String Tension Calculator
Estimate the pull each string puts on your neck — by gauge, scale length, and tuning. Useful before ordering a custom set or trying a drop tuning.
Tuning
Scale Length
Custom Length (in)
StringNoteGauge (in)ConstructionUnit Weight (lb/in)Tension
#1E141.20 Hz
49.8lbsestimate
#2A155.00 Hz
58.1lbsestimate
#3D273.42 Hz
60.6lbsestimate
#4G298.00 Hz
51.7lbsestimate
Total Tension on Neck220.2 lbs(99.9 kg)
Tension is calculated from string physics: T = UW × (2Lf)² / 386.4, where UW is unit weight (lb/inch), L is scale length, and f is the target pitch frequency.
Plain strings use an exact unit weight derived from solid steel wire density. Wound strings (most bass strings) can't be derived from gauge alone — the row shows a rough upper-bound estimate (marked estimate) until you enter the manufacturer's published unit weight, found on the string's tension chart.