How to Set Tracking Force and Anti-Skate on a Turntable

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Setting the tracking force and anti-skate on your turntable ensures the stylus sits in the groove with the right pressure and balanced side pull. This prevents record wear, mistracking, and distortion. Before starting, you need a stylus force gauge (or a digital scale), the owner’s manual for your cartridge (for the recommended range), and a turntable that is level and powered off.

What You’ll Need

Stylus force gauge (digital or mechanical)
Cartridge owner’s manual (for recommended tracking force range)
Anti-skate adjustment dial (built into most turntables)
Level (to ensure the turntable is perfectly horizontal)
Small screwdriver (if your counterweight uses a set screw)

Step-by-Step

Level the turntable. Place a bubble level on the platter (with the mat removed) and adjust the turntable’s feet until it is perfectly horizontal in both directions. A tilted deck causes uneven tracking force and biased anti-skate.
Disable the anti-skate. Turn the anti-skate dial to zero. This prevents it from interfering while you set the tracking force.
Set the counterweight to zero. With the tonearm unlocked and the cueing lever down, gently rotate the counterweight (the weight at the back of the arm) until the tonearm floats horizontally. It should hover just above the platter without touching. This is the zero-balance point.
Zero the dial. If your counterweight has a numbered dial, rotate only the dial (not the weight) so that “0” aligns with the reference mark on the tonearm. Now the scale reads zero.
Apply the recommended tracking force. Check your cartridge manual for the recommended force (usually between 1.5 and 2.5 grams). Rotate the entire counterweight (the weight and dial together) clockwise to add force. For example, if the recommended force is 2.0 grams, turn until the dial reads “2.0” at the reference mark.
Verify with a gauge. Place the stylus force gauge on the platter, lower the cueing lever so the stylus rests on the gauge’s measuring pad, and read the value. Adjust the counterweight until the gauge matches the recommended force. If you don’t have a gauge, trust the dial but know it may be slightly off.
Set anti-skate. Turn the anti-skate dial to the same number as your tracking force (e.g., 2.0 if tracking force is 2.0 grams). This is a standard starting point. Some cartridges with a higher compliance may need slightly less, and lower compliance may need slightly more.
Re-check and fine-tune. After setting anti-skate, re-check the tracking force with the gauge. Anti-skate can subtly change the effective tracking force. Adjust if needed, then re-set anti-skate to match.
Test with a record. Play a record with a loud, complex passage (like a symphony or a bass-heavy track). Listen for distortion, sibilance (exaggerated “s” sounds), or skipping. If the stylus skips outward, increase anti-skate slightly. If it skips inward or distorts, reduce anti-skate.

Common Mistakes

Setting anti-skate before zero-balancing. Anti-skate pulls the tonearm, so it will give a false zero balance. Always set it to zero first.
Using the dial without a gauge. The counterweight dial is often inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances. A $20 digital gauge is worth it.
Forgetting to re-check after anti-skate. Anti-skate can change the effective tracking force by 0.1-0.2 grams. Always re-verify.
Setting anti-skate too high. This can cause the stylus to ride the inner groove wall, leading to channel imbalance and distortion.
Ignoring the cartridge’s recommended range. Overweight tracking force damages records; underweight causes mistracking.

Tips

Use a digital gauge for accuracy. Mechanical gauges are fine but harder to read precisely.
When zero-balancing, make sure the tonearm is free to move and the cueing lever is fully down (not raised).
If your turntable has a removable headshell, you can adjust the counterweight with the headshell off, but reattach it before final checking.
For most modern cartridges, the recommended tracking force is a range (e.g., 1.8-2.2g). Start at the middle and adjust by ear.
Clean the stylus before testing. A dirty stylus can cause skipping that is not related to tracking force.

Troubleshooting

Stylus skips on loud passages. Increase tracking force slightly (within the recommended range) and increase anti-skate proportionally. If it still skips, the cartridge may be worn or the record damaged.
Distortion on one channel only. This often indicates anti-skate is too high. Reduce anti-skate by 0.2g and test again.
Stylus drifts outward (toward the edge). Anti-skate is too low. Increase it in small increments.
Stylus drifts inward (toward the center) even with anti-skate at zero. The tonearm bearings may be worn or the arm is not balanced correctly. Re-check the zero balance.
Gauge reads differently than the dial. Trust the gauge. The dial is a rough guide; the gauge is the truth.
No change after adjusting anti-skate. Some turntables have anti-skate that only works when the cueing lever is down. Make sure the lever is fully down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if tracking force is too high?

Excessive tracking force can cause the stylus to dig into the groove, accelerating record wear and potentially damaging the cantilever. It also increases distortion and may cause the stylus to bottom out on the record surface.

What happens if tracking force is too low?

Too little force means the stylus may not stay in the groove, causing mistracking, skipping, and distortion, especially on loud passages. It can also cause the stylus to jump outward.

Can I use a penny on the headshell instead of a gauge?

No. A penny adds roughly 2.5 grams, which is far too much and will damage your records. Always use a proper gauge.

Does anti-skate need to match tracking force exactly?

It’s a good starting point, but not always exact. Cartridge compliance, stylus shape, and tonearm geometry can require slight adjustments. Use the matching value as a baseline, then fine-tune by ear.

How often should I check tracking force?

Check it whenever you move the turntable, change cartridges, or notice any playback issues. It’s also wise to check every few months as the suspension of the cartridge can settle.

Is anti-skate necessary for all turntables?

Most modern turntables have anti-skate, and it is necessary to counteract the inward pull caused by the tonearm’s pivot geometry. Without it, the stylus will wear the inner groove wall more, causing channel imbalance.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.