Guitar Action Calculator

Relief → Nut → Action → Intonation

The calculator does not store or transmit anything. All processing stays on your device.

Step 1 of 4

What kind of guitar is it?

Choose the guitar family so we can set a practical target range.

Electric

Solid body, semi-hollow, hollow

Acoustic

Steel-string, resonator

Classical

Nylon string, flamenco

Step 2 of 4

How do you play?

Pick the playing style that best matches how you actually use the guitar.

Light / Precision

Fingerpicking, light strumming, studio work, jazz. You prefer easy playability over volume.

Balanced / Standard

A mix of everything. Comfortable for most players and most situations.

Heavy / Aggressive

Hard strumming, slide, open tunings, or you just hit the strings hard.

Step 3 of 4

Choose your units

Measure at the 12th fret — from the top of the fret wire to the bottom of the string.

How to measure:
Place your ruler or action gauge directly on top of the 12th fret wire. Measure from the top of the fret wire to the bottom of the string — not from the fretboard wood.

Step 4 of 4 — Bass Side

Low E action at the 12th fret

Enter the bass-side reading first. Low E usually runs a little higher than the treble side.

Low E String

in

Please enter a valid number.

Step 4 of 4 — Treble Side

High E action at the 12th fret

Enter the treble-side reading next.

High E String

in

Please enter a valid number.

Your Result

Action Check

Low E

High E

Next Step

What to do now

Recommendation

Remember the Setup Order

Action is the third step in the setup chain. Once the action feels right, intonation is the final step — and it should always come last. If you change action significantly, recheck intonation before calling it done.

Read the Full Action Guide →