Gauge
Tuning
Tension
Scale
Balance
Pocket Roady Tool Stack Deluxe
Power
String Tension Calculator

How tight is your set?

Guitar strings showing tension across the fretboard

Pick a tuning, scale length, and gauge set. See per-string tension and a balance chart instantly.

Your Setup
inches
Display Unit
# Note Balance lb kg
Per-string tension balance

Total tension tells you the pull on your neck — useful when switching gauges or tunings. Per-string balance shows whether your set is even across all six strings. Amber bars are outliers worth keeping an eye on. A well-balanced set usually means each string feels about the same to play.

🎸 Downtuning and Tension
Every half-step down drops tension roughly 6%. Drop D on your Low E drops it about 11%. If a string starts feeling too loose, a heavier gauge brings it back. The chart above makes that trade-off visible at a glance.
Diagram showing how downtuning affects string tension
Accuracy note: Tension values are calculated from D'Addario published unit weights and the standard tension formula. Results closely match published tensions — a .010 plain high E on a 25.5″ scale at standard pitch lands within 0.1% of D'Addario's own published figure. Real strings from other brands vary slightly in unit weight, so treat these as close estimates rather than exact specifications.
Good to Know

String tension questions, answered

How much string tension is normal for a guitar?
Most standard electric sets land somewhere between 90 and 120 pounds of total tension across all six strings, depending on gauge and tuning — a common 10–46 set in standard tuning sits right around 100 lb. There’s no single correct number, though. It really comes down to what feels firm and comfortable under your fingers. The calculator above shows you exactly where your set lands.
Will heavier strings or higher tension damage my guitar?
For a healthy, well-built guitar, moving up a gauge or two is normal and safe — necks are made to handle a range of tension. What really changes is the feel and the setup: more tension usually means it’s worth checking your neck relief and intonation afterward. If you’re making a big jump in gauge, do it gradually and keep an eye on the neck. When in doubt, a quick setup sorts it out.
What string gauge should I use for drop tunings?
When you tune down, the strings lose tension and can start to feel loose, so heavier gauges help bring that firmness back. As a rough guide, dropping a whole step pairs nicely with 11s, and lower tunings like drop C or drop B often call for 12s, 13s, or a dedicated heavy set. Try a gauge against your target tuning above and see if the tension lands where you like it.
How do I keep tension balanced when I down-tune?
The idea is to match each string’s gauge to its pitch, so no single string ends up much looser — or tighter — than the rest. The balance chart above shows you that at a glance: when one string dips well below the others, going up a gauge on it evens things out. Balanced tension feels more even under the hand and tends to play in tune more easily.
Does scale length change string tension?
Yes. A longer scale length raises the tension for the same string at the same pitch — that’s why baritones and extended-range guitars can hold low tunings without going floppy. A 25.5-inch Fender scale and a 24.75-inch Gibson scale will read slightly different numbers for the very same set, so the calculator includes scale length to keep your results true to your actual guitar.
Do I need to set up my guitar again after changing string gauge?
Often, yes — a real change in gauge or tuning shifts how hard the strings pull on the neck, so the relief, action, and intonation can all drift a little. It’s usually a quick adjustment rather than a big job. Our setup guide walks through it step by step.

Want to understand what these numbers mean for your playing? The Physics of String Tension guide explains what tension does to feel, bends, and setup — and how to use it to pick the right gauges.

Read the String Tension Guide →
Setup Assistant String Change Assistant Radius Matcher Intonator