Guitar String Tension Calculator
Calculate guitar string tension from scale length, tuning frequency, and string gauge.
Supports lbs and kg.
String Tension
Guitar string tension is determined by scale length, tuning frequency, and string gauge (mass per unit length).
T = (2 × L × F)² × μ / g
Where:
- T = tension
- L = scale length (vibrating length)
- F = frequency in Hz
- μ = unit weight (mass per unit length)
- g = gravitational constant
Simplified formula (using manufacturer UW data):
Tension (lbs) = UW × (2 × L × F)²
Where UW is the string"s unit weight in lbs/inch.
Unit conversions:
- 1 lb = 0.4536 kg
- 1 kg = 2.2046 lbs
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm
Common scale lengths:
- Fender Stratocaster/Telecaster: 25.5" (648mm)
- Gibson Les Paul/SG: 24.75" (629mm)
- PRS Standard: 25" (635mm)
- Baritone: 27–30" (686–762mm)
Typical tension ranges (per string):
- Light feel: 12–16 lbs (5.4–7.3 kg)
- Medium feel: 16–20 lbs (7.3–9.1 kg)
- Heavy feel: 20–26 lbs (9.1–11.8 kg)
Common tuning frequencies:
- E standard (high E): 329.6 Hz
- D standard (high E down to D): 293.7 Hz
- Drop D (low E): 146.8 Hz → 73.4 Hz