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DANGER: Garage door springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death. Professional installation is strongly recommended.

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Garage Door Spring Size Calculator

Free calculator to find the right torsion spring size for your garage door. Enter your door weight or use our estimator, verify existing springs, and get accurate specifications. No signup required.

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Spring size depends on door weight, not just door dimensions

A 16x7 door can weigh 150-225 lbs depending on material & insulation. Always weigh your door for accurate results.

✓Weight Estimator
✓Spring Verification
✓Wire Size Chart

🔍 Door Information

Most 16'+ doors use double springs for better balance

Check the cone markings: P175 = 1¾", P200 = 2"

📊 Recommended Spring Size

Estimated Door Weight

195 lbs

🎯 Recommended Spring

.218 x 2" x 27" (pair)

📋 Specifications

Inside Diameter (ID)2"
Required IPPT~48.5
Turns to Wind7.5 turns
Spring SystemDual Torsion

ℹ️ ID Note: Most residential torsion springs use 2" inside diameter (ID).1¾" ID is also common. If unsure, choose 2" and verify in the Verify Existing Spring tab.

📏 How to Weigh Your Door

  1. Disconnect opener and release springs
  2. Lift door 2-3 inches off the ground
  3. Slide bathroom scale under center
  4. Lower door gently onto scale

🔧 Understanding Garage Door Torsion Springs

Torsion springs are the most common type of garage door springs, mounted horizontally above the door opening. They work by storing mechanical energy through twisting (torsion) - when you close the door, the springs wind up; when you open it, they unwind and release energy to help lift the door.

Key Spring Measurements Explained

Every torsion spring is defined by three critical measurements: wire size (thickness of the wire),inside diameter (ID - the hole in the center), and length (total coil length). These are typically written as ".218 x 2" x 27"" meaning .218" wire, 2" ID, 27" long.

⚠️ Why Door Weight Matters Most

Two 16x7 doors can have vastly different weights. A basic steel door might weigh 150 lbs, while an insulated door with windows could exceed 220 lbs. The spring must match the weight, not just the size. Using incorrect springs leads to: premature spring failure, unbalanced door, opener damage, and safety hazards.

Single vs. Double Spring Systems

Smaller doors (8'-10' wide) often use a single torsion spring. Larger double-car doors (16'+) typically use two springs for better balance and safety. With dual springs, if one breaks, the other provides some support, preventing the door from crashing down. Dual systems also provide smoother operation and longer spring life.

Spring Cycle Life

Springs are rated by "cycles" - one cycle equals one complete open and close. Standard springs are rated for 10,000 cycles (about 7-10 years of typical use). High-cycle springs (25,000-50,000 cycles) cost more but last significantly longer. If you open your garage door 4+ times daily, consider upgrading to high-cycle springs.

⚠️ Safety Warning

Torsion springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury or death.

• Never attempt to adjust wound springs

• Keep fingers away from cones

• Use proper winding bars only

• When in doubt, hire a professional

📊 Typical Door Weights

8x7 Steel: 75-95 lbs

9x7 Insulated: 110-130 lbs

16x7 Steel: 150-175 lbs

16x7 Insulated: 195-225 lbs

16x7 Wood: 250-300 lbs

📏 Inside Diameters

1¾" (P175): Common residential

2" (P200): Most common

2⅝": Heavy doors / commercial

Frequently Asked Questions

To determine the correct spring size, you need three key measurements: your door's weight, the spring's wire size (measured by counting 10 or 20 coils), and the inside diameter (typically 1¾" or 2" for residential doors). The door weight is the most critical factor - you can weigh your door using a bathroom scale by lifting it slightly off the ground. Our calculator uses these inputs to recommend the correct spring specifications.

A 16x7 garage door typically weighs between 150-225 lbs depending on material and insulation. Non-insulated steel doors average 150 lbs, while insulated doors with windows can reach 200+ lbs. For a 175 lb door, you'd typically need either one .243 x 2" x 30" spring or a pair of .207 x 2" x 27" springs. Always weigh your specific door for accurate spring selection.

Measure the wire size by counting 10 or 20 coils and measuring the total length with a tape measure. For 10 coils: divide measurement by 10. For example, if 10 coils measure 2.5 inches, your wire size is .250". Our wire size chart shows common measurements - 20 coil measurements are more accurate as they reduce margin of error.

The formula for standard lift doors is: Turns = (Door Height in inches ÷ Drum Circumference) + 1. For most 4" drums with 12.75" circumference, a 7' door needs about 7.5 turns, and an 8' door needs about 8.5 turns. After initial winding, you may need to adjust ¼ turn at a time until the door balances properly at waist height.

IPPT stands for Inch Pounds Per Turn - it measures the spring's lifting power per revolution. A higher IPPT means more lift force. Your door requires a specific total IPPT based on its weight and drum size. When using two springs, their IPPT values combine. For example, two springs with 25 IPPT each provide 50 IPPT total.

While technically possible, replacing both springs simultaneously is strongly recommended. Springs wear evenly, so if one breaks, the other is likely near failure. Using mismatched springs (one new, one worn) causes uneven tension, leading to poor door balance, accelerated wear on the new spring, and potential safety hazards.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Garage door springs are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. Actual spring requirements may vary based on door construction, track configuration, and other factors. Always verify measurements and consult with a qualified garage door professional before purchasing or installing springs. This is not professional advice and should not be used as a substitute for expert consultation.