Abstract The test geometry of the DSR has been mathematically modeled to provide an adequate description of the strain (and stress) distribution within a test specimen. The consideration of three separate deformation regions were required. Two of these regions, not considered in previous models, contribute 27% to 59% (depending upon the user-selectable closure height) of the total measured torque exerted on the DSR rotor. The utility of this model has been demonstrated by the agreement between the stress relaxation data obtained by converting the DSR relaxing torque measurements, using the modeled form factor, and data obtained with a uniform-strain-deformation instrument (RMS with cone and plate fixture) for four elastomer samples. Furthermore, the transformation of the converted DSR stress relaxation data to the frequency domain revealed good agreement with the frequency-dependent shear loss and storage moduli and complex viscosity obtained from RMS oscillatory experiments.