Summary
A 10-46 electric guitar set tuned to E Standard (E A D G B E) on a 25.5″ scale produces about 102.7 lbs (46.6 kg) of total tension. Individual strings range from 15.5 lbs (string 2, B3) to 19.0 lbs (string 5, A2).
Tension by string
| String | Note | Gauge (in) | Type | Tension (lb) | Tension (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | E4 | 0.010 | Plain Steel | 16.3 | 7.4 |
| 2 | B3 | 0.013 | Plain Steel | 15.5 | 7.0 |
| 3 | G3 | 0.017 | Plain Steel | 16.6 | 7.6 |
| 4 | D3 | 0.026 | Nickel Wound | 18.4 | 8.3 |
| 5 | A2 | 0.036 | Nickel Wound | 19.0 | 8.6 |
| 6 | E2 | 0.046 | Nickel Wound | 16.9 | 7.7 |
Total: 102.7 lb (46.6 kg)
Reading the result
- No string deviates from the set median by more than 35%, so the calculator's balance check does not flag this set.
- These are calculated estimates. Real strings vary by manufacturer, so enter your exact gauges in the calculator for a precise figure.
Same set, other tunings
Total tension for a 10-46 set at 25.5″ scale in each tuning.
| Tuning | Total (lb) | Total (kg) |
|---|---|---|
| E Standard | 102.7 | 46.6 |
| Eb Standard | 91.5 | 41.5 |
| D Standard | 81.5 | 37.0 |
| Drop D | 99.2 | 45.0 |
| Drop C | 78.7 | 35.7 |
Same tuning, other sets
Total tension in E Standard for each set on this page family.
How this was calculated
Each figure uses T = UW × (2LF)² / 386.4, where UW is the string's unit weight in lb/in, L is scale length in inches and F is the pitch in Hz (A4 = 440 Hz). Strings of .020″ or less are treated as plain steel; heavier strings as nickel wound. Manufacturers' gauges differ slightly, so treat the numbers as close estimates.
Accuracy against published D'Addario charts is about 1% for plain and phosphor-bronze strings, 2% for a 10-46 nickel wound set and up to 8% for heavy bass strings. Full sources and validation are on the Methodology page.
Open the calculator with your own gauges →Last updated: 7 October 2026 · All tension charts
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