It has been estimated that the temperature of the metal arc is approximately 3300°C (6000°F). The temperature of the carbon arc varies considerably and is dependent on the arc length and the graphite content of the electrode. Its range is from 3790 to 5290°C (6850 to 9550°F).The atomic hydrogen flame has a theoretical temperature of 4000°C (7250°F). The heat absorption due to the formation of atomic hydrogen, however, reduces this temperature to about 2950°C (5340°F).

The temperature of the gas tungsten arc has been estimated to be 5500°C (10 000°F). The temperature produced by a plasma arc cutting torch is estimated to be 16 600°C (30 000°F).