Mid-span Cable Tension

The Mid-span Cable Tension calculator computes mid-span tension on a cable based on the span, sag and horizontal load.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (L) Load on Horizontal Length in LU (below) units.
• (LU) Load Units. Choose either: kip/ft or kN/m
• (SP) Span
• (SG)  Sag

Tension in cable supporting uniformly load (H): The tension is returned in pounds force.  However, these can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The Tension in cable supporting uniformly load equation computes the tension at midspan in a cable supporting load uniformly.  The formula for this tension is:

H = (L ⋅ SP²) / (8⋅SG)

where:

• H = midspan tension (lbf, N)
• L = load on a unit horizontal distance
• SP = span
• SG = sag

Cable Calculators

• Length of Cable with Sag
• Cable Anchor Force
• Mid-span Cable Tension