String Tension Calculator
Calculate accurate string tensions for guitar, bass, and more instruments with advanced features like CSV export, auto-balance, and permalink sharing.
Advanced Settings
| String | Scale Length (in.) | Pitch | Gauge (in.) | Type | String Tension (lbs.) |
|---|
About this String Tension Calculator
This lightweight tool computes guitar and bass string tensions using first‑principles physics: the classic relation T = μ · (2L f)², where L is scale length, f is string frequency, and μ is linear mass density derived from gauge and material. For wound strings, the calculator models a steel core plus a helical wrap (nickel, phosphor bronze, or stainless) with a configurable core ratio and packing factor for realistic results.
How to Use
Pick a preset, set scale length and tuning, then enter your gauges. The table updates instantly with per‑string and total tension. Use Auto‑Balance to suggest gauges for a uniform feel (or +3 lb on wound strings, which many players prefer). Export results to CSV for record‑keeping, download a PNG chart, or copy a permalink that encodes your full setup for easy sharing.
Tips
- Longer scales and higher tunings raise tension; heavier gauges raise μ and tension quadratically with frequency.
- Wound strings feel more flexible than plain at the same number: many players target a few pounds higher on wound strings.
- Acoustic sets often use phosphor bronze; electrics typically use nickel‑plated steel. Stainless can feel brighter and slightly stiffer.
- Adjust the core ratio in Advanced if your brand uses thicker or thinner cores.
FAQs
How accurate is it? Values are model‑based approximations; exact tensions vary with brand construction. If you know a manufacturer’s unit weights, use the CSV export as a baseline and adjust core ratio to match.
What’s unique here? Beyond speed and clean design, this tool adds one‑click CSV and PNG export, live permalinks, and an Auto‑Balance helper to suggest gauges by target tension—features often missing from bulkier calculators.
About this String Tension Calculator
This lightweight tool computes guitar and bass string tensions using first‑principles physics: the classic relation T = μ · (2L f)², where L is scale length, f is string frequency, and μ is linear mass density derived from gauge and material. For wound strings, the calculator models a steel core plus a helical wrap (nickel, phosphor bronze, or stainless) with a configurable core ratio and packing factor for realistic results.
How to Use
Pick a preset, set scale length and tuning, then enter your gauges. The table updates instantly with per‑string and total tension. Use Auto‑Balance to suggest gauges for a uniform feel (or +3 lb on wound strings, which many players prefer). Export results to CSV for record‑keeping, download a PNG chart, or copy a permalink that encodes your full setup for easy sharing.
Tips
- Longer scales and higher tunings raise tension; heavier gauges raise μ and tension quadratically with frequency.
- Wound strings feel more flexible than plain at the same number: many players target a few pounds higher on wound strings.
- Acoustic sets often use phosphor bronze; electrics typically use nickel‑plated steel. Stainless can feel brighter and slightly stiffer.
- Adjust the core ratio in Advanced if your brand uses thicker or thinner cores.
FAQs
How accurate is it? Values are model‑based approximations; exact tensions vary with brand construction. If you know a manufacturer's unit weights, use the CSV export as a baseline and adjust core ratio to match.
What's unique here? Beyond speed and clean design, this tool adds one‑click CSV and PNG export, live permalinks, and an Auto‑Balance helper to suggest gauges by target tension—features often missing from bulkier calculators.
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