Compression springs are the most common type of helical spring. When compressed from its free length the spring applies a resistive force. This increases at a standard rate for a standard compression with constant diameter and pitch and wire size. Shaped or tapered wires can vary form this norm.

Compression springs have a wide range of uses and are found in most mechanical applications; such as valves, actuators, suspensions and switches, to name a few. The function of a compressions spring depends on the design requirements and parameters. Compression springs are used for vibration suppression and to absorb heavy loads.