Full Bridge Strain Gauges
(Wheatstone Full Bridge)
A full bridge strain gauge is a strain gauge configuration where four resistive elements are connected in a Wheatstone full bridge to measure strain with high sensitivity, excellent temperature compensation, and strong rejection of unwanted effects (like lead resistance changes or uniform temperature drift). At MFL Strain Gauges (based in N.Ireland), our full bridge strain gauge solutions are designed for demanding measurement tasks such as load cells, force transducers, torque sensing, bending measurement, and precision structural testing. Usual resistance requirements range between 120Ω - 2,000Ω (Ohms). MFL can custom design and manufacture to your exact requirements. We also have thousands of Strain Gauges in STOCK ready to ship in a range of sizes with NEXT DAY DELIVERY within UK & IRELAND.
What is a full bridge strain gauge?
A Wheatstone bridge uses four resistive “arms.” In a full bridge, all four arms are active sensing elements (or arranged as an engineered network), so the bridge output increases significantly for a given strain input.
Four active elements for higher output
Compared with quarter bridge or half bridge setups, a full bridge typically provides higher signal output and improved signal-to-noise performance especially valuable when measuring small strains.
Built-in temperature compensation
Because the bridge uses multiple elements that experience similar environmental changes, a full bridge is widely used to reduce temperature effects and improve long-term stability.
Optimised for specific strain fields
Full bridge layouts are commonly designed so elements experience tension and compression in a controlled way boosting sensitivity to the desired load (force, bending, torsion) while reducing sensitivity to unwanted strain components.
Reliable electrical measurement
Full bridge strain gauge circuits integrate cleanly with strain indicator amplifiers and instrumentation, making them a standard approach for industrial sensors and calibration work.
Typical applications for full bridge strain gauges
1) Load cells and force transducers
Full bridges are the most common configuration inside many load cells because they offer:
High output and excellent repeatability
Strong temperature stability for industrial weighing and force measurement
Robust bridge balance and calibration performance
Used in weighing systems, material testing machines, presses, fixtures, and process instrumentation.
2) Bending measurement (beams, cantilevers, frames)
A full bridge can be arranged so two elements see tension and two see compression, providing:
Strong bending signal
Reduced sensitivity to uniform axial strain
Improved stability over time
Common in structural testing, machine frames, jigs, and fixtures.
3) Torque and torsion measurement
Full bridge arrangements are widely used for torque sensing on shafts and tubes, typically using elements oriented to capture torsional strain:
Drive shafts, powertrain components, rotating machinery
Test rigs and dynamometers
R&D instrumentation on rotating components
4) Pressure transducers (diaphragm-based sensors)
Full bridge strain gauge networks can be applied to diaphragms to produce:
Linear pressure to voltage output
Good thermal stability
Repeatable performance in industrial sensing
5) Long-term monitoring and validation testing
Where stability matters (fatigue tests, endurance rigs, infrastructure monitoring), full bridge circuits are often chosen for:
Reduced drift and better noise immunity
Strong output in long cable runs (with appropriate wiring)
Reliable correlation to design models and FEA results
Options and customisation with MFL Full Bridge Gauges
MFL Strain Gauges can supply full bridge strain gauge configurations with:
A range of grid sizes to match strain gradients and available mounting area
Multiple resistance options to suit your instrumentation and wiring requirements
Different lead styles for routing, space constraints, and connection preferences
Optional encapsulation when additional protection is required for harsh environments or handling
If you tell us your application (load cell / bending / torque / pressure), material, available space, and environment, we’ll recommend a suitable full bridge approach and gauge format.
Why choose MFL Strain Gauges?
As a N.Ireland-based foil strain gauge manufacturer, MFL focuses on:
High quality foil patterns for stable, repeatable measurement
Robust polyimide backed gauges and configurations suited to demanding use
Consistent manufacturing for reliable bridge performance across builds
Options for grid size, resistance, lead style, and encapsulation to match real-world installations
Full bridge strain gauge FAQs
What’s the difference between quarter, half, and full bridge?
A quarter bridge uses one active element, a half bridge uses two, and a full bridge uses four active elements (or an equivalent engineered network). Full bridges generally offer higher output and improved temperature stability.
Why do load cells commonly use a full bridge?
Because it provides strong output, good temperature compensation, and stable calibration ideal for force and weighing applications.
Do you offer different resistances and sizes?
Yes—MFL offers multiple grid sizes and resistance options, plus lead styles and encapsulation when required.
Can you help choose the right full bridge configuration?
Yes—share your load case (bending/axial/torsion/pressure), geometry, material, and environment, and we’ll recommend an appropriate configuration.