Spring Potential Energy Equation Calculator

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Definition:

The equation for potential energy of a spring is

k = F ÷ x

Where as:

k= Spring Constant (Spring Rate)
F = Force
x = Distance Traveled

Meaning the energy needed to compress or extend a spring is equal to the amount of compression distance or extension distance of a spring.


Potential spring energy is used when an extension spring is stretched or when a compression spring is compressed. Spring energy is a constant k force also known as spring rate or spring constant. Example if the constant k force of a compression spring is 1 lbf/in. Then you would need 1lb of force to travel every one inch of distance.

Spring Creator Calculator makes your potential spring energy calculations easy because when designing a spring, the main factor is your spring’s constant k or spring rate because in the example of a compression spring you want to make sure that the spring will compress and travel down to a desired loaded height with a desired force load. For example, a (5”) five inch long spring which you want to travel down to a (3”) three inch loaded height, which is (2”) two inches of travel distance needs to have a spring constant (or spring rate) of 1lbf/in. in order to obtain a 2 lb load @ the (3”) three inch loaded height.


Formula equation for spring constant

k (spring rate) is:

k = Gd^4 ÷ (8D^3 na)
G = E÷2(1+v)
D = D outer – d
Formula symbols
d = Wire Diameter
D outer = Outer Diameter of Spring -d
D = Mean Diameter
E = Young’s Modulus of Material
G = Shear Modulus of Material
L free = Free Length
k = Spring Constant
na = Active Coils
v = Poison’s Ratio of Material