How do you read welding symbols?

The weld symbol distinguishes between the two sides of a joint by using the arrow and the spaces above and below the reference line. The side of the joint to which the arrow points is known as the arrow side, and its weld is made according to the instructions given below the reference line. A welding symbol has three parts:

1. Reference line: this is the main part of the symbol and the primary function is to carry or provide all the information on the weld to be made.
2. Arrow: is used to point the reference line to where you need to weld.
3. Tail: This is used to provide additional but important data as wells as information needed to complete the weld. For example it may contain information on what welding process is to be used, or something else of equal