Scale length
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Results
Classical setback
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Steel first string setback
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Steel sixth string setback
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Live: computed from current scale length
Fret Positions (Equal Temperament)
| Fret | Distance from Nut | Fret to Fret | Remaining to Saddle |
|---|
Bridge Compensation
| String / Style | Setback | Nut to Saddle |
|---|
How It Works
Fret locations use equal temperament: each semitone divides string length by 2^(1/12).
Bridge setbacks are scaled from a 650 mm reference: classical uses a straight saddle setback,
while steel-string uses separate first/sixth values.
Fret Scale & Bridge Compensation
Calculate equal-tempered fret positions and scale-adjusted bridge setback references from one scale-length measurement.
This calculator lays out equal-tempered fret positions and shows reference bridge setback values for classical and steel-string instruments.
A clear layout reference helps you place frets and estimate the saddle position before cutting a fretboard or setting a bridge.
- Enter the vibrating string length from the nut edge to the theoretical saddle line.
- Choose millimetres or inches for the displayed dimensions.
Use the fret distances as layout dimensions and treat the bridge setbacks as starting references to verify on the finished instrument.
Created by Rick Molloy.