Garage Door Spring Color Code Chart: How to Identify Torsion & Extension Springs

Garage door springs are often marked with a color code that can help identify an important spring specification. But there is one critical thing to understand before using a color chart:

The color does not identify the complete replacement spring.

For torsion springs, the DASMA color system identifies wire diameter. For extension springs, the color identifies the spring's pull weight. Other measurements and specifications are still required to select the correct replacement spring.

This guide explains how garage door spring color codes work, provides reference charts for torsion and extension springs, and shows what you should measure before ordering a replacement.

Safety Warning: Garage door springs store substantial mechanical energy. A spring can cause serious injury if improperly handled, wound, removed, or installed. Spring replacement should be performed by a trained garage door technician.

Quick Answer: What Do Garage Door Spring Colors Mean?

The meaning depends on the type of spring.

Torsion Springs

The color painted on a torsion spring is used to identify its wire diameter.

Examples:

• Orange — .192", .273", .3625", etc.

• Yellow — .207", .289", .3938", .500", etc.

• Red — .2253", .4218", .5625", etc.

• Brown — .2343", .3065", .4305", .625", etc.

• Green — .2437", .3195", .4531", etc.

• Gold — .177", .250", .331", .4615", etc.

• Blue — .1875", .2625", .3437", .4687", etc.

• Light Blue — .283", .375", .490", etc.

• White — .2187", .295", .4062", .5312", etc.

Notice that the same color can represent several different wire diameters.

That is why you should never order a torsion spring based on color alone.

Extension Springs

For extension springs, the DASMA color system identifies the spring's pull weight, typically in 10-pound increments.

For example:

The sequence then repeats for higher pull weights.

Garage Door Torsion Spring Color Code Chart

The following chart shows common DASMA torsion spring wire sizes and their corresponding colors.

The official industry color-code system is published by the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) in Technical Data Sheet 171.

Why Does the Same Torsion Spring Color Appear More Than Once?

This is one of the most important parts of understanding the chart.

The torsion spring color sequence repeats.

For example, a gold marking does not automatically mean that you have a .250" spring.

Gold can correspond to several wire sizes, including:

.177", .250", .331", and .4615"

Likewise, orange can correspond to:

.192", .273", .3625", and other sizes depending on the spring range.

The physical difference between these wire sizes is normally obvious to an experienced technician, but relying exclusively on paint is still not a good method of identifying a replacement spring.

Use the color as a reference or confirmation. Measure the spring before ordering.

How to Correctly Identify a Torsion Spring

A replacement torsion spring generally requires four important pieces of information:

1. Wire size

2. Inside diameter

3. Spring length

4. Wind direction

Color coding only helps with the first one.

1. Determine the Wire Size

Wire size is the diameter of the steel wire used to manufacture the spring.

One common method is to measure multiple consecutive coils rather than trying to measure a single wire with a tape measure.

Measure 10 or 20 coils with the coils compressed together, then compare the measurement with a torsion spring wire-size chart.

Examples:

DASMA's technical guidance also recommends determining wire size using a wire gauge or by measuring a group of coils.

Important Measuring Tip

Do not measure a single coil with an ordinary tape measure and assume the result is accurate.

The difference between common spring wire sizes can be only a few thousandths of an inch.

Measuring 10 or 20 coils reduces the effect of measurement error.

2. Measure the Inside Diameter

Next, determine the spring's inside diameter (ID).

Common residential torsion spring IDs include:

• 1-3/4"

• 2"

Larger residential and commercial systems may use other inside diameters.

The ID may also be indicated on the spring cone. For example, markings such as 175 or 200 commonly correspond to 1-3/4" and 2" IDs.

Do not assume the ID based solely on the appearance of the spring.

3. Measure the Spring Length

Measure the length of the spring coils while the spring is unwound.

Do not include the winding cone or stationary cone in the spring-body measurement.

Spring length matters because two springs can have:

• the same wire size,

• the same inside diameter,

• and even the same color marking,

while having completely different lengths and therefore different operating characteristics.

A .250 × 2" ID × 29" spring is not automatically interchangeable with a .250 × 2" ID × 36" spring.

4. Determine Left Wind or Right Wind

Finally, identify the winding direction.

Torsion springs are manufactured as either:

Left Wind (LW)
or
Right Wind (RW)

Wind direction is an essential part of spring identification.

Do not determine wind direction only from where the spring happens to be installed on the shaft. Identify the actual direction in which the spring coils are wound.

Example: Identifying a Torsion Spring

Suppose you find a torsion spring with a brown paint marking.

The color suggests a possible wire size such as .2343".

You then measure 20 coils and get approximately:

4-5/8"

That measurement supports a .2343" wire size.

Next you determine:

• Wire Size: .2343"

• Inside Diameter: 2"

• Length: 31"

• Wind: Right Wind

The spring can therefore be described as:

.2343 × 2" ID × 31" Right-Wind Torsion Spring

That is far more reliable than simply ordering a "brown garage door spring."

Garage Door Extension Spring Color Code Chart

Extension spring colors work differently from torsion spring colors.

Instead of indicating wire diameter, the color identifies the spring's rated pull.

Again, notice that the colors repeat every 100 pounds.

A white extension spring could therefore indicate 10 lb, 110 lb, or 210 lb depending on the spring.

The spring's other characteristics must be checked before choosing a replacement.

Torsion Spring vs. Extension Spring Color Codes

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

These two systems should not be confused.

A red marking on a torsion spring does not mean the same thing as a red marking on an extension spring.

Can I Identify My Garage Door Spring by Color Alone?

No.

Color coding is useful for narrowing down or confirming a spring specification, but it should not be the sole method used to order a replacement.

DASMA specifically notes that color coding provides only partial identification and does not account for other important spring-design characteristics such as inside diameter, length, stretch, material, and finish.

Paint can also:

• fade,

• become dirty,

• wear away,

• be covered by corrosion,

• be repainted,

• or be difficult to distinguish after years of service.

For torsion springs, actual measurements should always take priority over an uncertain color marking.

What If the Paint Is Missing From My Spring?

That is usually not a problem.

A torsion spring can still be identified by physically measuring it.

Record:

Wire Size × Inside Diameter × Length × Wind Direction

For example:

.250 × 2" ID × 32" – Left Wind

For extension springs, additional information such as spring length, stretch/application, door height, and required pull should be considered.

Does Spring Color Tell Me Left Wind or Right Wind?

Do not use the wire-size color marking to determine winding direction.

The wire-size color and the spring's wind direction are separate characteristics.

Always identify the winding direction independently.

Does the Color Tell Me What Garage Door Weight the Torsion Spring Supports?

Not by itself.

With a torsion spring, the color primarily helps identify wire diameter.

The torque produced by a spring depends on multiple specifications, including wire diameter, coil diameter, spring length, and the system in which the spring operates.

Door weight, drum type, door height, lift type, and spring configuration can also affect spring selection.

This is another reason replacing a torsion spring based only on paint color can result in the wrong spring.

Should Both Springs Be Replaced on a Two-Spring Door?

If a garage door uses two torsion springs and one has failed, the condition and cycle history of the second spring should be considered.

Both springs were commonly installed at approximately the same time and may have experienced approximately the same number of cycles.

However, the correct replacement decision depends on the specific door and spring system.

More importantly, do not automatically assume both springs are identical.

Some garage doors use different spring sizes on opposite sides to properly balance the door.

Measure and identify each spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is a .250 garage door torsion spring?

Under the standard DASMA color system, a .250" torsion spring is Gold.

Because Gold is also used for other wire sizes, confirm the .250" size by measurement before ordering.

What color is a .234 garage door spring?

A .2343" torsion spring is Brown under the DASMA color system.

What color is a .243 garage door spring?

A .2437" torsion spring is Green.

What color is a .262 garage door spring?

A .2625" torsion spring is Blue.

What color is a .273 garage door spring?

A .273" torsion spring is Orange.

What color is a .283 garage door spring?

A .283" torsion spring is Light Blue.

What color is a .295 garage door spring?

A .295" torsion spring is White.

What does a red garage door spring mean?

It depends on the spring type.

For a torsion spring, red is used for certain wire diameters, including .2253".

For an extension spring, red represents particular pull ratings in the repeating extension-spring color sequence, such as 50 lb, 150 lb, and 250 lb.

Therefore, "red spring" alone is not enough information to identify a replacement.

Before Ordering a Replacement Garage Door Spring

Use the color chart as a reference—not as your only measurement.

For a torsion spring, confirm:

• Wire size

• Inside diameter

• Spring length

• Left-wind or right-wind direction

• Quantity/configuration

• Door and spring-system requirements

Accurate spring identification is essential to proper garage door balance and operation.

Garage-DoorParts.com carries residential and commercial torsion springs in a wide range of wire sizes, inside diameters, lengths, and wind directions, including standard and less-common sizes for professional garage door repair.

Need help finding the correct spring?

Use our Garage Door Torsion Spring Calculator or browse our Torsion Spring Collection to find springs by wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction.

Key Takeaway

Garage door spring colors are useful—but they are only one piece of the identification process.

Torsion spring color = wire-size reference.

Extension spring color = pull-weight reference.

For torsion springs, always verify the spring's wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction before ordering.

That simple process can prevent one of the most common mistakes in garage door spring replacement: choosing a spring that looks correct but has the wrong specifications.

Garage Door Spring Color Code Chart: How to Identify Torsion & Extension Springs

Garage door springs are often marked with a color code that can help identify an important spring specification. But there is one critical thing to understand before using a color chart:

The color does not identify the complete replacement spring.

For torsion springs, the DASMA color system identifies wire diameter. For extension springs, the color identifies the spring's pull weight. Other measurements and specifications are still required to select the correct replacement spring.

This guide explains how garage door spring color codes work, provides reference charts for torsion and extension springs, and shows what you should measure before ordering a replacement.

Safety Warning: Garage door springs store substantial mechanical energy. A spring can cause serious injury if improperly handled, wound, removed, or installed. Spring replacement should be performed by a trained garage door technician.

Quick Answer: What Do Garage Door Spring Colors Mean?

The meaning depends on the type of spring.

Torsion Springs

The color painted on a torsion spring is used to identify its wire diameter.

Examples:

• Orange — .192", .273", .3625", etc.

• Yellow — .207", .289", .3938", .500", etc.

• Red — .2253", .4218", .5625", etc.

• Brown — .2343", .3065", .4305", .625", etc.

• Green — .2437", .3195", .4531", etc.

• Gold — .177", .250", .331", .4615", etc.

• Blue — .1875", .2625", .3437", .4687", etc.

• Light Blue — .283", .375", .490", etc.

• White — .2187", .295", .4062", .5312", etc.

Notice that the same color can represent several different wire diameters.

That is why you should never order a torsion spring based on color alone.

Extension Springs

For extension springs, the DASMA color system identifies the spring's pull weight, typically in 10-pound increments.

For example:

The sequence then repeats for higher pull weights.

Garage Door Torsion Spring Color Code Chart

The following chart shows common DASMA torsion spring wire sizes and their corresponding colors.

The official industry color-code system is published by the Door & Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) in Technical Data Sheet 171.

Why Does the Same Torsion Spring Color Appear More Than Once?

This is one of the most important parts of understanding the chart.

The torsion spring color sequence repeats.

For example, a gold marking does not automatically mean that you have a .250" spring.

Gold can correspond to several wire sizes, including:

.177", .250", .331", and .4615"

Likewise, orange can correspond to:

.192", .273", .3625", and other sizes depending on the spring range.

The physical difference between these wire sizes is normally obvious to an experienced technician, but relying exclusively on paint is still not a good method of identifying a replacement spring.

Use the color as a reference or confirmation. Measure the spring before ordering.

How to Correctly Identify a Torsion Spring

A replacement torsion spring generally requires four important pieces of information:

1. Wire size

2. Inside diameter

3. Spring length

4. Wind direction

Color coding only helps with the first one.

1. Determine the Wire Size

Wire size is the diameter of the steel wire used to manufacture the spring.

One common method is to measure multiple consecutive coils rather than trying to measure a single wire with a tape measure.

Measure 10 or 20 coils with the coils compressed together, then compare the measurement with a torsion spring wire-size chart.

Examples:

DASMA's technical guidance also recommends determining wire size using a wire gauge or by measuring a group of coils.

Important Measuring Tip

Do not measure a single coil with an ordinary tape measure and assume the result is accurate.

The difference between common spring wire sizes can be only a few thousandths of an inch.

Measuring 10 or 20 coils reduces the effect of measurement error.

2. Measure the Inside Diameter

Next, determine the spring's inside diameter (ID).

Common residential torsion spring IDs include:

• 1-3/4"

• 2"

Larger residential and commercial systems may use other inside diameters.

The ID may also be indicated on the spring cone. For example, markings such as 175 or 200 commonly correspond to 1-3/4" and 2" IDs.

Do not assume the ID based solely on the appearance of the spring.

3. Measure the Spring Length

Measure the length of the spring coils while the spring is unwound.

Do not include the winding cone or stationary cone in the spring-body measurement.

Spring length matters because two springs can have:

• the same wire size,

• the same inside diameter,

• and even the same color marking,

while having completely different lengths and therefore different operating characteristics.

A .250 × 2" ID × 29" spring is not automatically interchangeable with a .250 × 2" ID × 36" spring.

4. Determine Left Wind or Right Wind

Finally, identify the winding direction.

Torsion springs are manufactured as either:

Left Wind (LW)
or
Right Wind (RW)

Wind direction is an essential part of spring identification.

Do not determine wind direction only from where the spring happens to be installed on the shaft. Identify the actual direction in which the spring coils are wound.

Example: Identifying a Torsion Spring

Suppose you find a torsion spring with a brown paint marking.

The color suggests a possible wire size such as .2343".

You then measure 20 coils and get approximately:

4-5/8"

That measurement supports a .2343" wire size.

Next you determine:

• Wire Size: .2343"

• Inside Diameter: 2"

• Length: 31"

• Wind: Right Wind

The spring can therefore be described as:

.2343 × 2" ID × 31" Right-Wind Torsion Spring

That is far more reliable than simply ordering a "brown garage door spring."

Garage Door Extension Spring Color Code Chart

Extension spring colors work differently from torsion spring colors.

Instead of indicating wire diameter, the color identifies the spring's rated pull.

Again, notice that the colors repeat every 100 pounds.

A white extension spring could therefore indicate 10 lb, 110 lb, or 210 lb depending on the spring.

The spring's other characteristics must be checked before choosing a replacement.

Torsion Spring vs. Extension Spring Color Codes

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

These two systems should not be confused.

A red marking on a torsion spring does not mean the same thing as a red marking on an extension spring.

Can I Identify My Garage Door Spring by Color Alone?

No.

Color coding is useful for narrowing down or confirming a spring specification, but it should not be the sole method used to order a replacement.

DASMA specifically notes that color coding provides only partial identification and does not account for other important spring-design characteristics such as inside diameter, length, stretch, material, and finish.

Paint can also:

• fade,

• become dirty,

• wear away,

• be covered by corrosion,

• be repainted,

• or be difficult to distinguish after years of service.

For torsion springs, actual measurements should always take priority over an uncertain color marking.

What If the Paint Is Missing From My Spring?

That is usually not a problem.

A torsion spring can still be identified by physically measuring it.

Record:

Wire Size × Inside Diameter × Length × Wind Direction

For example:

.250 × 2" ID × 32" – Left Wind

For extension springs, additional information such as spring length, stretch/application, door height, and required pull should be considered.

Does Spring Color Tell Me Left Wind or Right Wind?

Do not use the wire-size color marking to determine winding direction.

The wire-size color and the spring's wind direction are separate characteristics.

Always identify the winding direction independently.

Does the Color Tell Me What Garage Door Weight the Torsion Spring Supports?

Not by itself.

With a torsion spring, the color primarily helps identify wire diameter.

The torque produced by a spring depends on multiple specifications, including wire diameter, coil diameter, spring length, and the system in which the spring operates.

Door weight, drum type, door height, lift type, and spring configuration can also affect spring selection.

This is another reason replacing a torsion spring based only on paint color can result in the wrong spring.

Should Both Springs Be Replaced on a Two-Spring Door?

If a garage door uses two torsion springs and one has failed, the condition and cycle history of the second spring should be considered.

Both springs were commonly installed at approximately the same time and may have experienced approximately the same number of cycles.

However, the correct replacement decision depends on the specific door and spring system.

More importantly, do not automatically assume both springs are identical.

Some garage doors use different spring sizes on opposite sides to properly balance the door.

Measure and identify each spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What color is a .250 garage door torsion spring?

Under the standard DASMA color system, a .250" torsion spring is Gold.

Because Gold is also used for other wire sizes, confirm the .250" size by measurement before ordering.

What color is a .234 garage door spring?

A .2343" torsion spring is Brown under the DASMA color system.

What color is a .243 garage door spring?

A .2437" torsion spring is Green.

What color is a .262 garage door spring?

A .2625" torsion spring is Blue.

What color is a .273 garage door spring?

A .273" torsion spring is Orange.

What color is a .283 garage door spring?

A .283" torsion spring is Light Blue.

What color is a .295 garage door spring?

A .295" torsion spring is White.

What does a red garage door spring mean?

It depends on the spring type.

For a torsion spring, red is used for certain wire diameters, including .2253".

For an extension spring, red represents particular pull ratings in the repeating extension-spring color sequence, such as 50 lb, 150 lb, and 250 lb.

Therefore, "red spring" alone is not enough information to identify a replacement.

Before Ordering a Replacement Garage Door Spring

Use the color chart as a reference—not as your only measurement.

For a torsion spring, confirm:

• Wire size

• Inside diameter

• Spring length

• Left-wind or right-wind direction

• Quantity/configuration

• Door and spring-system requirements

Accurate spring identification is essential to proper garage door balance and operation.

Garage-DoorParts.com carries residential and commercial torsion springs in a wide range of wire sizes, inside diameters, lengths, and wind directions, including standard and less-common sizes for professional garage door repair.

Need help finding the correct spring?

Use our Garage Door Torsion Spring Calculator or browse our Torsion Spring Collection to find springs by wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction.

Key Takeaway

Garage door spring colors are useful—but they are only one piece of the identification process.

Torsion spring color = wire-size reference.

Extension spring color = pull-weight reference.

For torsion springs, always verify the spring's wire size, inside diameter, length, and wind direction before ordering.

That simple process can prevent one of the most common mistakes in garage door spring replacement: choosing a spring that looks correct but has the wrong specifications.