Spring Rate Calculator

Spring rates refer to the stiffness of a vehicle's suspension springs. They are usually expressed in units of force per unit of deflection, such as pounds per inch (lb/in) or newtons per millimeter (N/mm). The spring rate determines how much the spring will compress or extend under a given load.

In a vehicle's suspension system, the spring rate determines how much the suspension will compress or extend in response to the weight of the vehicle and any additional loads (such as passengers or cargo) placed on it, as well as the forces generated by the vehicle's movement (such as cornering, braking, and acceleration).

A spring with a high spring rate will be stiffer and offer less suspension travel, while a spring with a low spring rate will be softer and offer more suspension travel. The spring rate of a suspension spring is typically chosen to balance the trade-off between ride comfort and handling performance.

In general, a stiffer spring rate will provide better handling performance, as it will resist body roll and maintain better tire contact with the road. However, it may also result in a harsher ride, as the suspension will have less ability to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road.

On the other hand, a softer spring rate may provide a more comfortable ride, but it may also result in less predictable handling, as the suspension may compress more under load, leading to body roll and reduced tire contact with the road.

In summary, the spring rate of a vehicle's suspension springs affects the handling and ride comfort of the vehicle. A stiffer spring rate will generally result in better handling performance but a harsher ride, while a softer spring rate will generally result in a more comfortable ride but less predictable handling.

Our Spring Rate Conversion Calculator Tool is designed for reference purposes only in order to help determine the approximate rate of existing unmarked helical round wire compression coil springs. There are many variables which are not represented in these calculations, therefore it should just be used as a reference for conversion. Results are rounded to the nearest whole number.