Constant Force Helical Compression Spring Design Calculator

Spring rate or spring constant is the "Master" when it comes to your helical compression spring design. Your helical compression spring undergoes a load while traveling down to your desired loaded height. Follow the example shown below which demonstrates the formula found in Hooke’s Law.

Ex. You have a spring that is 2” (two inches) long. You need this spring to travel 1.5” (one and a half inches) down to a loaded height of 0.5” (half inch). If you have a spring rate of 1 lbf/in (one pound of force per inch of travel), what amount of force or load will you have to apply to this spring for it travel down to your desired loaded height? Please follow the helical compression spring design formula below and view the image which will demonstrate and explain the formula.

k = F ÷ x

Where as:
k = Spring Constant (Spring Rate)
F = Force (Load)
x = Distance traveled

Once we insert the values into such formula, you must proceed as follows using reverse math to get the value of F.

k = 1
F = unknown value
x = 1.5

2 = F ÷ 1.5
F = 2 * 1.5
F = 1.5