The aim of this study was to review the literature that specifies arc efficiency values for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and, if possible, propose a plausible value range. The literature review covered the years between 1955 and 2011, and showed that the arc efficiency values published lie in a wide range. Values between 0.36 and 0.90 were found for GTAW DCEN. Only a few studies covered DCEP and AC current welding. Specific information about the reproducibility of calorimetric studies was scarce (considering both random and systematic errors). A plausible arc efficiency range (95% confidence) for GTAW DCEN was estimated to be 0.73 – 0.82 with an average value of 0.78. The arc efficiency is lowered by longer arcs (increased arc gap). Reports describing the influence of arc current and travel speed, however, conflict. The GTAW process with DCEN is an efficient welding method.