A new magnetostrictive force sensor is presented and its operation is verified experimentally. The sensor has a single excitation coil and a single detection coil, which utilize the magnetostrictive effect. The cores of the coils function as ‘‘spring elements’’ of the sensor, and are linked together by rigid end plates. The magnetostrictive force sensor is compensated for asymmetric magnetostrictive behavior, and measures both tensile and compressive forces. Force sensitivity increases with excitation current and coil turns, but is less influenced by excitation frequency.