Wire Rope Stretch Calculator
SI
Imp
Imperial
Inputs
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Applied tension
(F)
Load or initial tension applied to the wire rope.
lbf
Span length
(L)
Free length of wire rope used for the stretch estimate.
ft
Wire rope diameter
(d)
Nominal wire rope diameter.
in
Effective modulus
(E)
Effective axial modulus for the rope construction. Strand construction and lay reduce stiffness versus a solid bar.
Mpsi
Metallic area factor
Approximate fraction of solid round area occupied by metal in the strand construction.
Constructional stretch
Optional permanent/settling stretch allowance as a percent of length.
% length
Results
Default result
Edit inputs
Total stretch
(delta_total)
0.6261
in
Pass
Also computed
Elastic stretch
(delta_e)
0.2661
in
Constructional stretch
(delta_c)
0.36
in
Elastic strain
(epsilon)
0.07393
%
Axial stiffness
(k)
2,818
lbf/in
Estimated metallic area
(A)
0.03682
in²
Method notes
3 notes
Elastic stretch uses delta = F*L/(E*A), with A estimated from nominal diameter and metallic area factor.
Constructional stretch is added as an optional length-percent allowance; use manufacturer rope data when available.
Standing rigging and lifting systems are safety-critical. Final wire rope selection, terminations, fatigue, corrosion, inspection intervals and rig tuning need qualified manufacturer or professional guidance.
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