Abstract: Disclosed is a blade tension gauge for a band saw which provides a constant reading of the magnitude of the forces that act to put tension on the blade. The band saw includes a moveable wheel, a blade, and a frame, where movement of the moveable wheel in relation to the frame tensions the blade. The blade tension gauge includes a wheel positioning assembly rigidly connected to the moveable wheel and connected to the frame to be moveable relative to the frame. A load element is positioned to receive a load existing between the wheel positioning assembly and the frame. A sensor is configured to measure the load. A display is configured to display the tension value. Also disclosed is a method for outputting the tension of the blade of a band saw.