A clamping device for clamping a workpiece or a tool or a tool holder to a machine component of a machine tool, having an axially movable tension rod, a clamping assembly which can be moved by the tension rod between a clamped position and a released position, a spring assembly dedicated to the tension rod with a plurality of series-connected spring units for generating the clamping and draw-in force of the clamping assembly, and a releasing unit by which the clamping assembly can be moved by the tension rod against the force of the spring assembly into the released position. To ensure the most uniform load possible, the axial spring deflection of the spring units is limited by a stop when the spring assembly is compressed.