The paper concerns the computations of mast guys taking into account both geometric and physical nonlinearities. Experimental studies have been conducted, the aim of which was to determine σ - ε (stress – deformation) relation for steel rope and to determine the value of modulus of elasticity after its pre-stretching. Results of the research were used to create appropriate computational cable models within the elastic and inelastic range in SOFiSTiK software, based on FEM. The computational cable models were then used to perform parametric analyses of single cables with horizontal and diagonal chords and computations of a lattice guyed mast. The computational single cables results obtained in the SOFiSTiK software were confronted with the results obtained by the analytical method, based on the cable equation. The FEM analyses performed for single cables have proven usefulness of presented analytical procedure for computation of structures with cable elements (e.g. guyed masts) taking into account both the geometric and physical nonlinearity of the cables. It has been shown that while using steel ropes without pre-stretching, permanent deformations in the cables may occur, which affect the shape of the cable and may significantly reduce values of forces in the cables. This phenomenon can be particularly dangerous in the case of guyed masts, as it may affect the reduction in rigidity of the mast structure.