Guitar String Tension Calculator
Calculate the tension of a guitar string from its gauge, scale length and pitch.
Last updated · View algorithm, constants and default inputs (JSON)
Tension (N)
Dots show recalculated samples. Other inputs stay fixed.
About this calculator
A rough solid-cylinder model using A4 = 440 Hz and assumed material densities; real wound strings vary with core, wrap, construction, and manufacturer. Gauge and pitch affect tension strongly. Total tension is an estimate, not a neck-safety or setup assessment; follow the instrument and string maker’s guidance.
Worked example
calculated with the default values below
String gauge 0.01 in · Scale length 25.5 in · Target pitch E4 — high E · String type Nickel wound (6200 kg/m³) · Strings in the set at this pitch 1 Tension 57.28 N · Tension 12.88 lb · Tension 5.841 kg · Linear density 0.314 g/m · Tension for the whole set 12.9 lb · Pitch frequency 329.63 Hz · Feel Light
General background references
Disclaimer
These calculators give general estimates. Sizing, pricing, availability and standards vary by brand, retailer and country, so treat the output as a starting point and confirm it against the seller's or authority's own figures.
Implementation source
This record describes the implementation used by this page. It is not independent validation. External references, when available, support only the stated formula or definition; estimates and custom rules retain their own assumptions.
Formula and variables
T = ρπ(d/2)²(2Lf)²; f = 440×2^((M−69)/12)
- ρ
- String material density, kg/m³
- d
- String diameter, m
- L
- Scale length, m
- f
- Vibrating frequency, Hz
- M
- MIDI note number
- T
- String tension, N
d and L are converted from inches (×0.0254). Density lookup: plain steel 7850, wound 6200, stainless 7500 kg/m³.
Frequently asked questions
Does the total tension tell me whether my guitar neck can handle a string set?
No. It is an estimate from simplified material-density assumptions, not a neck-safety or setup assessment. Wound-string construction and actual linear density vary by brand and gauge; check the instrument and string makers’ specifications. The model uses A4 = 440 Hz.