Bicycle Spoke Tension Balance Analyzer
Absolute limits and side-by-side uniformity
Analyze spoke-tension measurements
Result
Calculation summary
Enter values to see the result
Live balance preview
Each side is compared with its own average
Left average
63.6 kgf
Right average
119.5 kgf
Relative outliers
0
Dished wheels can have different side averages, so uniformity and absolute limits are evaluated separately.
How to use this calculator
- 1Convert tension-meter readings using the correct tool and spoke calibration.
- 2Enter readings in physical tension units for both wheel sides.
- 3Enter manufacturer target ranges and inspect both absolute limits and relative-to-side-average variation.
Formula
relative tension = spoke tension ÷ side average × 100; CV = standard deviation ÷ average × 100
Left and right sides are analyzed independently before their average ratio is reported.
Calculation steps
- Parse and validate each side reading list.
- Calculate average, range, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and relative percentages.
- Count readings outside user ranges and render an indexed inspection table.
Worked example
A rear wheel averaging about 64 kgf left and 120 kgf right can still be uniform when every spoke stays close to its own side average.
Assumptions
- Inputs are already converted to kgf or newtons using the correct tension-meter calibration.
- Target limits come from the rim, wheel or component manufacturer.
- Left-to-right tension ratio may intentionally differ on dished wheels.
- The tool does not instruct which nipple to turn or by how much.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Can I enter raw tension-meter deflection numbers?
No. Convert them with the correct meter, spoke material and spoke-size calibration before entering physical tension.
Should both sides have the same average tension?
Not necessarily. Rear and disc wheels commonly require different left and right averages because of wheel dish.
What does coefficient of variation show?
It summarizes relative spread around one side average, allowing differently tensioned sides to be compared for uniformity.
Does an even wheel automatically have safe tension?
No. A wheel can be uniformly too tight or too loose, so manufacturer limits must also be checked.