Most everyone here is on the right track, but just because:
For a linear (not progressive, easily recognized by change of pitch of wind) spring, the equation for spring rate is
F= K (X2-X1)
Where:
F= Spring Force (equals zero at static length)
K= Spring Rate
X2= Compressed height
X1= Uncompressed ( or compressed less!) height
What this tells us is that the best way to measure spring rate is to apply a known force (known weight) to the spring and measure its' deflection (how much it compresses).
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