Enter the vibrating scale length and number of frets to generate distances from the nut and the spacing between consecutive frets. Multiscale mode adds a second scale so both board edges can be marked from one table.
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Key takeaways
- Measure the scale correctly before generating a fret table: nut to the 12th-fret centre, then double it.
- Mark every fret from the same nut reference instead of adding rounded consecutive gaps.
- For multiscale layouts, enter both edge scales and verify the intended neutral fret.
- Print at 100% and check a known dimension before using any paper template.
How to use this: Use these positions to lay out or check a fretboard, then confirm the result against the instrument's actual scale length before cutting or filing anything.
Quick answer
Generate every fret from one nut reference
A fret calculator should return both the distance from the nut and the gap from the previous fret. Use the nut-referenced value for marking because adding rounded gaps can accumulate an error across the board.
Measure nut to 12th-fret centre and double it.
Mark each fret independently from the same zero point.
This catches unit and print-scaling mistakes quickly.
How to use the fret calculator for a real layout
Measure or choose the nominal scale before entering a fret count. Select inches or millimetres once and keep that unit through the drawing, cutting, and verification stages.
- Enter the nominal scale length and number of frets.
- Enable multiscale only when you have separate treble and bass speaking lengths.
- Copy nut-to-fret dimensions to the chosen reference edge with a fine marking tool.
- Check the 12th-fret position and at least two early fret gaps before cutting.
- For a printed layout, disable page scaling and measure a known dimension on paper.
Worked example: a 25.5-inch, 24-fret board
For a 25.5-inch scale, the first fret is about 1.431 inches from the nut. The 12th fret is exactly 12.750 inches and the 24th is 19.125 inches in the ideal equal-tempered layout.
| Fret | Distance from nut | Verification use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.431 in | Checks the first short interval |
| 12 | 12.750 in | Must equal half the nominal scale |
| 24 | 19.125 in | Leaves one quarter of the scale vibrating |
Rounded values are for verification. Keep the calculator output at the precision supported by your measuring and cutting process.
Fret-layout mistakes the result cannot prevent
The calculation describes ideal fret lines, not the complete intonation system. Bridge compensation, nut compensation, slot width, crown position, and build accuracy remain separate decisions.
- Do not enter the distance to a compensated saddle as nominal scale length.
- Do not average the two edge scales of a multiscale board.
- Do not add rounded fret-to-fret gaps to locate later frets.
- Do not assume a printer produced a full-size template without measuring it.
How fret positions are calculated
In twelve-tone equal temperament, each semitone divides string length by the twelfth root of two. The distance from the nut to fret n is L × (1 − 2⁻ⁿ⁄¹²), where L is the instrument’s scale length.
The calculator keeps full precision internally and rounds only the displayed measurement. When laying out a real board, choose a single reference edge and avoid accumulating rounded consecutive distances.
Measuring the scale correctly
Measure from the fretboard side of the nut to the centre of the 12th fret, then double that distance. Do not measure to the saddle: compensated saddles sit slightly beyond the nominal scale.
- Use the same unit for every input and template.
- Mark from the nut for every fret to prevent rounding drift.
- For multiscale boards, confirm the neutral fret before drawing the fret lines.
- Print at 100% scale and verify one known dimension before using a paper template.
Common guitar and bass scale lengths
These values are starting points, not rules. Always measure the actual instrument before cutting a fretboard.
| Instrument family | Common scale (familiar example) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Short-scale guitar | 24.0–24.75 in (Gibson Les Paul, 24.75 in) | Compact feel and lower tension |
| Modern electric | 25.0–25.5 in (Fender Stratocaster, 25.5 in) | Broad general-purpose range |
| Baritone / extended range | 26.5–30.0 in (typical baritone, 27 in) | Lower tunings and firmer bass response |
| Electric bass | 30.0–35.0 in (Fender Precision Bass, 34 in) | Short through extra-long bass scales |
Reference material
Technical references
Use these manufacturer references when you need product-specific tension or setup information. They were last reviewed on ; the gauge suggestions on this page remain starting points because strings and instruments vary.
Before you change strings
Save your current setup, change one variable at a time, and recheck tuning, neck relief, action, and intonation after the new strings settle. If a result looks inconsistent with your instrument or a manufacturer's data, send the setup details through the contact page.