Magnet strength or power is determined by measuring the density of the
magnetic flux lines. On the external surface of a magnet the magnetic field is the strongest at the north and south poles. This is where the magnetic flux lines are the closest together.
The instrument used to measure the strength of magnets or their magnetic fields are called gaussmeters or magnetometers.
The unit of measurement most commonly used is gauss, named after a German astronomer and mathematician by the name of Carl Friedrich Gauss.
Gauss measures the density of the magnetic flux lines. The more magnetic flux lines per square centimeter, the more powerful the magnet, hence a higher gauss rating.
Another unit that measures magnetic flux line density is tesla, named after Nikola Tesla, who invented the alternating-current (AC) electrical system. (10,000 gauss equals 1 tesla).
There are two types of gauss ratings – internal and external (surface). Manufacturers measure and assign a manufacturer gauss rating which is typically the internal strength of the magnet.
The surface gauss rating, gives the strength at the external surface of the magnet. The surface gauss rating is usually much less than the internal gauss rating which is measured at the center of the magnet, where the magnetic field is the strongest. Sometimes the manufacturer will specify if the rating applies to the surface of the magnet.
When selecting a biomagnet (healing magnet), for the use of magnet therapy, it is the surface gauss rating we should be concerned with. We list the surface gauss rating in our magnetic therapy product descriptions.
How much magnetism is needed to benefit?
