Lead Tape Calculator
This is a recipe, not a physics sim: clock model 12 / 3+9 / 4+8 / throat. Start tiny — most rec players land around 2–8g.
Takes ~60–90 seconds.
Related articles
FAQ
- How much lead tape should I add?
- Most rec players land around 2–8g total. Start tiny, play 3 sessions, then add 1g per side max.
- Is lead tape legal?
- Rec play is fine. For sanctioned play, added tape is a modification — see illegal pickleball paddles .
- Lead vs tungsten?
- Cover lead; tungsten is the non-lead alternative.
- 1/4 vs 1/2 inch?
- Edgeless or 13mm-or-less → 1/4". Else 1/2". Matches the lead tape article.
Question 1 of 7 14%
Your recipe
Where to put the tape
- Total
- New weight
- Tape width
How to start
Guardrails
- Cover lead tape with edge tape or electrical tape. Do not chew it, sand it, or leave it bare.
- Tungsten tape is the non-lead alternative.
- USA Pickleball: added tape is a modification. Rec play is fine; sanctioned play can be picky. Illegal pickleball paddles .
- If you already have tape, weigh the paddle first and treat existing tape as part of the weight you entered.