This chart gives the breaking strength of wire rope, recommended safe loads, and weight per unit length for common diameters and constructions. Values such as wire rope tensile strength and steel cable breaking strength vary not only by diameter, but also by strand count, wire grade, and core type. For example, a 1/4 wire rope strength rating differs significantly from a 3/8 wire rope strength, even when both are made from the same material, simply due to cross-sectional area and construction.
| Diameter (in) | Diameter (mm) | Minimum Breaking Strength (lbs) | Safe Working Load (lbs) | Weight per Foot (lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 | 6.4 | 7,000 | 1,400 | 0.11 |
| 5/16 | 7.9 | 10,600 | 2,120 | 0.16 |
| 3/8 | 9.5 | 14,400 | 2,880 | 0.23 |
| 7/16 | 11.1 | 19,600 | 3,920 | 0.31 |
| 1/2 | 12.7 | 26,000 | 5,200 | 0.40 |
| 9/16 | 14.3 | 32,200 | 6,440 | 0.51 |
| 5/8 | 15.9 | 40,000 | 8,000 | 0.63 |
| 3/4 | 19.1 | 58,800 | 11,760 | 0.90 |
| 7/8 | 22.2 | 78,400 | 15,680 | 1.22 |
| 1 | 25.4 | 106,400 | 21,280 | 1.60 |
| 1-1/8 | 28.6 | 132,000 | 26,400 | 2.03 |
| 1-1/4 | 31.8 | 162,000 | 32,400 | 2.50 |
| 1-3/8 | 34.9 | 196,000 | 39,200 | 3.02 |
| 1-1/2 | 38.1 | 234,000 | 46,800 | 3.60 |
| 1-5/8 | 41.3 | 274,000 | 54,800 | 4.23 |
| 1-3/4 | 44.5 | 318,000 | 63,600 | 4.90 |
| 2 | 50.8 | 424,000 | 84,800 | 6.40 |
MISUMI USA carries a wide range of industrial manufacturing components – including Wire Rope & Chains – for your next project or machine fix. If you have any questions about measurement or sizing for your wire rope needs, feel free to connect with our product experts, and engineers. Also, if you are looking for more insights be sure to check out our other blog articles, including: A Guide to TIG Welding, All About Steel, and more.
Author: Scott Bredemann | Updated: 1/23/2026
Disclaimer:
The content on this webpage is for informational purposes only. MISUMI makes no guarantees, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Performance parameters, tolerances, designs, materials, or processes should not be assumed to reflect third-party suppliers’ or manufacturers’ deliverables within MISUMI’s network. Buyers are responsible for specifying their part requirements.