Updated on September 5th, 2025

Spring Force Calculator

Created By Jehan Wadia

Variable Inputs
F L₀


Introduction

The Spring Force Calculator helps you find the force in a spring when it gets pushed or pulled. Springs follow a simple rule called Hooke's Law. This law says that when you push or pull a spring, the force you need grows at a steady rate. The more you stretch or squeeze a spring, the more force it pushes back with.

This tool works for three types of springs: compression springs (that get squeezed), extension springs (that get stretched), and torsion springs (that get twisted). You can enter any two values you know, like how far the spring moves and how stiff it is, and the calculator will find the force for you. The calculator also shows you other useful information like how much potential energy the spring stores and how much stress it feels.

Whether you're building a machine, designing a toy, or just learning about springs in science class, this calculator makes it easy to understand how springs work. You can switch between metric units (like meters and Newtons) and imperial units (like inches and pounds) with one click.

How to use our Spring Force Calculator

Enter your spring measurements and material to find the force, spring constant, or displacement. The calculator will show you the spring's strength and safety limits.

Wire Diameter: Enter the thickness of the wire that makes the spring coil.

Outer or Inner Diameter: Choose if you want to measure the outside or inside width of the spring, then enter that measurement.

Free Length: Enter how long the spring is when nothing is pushing or pulling it.

Total Coils: Count and enter how many complete turns the spring wire makes.

Material: Pick what the spring is made from using the dropdown list.

Solve For: Choose what you want to find - the force on the spring, how stiff it is (spring constant), or how much it moves (displacement).

Variable Inputs: Fill in two of the three boxes (force, spring constant, or displacement) based on what you picked to solve for.

Unit System: Pick Imperial for inches and pounds or Metric for millimeters and Newtons.

Spring Type Tabs: Click on Compression, Extension, or Torsion to match your spring type.

Understanding Spring Force and Hooke's Law

Spring force is the push or pull that a spring creates when it gets stretched or squeezed. When you press down on a spring or pull it apart, the spring wants to go back to its normal shape. This creates a force that pushes or pulls in the opposite direction of how you moved it.

How Spring Force Works

Springs follow a simple rule called Hooke's Law. This law says that the more you stretch or squeeze a spring, the harder it pushes back. Think of it like a rubber band - the more you stretch it, the stronger it pulls back toward its original size. The force a spring creates is directly related to how far you move it from its resting position.

Types of Springs

There are three main types of springs. Compression springs get shorter when you push on them, like the springs in a pen that make it click. Extension springs get longer when you pull them, like the springs that help close a screen door. Torsion springs twist when you turn them, like the springs in clothespins or mouse traps.

What Makes Springs Different

Springs can be strong or weak depending on what they are made of and how they are built. A thick wire makes a stronger spring than a thin wire. Springs with many coils are softer than springs with just a few coils. The material matters too - steel springs are usually stronger than brass springs. The size of the coils also changes how the spring works.

Where We Use Springs

Springs are everywhere in daily life. Cars use big springs to make the ride smooth by absorbing bumps. Mattresses have


Frequently Asked Questions

What is spring force?

Spring force is the push or pull a spring creates when you compress or stretch it. The spring always tries to return to its normal shape, creating force in the opposite direction of how you moved it.

How do I measure wire diameter?

Use calipers or a micrometer to measure the thickness of the wire that forms the spring coil. Place the measuring tool across the wire at any point and read the measurement. This is one of the most important measurements for calculating spring force.

What's the difference between outer and inner diameter?

Outer diameter is the widest part of the spring measured from outside edge to outside edge. Inner diameter is the open space inside the spring. To get inner diameter from outer diameter, subtract two times the wire diameter.

How do I count spring coils?

Count each complete 360-degree turn of the wire. Start at one end and count every full circle the wire makes until you reach the other end. Half turns count as 0.5 coils.

What is free length?

Free length is how long the spring is when no force is applied to it. It's the spring's natural resting length before any pushing or pulling happens.

Which spring material should I choose?

Music Wire is best for most springs that need high strength. Stainless Steel resists rust and works in wet places. Oil Tempered wire costs less but still works well. Pick based on where you'll use the spring and how strong it needs to be.

What does spring constant mean?

Spring constant tells you how stiff a spring is. A high number means a stiff spring that needs more force to move. A low number means a soft spring that moves easily. It's measured in pounds per inch or Newtons per millimeter.

How do I use the preset examples?

Click any preset button like 'Car Suspension' or 'Watch Spring' to load common spring sizes and forces. These examples help you understand typical values for different uses. You can change the numbers after loading a preset.

What's the difference between compression and extension springs?

Compression springs get squeezed and push back, like in a pen clicker. Extension springs get stretched and pull back, like in a garage door. Torsion springs twist around their axis, like in a mousetrap.

How accurate is this calculator?

The calculator uses standard spring formulas that engineers use. Results are accurate for normal spring designs. Very unusual springs or extreme conditions might need more detailed analysis from an engineer.


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