Soldering Iron Temperature Chart
What temperature should your soldering iron be? Tip temperatures for leaded and lead-free solder and common jobs.
Soldering temperatures
| Job | Solder melts at | Tip temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Leaded solder (60/40, 63/37) | 183 °C (361 °F) | 315–340 °C (599–644 °F) |
| Lead-free solder (SAC305) | 217–220 °C (423–428 °F) | 350–370 °C (662–698 °F) |
| Small SMD components | — | 300–330 °C (572–626 °F) |
| Desoldering / large pads | — | 350–400 °C (662–752 °F) |
| Heavy wires, ground planes | — | 400–450 °C (752–842 °F) |
Notes
The tip should be hot enough to melt solder within 1–3 seconds of touching the joint — about 100–150 °C above the solder’s melting point. Too hot oxidizes the tip, burns flux and can lift PCB pads; too cold makes dull, grainy “cold joints”. A larger tip transfers heat better than simply turning the temperature up.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature for leaded solder?
About 315–340 °C (600–650 °F).
What temperature for lead-free solder?
About 350–370 °C (660–700 °F).
Why won’t my solder melt?
The tip is oxidized or too small for the joint — clean and tin it, or use a bigger tip.
What is a cold solder joint?
A dull, grainy joint where the solder didn’t fully flow, usually from too little heat.
What temperature do I set for desoldering?
About 350–400 °C, with fresh solder added to the joint to improve heat transfer before using wick or a pump.