Spoke tension calculator
Tension a wheel with whatever tensiometer you own, not only Park Tool. Pick your tool and spoke, enter each reading, and balance the wheel using the live radar, the per-spoke status, and the centering guidance.
New to the terms? Glossary → · Wheelbuilding fundamentals →
Reference (tight) side
Left · NDStgt 110
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Right · drivetgt 110
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Park Tool TM-1
parktool.com TM-1 conversion table PDF · rev 2024
Also fits: ZTTO TC-1 / TC-1L
Conversion table · Steel round 1.4 mm (dial reading 8-20)
| dial reading | kgf | N |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 54 | 530 |
| 9 | 58 | 569 |
| 10 | 63 | 618 |
| 11 | 69 | 677 |
| 12 | 75 | 735 |
| 13 | 83 | 814 |
| 14 | 91 | 892 |
| 15 | 100 | 981 |
| 16 | 111 | 1089 |
| 17 | 123 | 1206 |
| 18 | 137 | 1344 |
| 19 | 154 | 1510 |
| 20 | 172 | 1687 |
Linear interpolation between points · readings outside 8 to 20 are not extrapolated.
These are estimates: devices drift and brands differ. Cap the reference (tight) side at the rim maker's limit. Symmetric wheel → other side 100%. Dished wheel → set the other side below 100% (≈55% road rear) or an absolute kgf, so each side judges against its real target. Reference side = the higher-tension side (drive on a rear, rotor side on a disc front).
Dish gauge (alignment / WAG) 3 cm = 30 mm. "Leans toward" = the side the rim sits closer to (usually the tighter side).
Rim leans toward
bars = spoke tension vs side target · band ±20%
left/NDSright/drivein bandloosetight