Which set lists common welding positions used in introductory welding?

• A. Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, and Overhead
• B. Flat, Inclined, Diagonal, and Curved
• C. Round, Square, Rectangular, and Triangular
• D. Deep, Shallow, High, Low

Answer: (A)

Welding positions are about how the workpiece and weld bead are oriented relative to gravity. For beginners, the four main positions to learn are flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. The flat position is easiest because gravity helps control the molten metal and produce a smooth bead. Horizontal requires balancing the bead along a horizontal plane. Vertical adds challenge as you weld on a vertical surface, often progressing up or down the joint to manage heat and gravity effects. Overhead, welding from above, is the most demanding because gravity pulls more on the molten metal, so you must precisely control the puddle and manipulate the filler rod or wire.

Other options mix terms that aren’t standard positions, like shapes (round, square, etc.) or descriptors of penetration (deep, shallow) or directions that aren’t official welding positions (inclined, curved, diagonal). Those don’t describe the typical, foundational build of skills in introductory welding, whereas flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead do.