When a fillet weld has unequal legs, what indicates the weld orientation?

In the context of welding symbols, when a fillet weld has unequal legs, the orientation of the weld is described by the angle of the symbol itself. The angle of the weld symbol indicates which leg of the fillet weld is the primary or reference leg compared to the other. This helps welders understand how the weld should be made relative to the base metal pieces being joined.

The length of the weld, while important for determining the total weld size and ensuring structural integrity, does not convey information about the orientation of the unequal legs. Therefore, the angle of the symbol is what provides clear guidance on how to position the weld for proper execution. The size of the weld and the number of symbols used are not standard indicators of orientation either.