Conduit Bending Calculator | Offset, Saddle & Stub-Up
Free field tool • EMT, IMC, and RMC • Offset · Saddle · 90° Stub-Up calculations
Use this free conduit bending calculator to quickly find mark distances, shrink amounts, and step-by-step instructions for 2-bend offset bends, 3-point saddle bends, and 90° stub-ups. Built for field electricians — bookmark it on your phone for instant access on the job site.
Bending Results
45° OffsetBetween Marks
8 1/2"
8.484"
Shrink Amount
2 1/4"
2.250"
First Mark From End
15 1/2"
15.52"
How to bend: Mark conduit at 15 1/2" from reference and again at 24". Place first mark in bender at 45°. Flip conduit and align second mark. Subtract 2 1/4" from total run to account for shrink.
How Conduit Offset Bending Works
An offset bend uses two equal bends in opposite directions to move conduit around an obstacle while maintaining a parallel path. The key measurements are the rise (vertical height of the offset), the spacing (distance between the two bends), and the shrink (how much the total horizontal run shortens). Calculating these accurately is essential for conduit to reach its termination point correctly.
Offset Bend Multipliers & Shrink Factors
| Bend Angle | Distance Multiplier | Shrink per Inch of Rise | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10° | 6.00 | 1/16" (0.063") | Long runs, minimal offset stress |
| 22.5° | 2.613 | 3/16" (0.188") | Shallow offsets, standard trade |
| 30° | 2.000 | 1/4" (0.250") | Common medium offsets |
| 45° | 1.414 | 3/8" (0.375") | Standard field offset (most common) |
| 60° | 1.155 | 7/16" (0.430") | Tight spaces, sharp offsets |
Distance between bends = rise × multiplier. Shrink = rise × shrink factor per inch.
90° Stub-Up Bender Deductions
For a 90° stub-up, subtract the bender deduction from the desired stub length to find where to place your mark. This accounts for the arc of the bend inside the bender.
| Conduit Size & Type | Bender Deduction |
|---|---|
| 1/2" EMT | 5/16" |
| 3/4" EMT | 1/2" |
| 1" EMT | 5/8" |
| 1-1/4" EMT | 13/16" |
| 1-1/2" EMT | 1" |
| 2" EMT | 1-1/4" |
| 1/2" RMC | 9/16" |
| 3/4" RMC | 3/4" |
| 1" RMC | 15/16" |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is conduit shrink and why does it matter?
Conduit shrink is the amount by which a conduit run shortens when an offset bend is made. When you bend conduit at an angle, the conduit takes a diagonal path rather than a straight path, which reduces the overall horizontal length. For a 45° offset with a 6-inch rise, the shrink is approximately 2.25 inches (6 × 0.375). Always subtract shrink from your measured run to ensure the conduit ends up at the correct length.
How do you calculate a conduit offset?
To calculate a conduit offset: (1) Determine the rise height (how far the conduit needs to move vertically). (2) Choose a bend angle — 30° or 45° are most common. (3) Calculate the distance between bends: rise × multiplier (e.g., 45° = 1.414, 30° = 2.0). (4) Calculate shrink: rise × shrink factor (e.g., 45° = 3/8" per inch). (5) Mark the conduit with both marks and bend each at the same angle.
What are the multipliers for conduit bending angles?
Published conduit bending multipliers (distance between bends = rise × multiplier): 10° = 6.0, 22.5° = 2.6, 30° = 2.0, 45° = 1.414, 60° = 1.155. Larger angles produce shorter spacing between bends and are used where space is limited, though they stress the conduit more.
How do you make a 3-point saddle bend?
A 3-point saddle involves three bends: two 22.5° outer bends and one 45° center bend. Mark the center of the obstruction on the conduit. Measure out from center (rise × 2.5 ÷ 2) to each side and mark. Bend 22.5° at each outer mark (bowing toward the obstruction), then bend 45° at the center (bowing away). The result is a smooth saddle over the obstacle.
What is the bender deduction for stub-up bends?
Bender deduction (also called take-up) is subtracted from your stub length to find where to place the mark on the conduit. Common deductions: 1/2" EMT = 5/16", 3/4" EMT = 1/2", 1" EMT = 5/8", 1-1/4" EMT = 13/16". For example, to make a 12-inch stub with 3/4" EMT, mark the conduit at 12" − 1/2" = 11-1/2" from the end.
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