Identify the object or system under tension
Draw a free-body diagram
List all forces acting on the object
Apply Newton’s second law
Use equilibrium conditions if the object is at rest or moving at constant velocity
Solve the resulting equations for the tension
For a hanging mass, use T = mg if stationary
For an accelerating mass, use T = m(g ± a) depending on direction
For a rope over a pulley, analyze each mass separately
For multiple ropes or angles, resolve forces into components
Check units to confirm the tension is in newtons
Verify the result is physically reasonable