Summary
A 11-49 electric guitar set tuned to Eb Standard (Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb) on a 25.5″ scale produces about 104.9 lbs (47.6 kg) of total tension. Individual strings range from 16.0 lbs (string 2, Bb3) to 18.9 lbs (string 4, Db3). That is about 2% higher than a 10-46 set in E standard on the same scale (102.7 lb).
Tension by string
11-49 set, Eb Standard, 25.5″ scale, A4 = 440 Hz, estimated values.| String | Note | Gauge (in) | Type | Tension (lb) | Tension (kg) |
|---|
| 1 | Eb4 | 0.011 | Plain Steel | 17.6 | 8.0 |
| 2 | Bb3 | 0.014 | Plain Steel | 16.0 | 7.2 |
| 3 | Gb3 | 0.018 | Plain Steel | 16.6 | 7.5 |
| 4 | Db3 | 0.028 | Nickel Wound | 18.9 | 8.6 |
| 5 | Ab2 | 0.038 | Nickel Wound | 18.7 | 8.5 |
| 6 | Eb2 | 0.049 | Nickel Wound | 17.1 | 7.8 |
Total: 104.9 lb (47.6 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 11-49 set at 25.5″ scale in each tuning.
Same tuning, other sets
Total tension in Eb 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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