Ukulele String Tension: GCEA, Soprano and Concert

Summary

A standard GCEA ukulele set (high-G, re-entrant) on a 15″ scale produces about 46.1 lbs (20.9 kg) of total tension, from 9.9 lbs on string 2 (C4) to 14.2 lbs on string 1 (G4). Ukulele strings sit at much lower tension than guitar strings because the scale is short and the strings are light.

Tension by string

Total: 46.1 lb (20.9 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.

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 are treated as fluorocarbon (G .028, C .035, E .028, A .023 in) in standard re-entrant GCEA tuning with a G4 on top. Nylon sets are slightly lighter per inch, so their tension runs a little lower. 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.