How to Select the Correct Garage Door Torsion Spring
Use this guide to identify your replacement spring by markings, wire size, inside diameter, coil length, and wind direction before ordering.
If you have an existing torsion spring, measure it carefully using the steps below. If you are unsure about your measurements, our team can help verify your spring before you order.
Do not have an existing spring to measure?
Use our spring recommendation guide if you are installing springs on a new door, replacing an incorrect spring, or do not know the correct size.
First, Check for Spring Markings
The easiest way to identify your spring is to look for printed or written markings on the spring. If the spring has a clear size marking, use it to help confirm your selection. If there are no markings, continue with the measurement steps below.
Find the Wire Size
Wire size is one of the most important measurements. Measure carefully because a small difference in wire size can change how the door balances.
- Measure the length of 10 coils with a tape measure.
- For better accuracy, also measure 20 coils and compare both measurements to the chart.
- Make sure the coils are touching with no gaps. Gaps can cause the wrong reading.
- If the 10-coil and 20-coil measurements do not match the same wire size, measure again in a different section of the spring.
| Wire Size | 10 Coils | 10 Coils Metric | 20 Coils | 20 Coils Metric |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| .192 | 1 15/16" | 4.92 cm | 3 7/8" | 9.84 cm |
| .207 | 2 1/16" | 5.24 cm | 4 1/8" | 10.48 cm |
| .218 | 2 3/16" | 5.56 cm | 4 3/8" | 11.11 cm |
| .225 | 2 1/4" | 5.72 cm | 4 1/2" | 11.43 cm |
| .234 | 2 3/8" | 6.03 cm | 4 3/4" | 12.07 cm |
| .243 | 2 7/16" | 6.19 cm | 4 7/8" | 12.38 cm |
| .250 | 2 1/2" | 6.35 cm | 5" | 12.70 cm |
| .262 | 2 5/8" | 6.67 cm | 5 1/4" | 13.34 cm |
| .273 | 2 3/4" | 6.99 cm | 5 1/2" | 13.97 cm |
| .283 | 2 7/8" | 7.30 cm | 5 3/4" | 14.61 cm |
| .295 | 3" | 7.62 cm | 6" | 15.24 cm |
| .306 | 3 1/16" | 7.78 cm | 6 1/8" | 15.56 cm |
| .312 | 3 1/8" | 7.94 cm | 6 1/4" | 15.88 cm |
| .331 | 3 5/16" | 8.41 cm | 6 5/8" | 16.83 cm |
| .343 | 3 7/16" | 8.73 cm | 6 7/8" | 17.46 cm |
| .362 | 3 5/8" | 9.21 cm | 7 1/4" | 18.42 cm |
| .375 | 3 3/4" | 9.53 cm | 7 1/2" | 19.05 cm |
Optional Wire Size Confirmation: DASMA Color Code
The DASMA spring color code can help identify wire size, but it should be used as a reference only. Always double check the actual spring measurement before ordering.
| Color Code | Wire Size Range | Metric Range |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | .120 / .192 / .273 / .363 / .485 | 3.00 / 4.20 / 6.25 / 8.00 / 11.10 mm |
| Light Blue | .200 / .283 / .375 / .490 | 4.50 / 6.40 / 8.10 / 11.50 mm |
| Yellow | .207 / .289 / .394 / .500 | 4.60 / 6.50 / 8.40 / 11.70 mm |
| White | .218 / .295 / .406 / .531 | 4.70 / 6.80 / 8.80 / 12.00 mm |
| Red | .225 / .297 / .422 / .563 | 4.80 / 7.00 / 9.20 / 12.30 mm |
| Brown | .234 / .307 / .431 / .625 | 5.00 / 7.30 / 9.60 / 13.00 mm |
| Tan | .238 / .313 / .438 | 5.25 / 7.35 / 10.00 mm |
| Green | .244 / .319 / .453 | 5.50 / 7.50 / 10.50 mm |
| Gold | .250 / .331 / .462 | 5.75 / 7.60 / 10.70 mm |
| Purple | .257 / .594 | 6.00 / 12.50 mm |
| Blue | .188 / .262 / .344 / .469 | 4.00 / 6.05 / 7.80 / 11.00 mm |
Find the Inside Diameter
Measure across the hollow center of the spring from the side view. Do not include the end cones.
- Measure the inside diameter, also called the I.D.
- If measuring the outside diameter, subtract two wire sizes to calculate the I.D.
- Example: 2.414" outside diameter - (.207" wire size × 2) = about 2.000" inside diameter.
Many stationary cones also have stamped markings that can help identify the I.D. For example, P200, P200S, or P2000 may indicate a 2" I.D., while P175 may indicate a 1 3/4" I.D.
Most residential torsion springs use a 1 3/4" or 2" inside diameter. Some brands and heavier doors may use other sizes such as 2 1/4", 2 5/8", 3 3/8", or 3 3/4".
Find the Spring Length
Measure the spring only when it is fully unwound and relaxed. A wound spring can measure several inches longer than its actual relaxed length.
- If the spring is intact, measure the coil body from end to end.
- Do not include the stationary cone or winding cone in the measurement.
- If the spring is broken, place the broken coil sections end-to-end and add the lengths together.
Confirm Wind Direction
Wind direction is usually listed as right-hand wound or left-hand wound. This is especially important on a single-spring system.
- For a single-spring system, confirm whether the spring is right-hand wound or left-hand wound before ordering.
- For most two-spring systems, the left-side spring is right-hand wound and the right-side spring is left-hand wound when viewed from inside the garage looking out.
- Some winding cones may have color markings that help identify wind direction.
Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Door Balance
The wrong wire size or inside diameter can create too much or too little lifting force.
Hardware Wear
An incorrectly balanced door can damage the door, opener, cables, drums, or other hardware.
Correct Length
Measuring a spring while it is wound or under tension can give you the wrong length.
Cycle Life
Most standard residential torsion springs are rated around 10,000 cycles. For heavy-use doors, a higher-cycle spring may be a better option.
You’ve Found Your Spring Size — What’s Next?
Once you have confirmed the wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction, you can select your replacement spring below. If you are still unsure, contact us and we can help verify your measurements before you order.
Safety Notice & Disclaimer
Garage door torsion springs, extension springs, cables, and related hardware are under extreme tension. Improper installation, adjustment, or repair can result in serious injury, property damage, or death.
If you are not experienced with garage door repairs, we strongly recommend having installation, replacement, adjustments, and repairs performed by a qualified garage door technician.
Any attempt to install, repair, replace, or adjust a garage door or its components is performed entirely at your own risk. My Garage Door Parts and its affiliates assume no responsibility or liability for any injury, death, property damage, or losses resulting from the use or misuse of our products, instructions, or information. By purchasing and using our products, you acknowledge these risks and accept full responsibility for their installation and use.
Still have questions?
Our team is happy to help you identify the correct replacement parts before you place your order.