Gas Strut Force Guide: How to Choose the Right N Rating (UK 2026)
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If you're replacing a gas strut, the single most important number to get right is the force rating, measured in Newtons (N). Get it wrong and your lid will either drop shut on your hands (too weak) or refuse to stay closed and slam open again (too strong). This guide explains what N rating means and how to pick the right one.
What Does the Newton (N) Rating Mean?
The Newton rating is the amount of force a gas strut exerts to push or hold something open. A 750N strut pushes with roughly 75kg of force; a 1200N strut pushes with roughly 120kg of force. The right rating depends on the weight of the lid, door or platform, how many struts share the load, and the leverage of the mounting points.
Quick Rule of Thumb
- Two struts sharing the load: each strut only needs to support roughly half the total weight.
- Longer lid / more leverage: you generally need more force, not less — a hinge further from the strut mount needs a stronger strut.
- When in doubt, match your old strut's rating exactly rather than guessing from the item's weight alone — the manufacturer has already done the leverage calculation for you.
How to Find Your Current Strut's Rating
- Look on the strut body itself — many are printed with the force rating (e.g. "750N" or "1200N").
- Check your furniture or vehicle's original manual or spec sheet.
- If there's no marking, measure the eye-to-eye length (fully extended) and send us a photo — we can usually match it from the physical dimensions and application.
Common Force Ratings by Application
Ottoman Storage Beds
Most standard ottoman beds use 750N struts (2-pack). Kingsize beds, thicker memory foam mattresses (250mm+) or pocket-sprung platforms typically need 1200N. Always check the eye-to-eye length too — 350–360mm is the most common size, but always measure your existing struts before ordering.
See our Ottoman Bed Gas Struts range, or read our related guide: Ottoman Bed Won't Stay Open? 7 Reasons + DIY Fixes.
Toolboxes & Van Storage
Toolbox lids vary widely by size and material — lighter aluminium lids often use lower force (60–100N), while heavier steel toolboxes need more. See our Toolbox Gas Struts range.
Kitchen Cabinets & Bi-Fold Doors
Kitchen cabinet flap-up doors typically use lighter struts (60–120N depending on door size and weight), since they're usually supporting just the door panel rather than a full lid. See our Kitchen Cabinet Gas Struts range.
Gates & Hydraulic Gate Closers
Gate closers work differently to lift struts — they control the speed and self-closing action of a gate rather than holding weight against gravity. The right size depends on gate weight and width rather than a simple N rating. See our Hydraulic Gate Closers range.
Office Chairs
Office chair gas lifts use a different sizing system (Class 3/Class 4, stroke length) rather than the N ratings used for lid struts. See our Office Chair Gas Lifts range.
Vehicle Tailgates & Bonnets
Vehicle gas struts are matched to the specific make and model rather than a generic N rating, since bonnet/tailgate geometry varies. Browse by vehicle: BMW, Volkswagen, Fiat, Porsche.
Still Not Sure Which Force You Need?
Send us a photo of your existing strut (or the item you're fitting it to) and we'll help confirm the right force rating and length before you order — this avoids the cost and hassle of a return.
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