Abstract: A point load sensor measures compressive forces exerted on the outside of a ring in diametric compression irrespective of the direction of application of the force. The sensor consists of a ring with strain gauges placed in a configuration to measure the circumferential strain at two positions on the ring ninety degrees apart resulting from bending of the ring as the ring is loaded in diametric compression. The two measurements are corrected and combined to recover the compressive force on the ring. A method for calibrating and resolving the compressive force does not require the angle of loading or sensor orientation as an input, thus allowing resolution irrespective of the direction of the compressive force.