String Tension Calculator
Calculate the tension of every string on your guitar. Adjust scale length, tuning, gauge, and material to find the perfect balanced setup. New to this? Enter your scale length, string gauge, and tuning to see each string’s tension in pounds — total tension on a typical 6-string electric setup runs 95–130 lbs — if you’re significantly increasing gauge or tuning up, give your neck time to settle and check relief before adjusting anything.
Tension Results
| String | Note | Gauge | Type | Tension (lbs) | Rating | Find |
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How String Tension Works
String tension depends on four factors: how thick the string is, what it's made of, how long the vibrating section is, and what note it needs to reach. The physics boil down to one formula:
🧮 The Formula
Tension equals the string’s unit weight multiplied by the square of twice the scale length times the frequency, divided by gravitational acceleration.
T = UW × (2 × L × F)² ÷ 386.4
📏 Scale Length
The vibrating length of the string from nut to saddle. Longer scale = higher tension for the same note and gauge. A 25.5″ Fender needs more tension than a 24.75″ Gibson to reach the same pitch.
🎵 Frequency
Higher notes vibrate faster and need more tension. Tuning down (Drop D, C Standard) reduces tension, which is why heavier gauges are common for lower tunings.
🎸 Gauge & Material
Thicker strings are heavier per inch (higher unit weight), so they need more tension. The wrap wire material also matters — phosphor bronze and nickel-plated steel have slightly different densities.
⚖️ Balance
A "balanced" set has roughly equal tension across all strings, giving even feel and volume. Many standard sets are designed this way, but alternate tunings can throw balance off.
💡 Tips
Most players find 13–18 lbs comfortable on treble (plain) strings and 17–24 lbs on wound strings for electric. Acoustic wound strings typically run 22–30 lbs. If a string feels too stiff, go lighter; if it’s floppy, go heavier.