Arc volcanics are more oxidized than mid-ocean ridge basalts (MORB), but it is debated whether this is a mantle feature or a result of magmatic evolution. Copper, a sulfur-loving element, has been used to trace the behavior of redox-sensitive sulfur during mantle melting and infer similar redox states of sub-arc and sub-ridge mantle. Previous studies, however, neglected elevated sulfur contents in the sub-arc mantle, leading to underestimation of oxygen fugacities, and did not recognize systematic Cu variations in arc volcanics. Here, we show that the Cu/Zr ratio is a sensitive indicator that responds to sulfur content, oxygen fugacity, and extent of melting of the mantle. Because of higher mantle S contents, Cu systematics of arc magmas require one log unit higher oxygen fugacities of sub-arc than sub-ridge mantle. Low Cu contents of thick-crusted arc volcanics result from low extents of melting of sulfur-rich mantle, obviating the need for deep crustal sulfide fractionation, with substantial implications for the origin of porphyry-Cu deposits.