Conduit Bending Calculator
Calculate offset bends, 3-point saddles, 90° stub-ups with take-up, and back-to-back bends for EMT and RMC conduit. Get mark positions, distances, and shrinkage values.
- 100% free
- Offset bends
- Saddle bends
- Take-up values
Conduit bending
Standard bending formulas
Formula
Offset dist = Height / sin(θ)
- Bend types
- 4 types
- Sizes
- ½" – 2"
- Output
- Marks + in
- Shrinkage
- Included
Bend configuration
Set up your bend
Take-up values are approximate for standard hand benders and vary by manufacturer. Always verify with your bender's built-in markings and the manufacturer's take-up chart. This is a planning aid — not a substitute for field verification.
Bend result
Offset bend
Distance between marks
8.000 in
- Offset height
- 4.000 in
- Bend angle
- 30°
- Multiplier (1/sin θ)
- 2.0000
- Distance between marks
- 8.000 in
- Shrinkage
- 1.072 in
How to bend
Make first bend at mark 1. Slide conduit forward by 8.00", rotate 180°, and make second bend at mark 2. Total conduit shortened by 1.07".
Safety & accuracy notice
This conduit bending calculator is a planning aid only. It is not engineering, a permit, or design approval, and it is not legal or code certification. Take-up values are approximate and vary by bender manufacturer.
Always verify bend measurements against your specific bender's markings and take-up chart, equipment listings and manufacturer instructions, and your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction — the inspector or department that enforces the code).
Conduit bending FAQ
What is the formula for a conduit offset bend?
An offset uses two equal bends at angle θ. The distance between bends (center-to-center) is Offset Height ÷ sin(θ). The shrinkage (amount the conduit shortens) is Offset Height × tan(θ/2). Common angles are 30°, 45°, and 60°. The multiplier for distance between bends is 2.0 for 30°, 1.414 for 45°, and 1.155 for 60°.
What is a saddle bend and how is it calculated?
A 3-point saddle uses three bends to go over an obstacle: two outer bends at one angle and a center bend at double the angle. A common combination is 22.5° outer / 45° center. The distance from the start to the center bend mark is the obstacle distance from the reference, and the outer marks are offset by half the saddle height ÷ tan(outer angle).
What is take-up in conduit bending?
Take-up (or stub-up) is the amount the conduit shortens when making a 90° bend — it is the distance from the end of the conduit to the start of the bend (the mark on the shoe). For a ½" EMT bender it is approximately 5", for ¾" about 6", and for 1" about 8". This varies by bender manufacturer — always check your specific bender's take-up chart.
Is this calculator a substitute for engineering?
No. It is a planning aid only — not engineering, a permit, or design approval. Always verify bend measurements against your specific bender's markings and the current NEC.
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Next steps after planning your bends
Check conduit fill, size conductors, and verify voltage drop for the full run.
Size conduit trade size against NEC Chapter 9 fill limits.
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