A career in welding equals a career with daily math problems. But wait! Before you bail for another field, understand that it’s math you’ll be barely aware you’re doing—math you can pick up on the job, even.
Phew. So, if you don’t like math or find it difficult, welding is still a great career choice.
Find welding training near you.
Why Is Math Important To Welders
Typically, as a welder, you’re going to face a bunch of tasks every day that require numbers. From taking measurements to loading your truck with steel for a job, you’ll be doing "math" before you even put your helmet on, whether you realize it or not. So, if you don’t want to waste time and materials, you’re going to need some basic math skills.
What you learned in high school or for your GED should be enough. You’ll find yourself picking up where you left off once you get in class again. For those wanting to brush up before school, the American Welding Society offers self-paced online math courses.
However, if you ask those in the field, they’ll tell you that your instructors can show you all you need to know. Additionally, many training programs will have tutoring options for extra help.
Fractions And Decimals For Welders
To read blueprints for your work, you’ll need to be comfortable with fractions, which often need to be converted into decimal points. We're talking turning 1/4 into 0.25, nothing wild. And no matter what you thought you felt about math before, you’ll get to where you do conversions in your head.
Geometry For Welders
To figure out correct angles, diameters, and circumferences so your welds end up right, you’ll be using geometry. You’ll also determine your needed supplies for a project this way. By the time training is complete, you should be able to use compasses and triangles like a pro.
Formulas And Trigonometry For Welders
To make sure your welds are strong, you’ll be applying trig knowledge. Like geometry, trig deals with angles, so you’ll use it heavily when doing more advanced metalwork, not right out of school. Even so, once the formulas are applied to actual projects, it starts making a lot more sense.
Math In Welding? No Problem
Learning you’ll have to use math in a welding career might have felt like a shock at first. Now that you've heard it’s manageable math, it should feel pretty exciting! A well-paid career you can train for in as few as 10 months could be yours.
Ready to look into local training? See what welding schools are available near you!
Further reading:
