Solid height

Where it comes up

• Springs, wire forms, and fourslideCompression, extension, and torsion springs, wire forms, and fourslide clips made from round wire and flat strip.

Related terms

Free length

Free length is the overall length of a spring with no load applied. For compression springs it is measured end to end; for extension springs it is usually measured inside the hooks. Free length, spring rate, and solid height together define how the spring works in an assembly.

Spring rate

Spring rate is the load needed to deflect a spring one unit of distance, expressed in lb/in or N/mm. It depends on wire diameter, coil diameter, active coils, and material. On commercial-grade compression springs, load at a set height is typically held to about ±10%.