Torsion springs (1) are graded by both winding and unwinding them in a test fixture (20) having a central arbor (52a) and ledges (54,58) functionally corresponding to the use of the springs. This takes hysteresis into account. Data obtained at a known location is approximated as separate straight lines for winding and unwinding. The rotation at the predetermined base or preload torque is determined from the straight lines, and the two values are averaged. To this average value a large predetermined amount (70 degrees) of rotation is added, the torque at that value of rotation is determined from the straight lines, and the two values are averaged. The spring is graded as acceptable when that average torque is within a predetermined range.