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Flare-V groove weld symbol: what it means on a drawing

Fillet Gauge editorial teamSources checked 4 min read

The flare-V groove weld symbol is two curves on the reference line that bulge toward each other. It calls for a groove weld in the valley between two rounded surfaces laid side by side, such as two round bars, two tubes with radiused corners or two bent sheet flanges. The rounded shapes make the groove, so nothing is cut.

Two round bars drawn end on, side by side, with weld metal filling the valley between their curves, beside a flare-V symbol with 3/16 in parentheses on its left
Two curves bulging toward each other. Weld size in parentheses. Numbers are invented.
Use this diagram

How to read it

  1. Find the side. Below the line, the weld goes in the flare on the arrow side of the joint. Above the line, on the other side. Curves on both sides of the line ask for welds in the flares on both faces.
  2. Read the left side. A flare groove can carry two numbers on the left. The first is the groove depth, how far into the flare the groove is counted. The second, in parentheses, is the weld size. If only a number in parentheses is shown, as in the drawing, it is the weld size.
  3. Read the right side. A number on the right is the weld length. With no length, weld the whole joint.
  4. Read the tail. A process, a procedure number or a note goes there. If the tail points to a detail, check it for how the members sit before you judge the fit-up.

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Where you see flare-V welds

Flare-V joints show up wherever two rounded edges meet: square or rectangular tubing with large corner radii laid side by side, round bar welded to round bar, and bent sheet-metal flanges standing back to back. Tube corner radii grow with wall thickness, so heavier tube is more likely to have corners big enough to make a real flare, which makes these joints common on structural tube work. On sheet, the flanges themselves can supply most of the metal the joint needs.

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Common mix-ups

  • Flare-V or flare-bevel. The flare-V has two curves because both members are rounded. The flare-bevel has one upright stroke and one curve, because one member is flat.
  • Flare-V or V. The V-groove mark is two straight sloping strokes, and the joint is beveled by cutting. The flare-V mark is curved, and the groove comes from the members' own shape.
  • Flare-V or U. A U is one rounded bowl on a stem, opening away from the line. The flare-V is two separate curves facing each other.
  • Which number is the size. A bare number on the left of a flare groove is the depth, not the weld size. The weld size is the one in parentheses.

Flare grooves on the CWI exam

Flare marks belong to Symbols, Welding and NDE, at least 10% of CWI Part A, which you sit without a book. They turn up less often on drawings than fillets and V-grooves, so they're worth extra drilling. On Part B, Utilization of Specifications and Drawings is at least 8% of the practical, and a flare on tube or bar is a likely place to read a size in parentheses.

Practice it

The flare marks aren't in the welding symbols quiz yet, but the quiz drills the V, U and bevel shapes they get mistaken for. See both flare marks beside every other groove on the welding symbols chart.

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Facts checked 24 October 2026 against the sources listed above. If something has changed, tell us and we will correct it within 2 business days.

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