groove, groove weld size, included groove angle, and root opening.
- Recognize a V-groove preparation
- Separate included groove angle from individual bevel angles
- Read root opening and depth without assuming full penetration
A correct icon is not yet a correct decision.
The included angle affects access, weld volume, heat input, and fit-up. A small angle-reading error can change preparation and filler-metal demand across an entire joint.
What each mark tells you—and what it does not.
Use the third column as a stop-check. It prevents a familiar mark from turning into an unsupported assumption.
| Visual cue | What it tells you | What you must still verify |
|---|---|---|
| V elementary symbol | V-groove family | Confirm single versus double-V from side placement and the joint detail. |
| 60° | Included groove angle in this example | Do not divide it equally unless the detail supports equal bevels. |
| 1/8 inside the V | Root opening in this example | Root opening does not prove root penetration. |
The callout shows V, 60°, and 1/8
Both mating members appear prepared, but the detail does not show equal bevels.
Read 60° as the included groove angle and 1/8 as the illustrated root opening. Confirm each member’s preparation and any depth or penetration requirement in the joint detail.
You do not automatically machine two 30° bevels when the detail assigns the included angle differently.
How to read it without guessing
Read the V shape as the preparation family, then separate the included angle from the root opening and any depth or size values shown to the left.
- Locate the V-groove symbol and applicable side.
- Read depth of groove and groove weld size to the left when shown.
- Read the included angle above or within the callout convention.
- Read root opening inside the V and verify the joint detail.
Similar-looking instructions, different fabrication decisions
V groove
Both faces form the V-shaped groove
DECIDING CHECKConfirm how each member is prepared.Bevel groove
One member is prepared against an unprepared mate
DECIDING CHECKUse the broken-arrow/detail convention where applicable.Double V
Preparation and welding occur from both sides
DECIDING CHECKLook for groove symbols on both sides of the reference line.Three mistakes that change the instruction
Half-angle assumption
A 60-degree groove angle is the included angle; the individual bevels are not automatically 30 degrees unless the detail is symmetric.
Root opening as depth
The value inside the V describes separation at the root, not depth of groove.
Missing double preparation
A double-V uses symbols on both sides and must not be read as a single-V without inspecting placement.
V Groove practice
Skill: groove angle
What does 60° describe in a V-groove callout?
Five checks for this symbol
This is a drawing-reading checklist, not an acceptance standard. Use it before fabrication, fit-up, inspection, or answering a test question.
- 01Identify single or double V
- 02Read included angle
- 03Read root opening
- 04Find preparation depth
- 05Confirm penetration/backing and WPS
Standards and editorial basis
This guide teaches common AWS-style drawing interpretation. It is educational material, not a substitute for the purchased standard, project specification, code, WPS, or qualified engineering direction.
Editorial method. Original training diagrams, worked decisions, misconception checks, and questions are written for learning—not copied from a standards table. Production interpretation must still follow the governing documents.
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Related symbol guides
Groove Welds Overview
Square Groove
Bevel Groove
Size, Length & PitchEducational practice only. Verify production work against the governing drawing, applicable standard, WPS, and qualified instruction.