Guitar String Tension Calculator

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The vibrating length of the string from nut to saddle. Common: Fender 25.5 in (648 mm), Gibson 24.75 in (628.65 mm), PRS 25 in (635 mm).
in
Total tension (all 6 strings)Very high total tension
194.7

Combined pull on the guitar neck and top

String 1 tension (high e)26.29
String 2 tension (B)26.23
String 3 tension (G)37.17
String 4 tension (D)37.09
String 5 tension (A)35.86
String 6 tension (low E)32.05
Tension unitlbf
Highest individual string37.17
Lowest individual string26.23
Balance range (max - min)10.95
Unit weight string 10.00003591
String 1 (e)26.29
String 2 (B)26.23
String 3 (G)37.17
String 4 (D)37.09
String 5 (A)35.86
String 6 (E)32.05

Total tension: 194.7 lbf across all 6 strings.

  • The low-E string carries 1.2x the tension of the high-e string. Ratios near 1.2-1.5 are typical for well-balanced sets.
  • The spread between the tightest and loosest string is 10.95 lbf - uneven tension distribution.
  • Total tension above 170 lbf puts extra stress on the guitar top and neck joint. Make sure your instrument is built to handle it.

Next stepTry the "Balanced Light" gauge preset to compare how a tension-matched set changes playability.

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