3-point saddle calculator
Enter the height of the pipe or obstruction and the distance to its center. You get all three marks and the shrink.
Trade math for EMT benders · Free, no sign-up · Updated October 2026
Result
Marks 17.06 in. · 24.56 in. · 32.06 in. · shrink 0.56 in.
How it was calculated
- center-to-outer distance = 3 in. × 2.5 = 7.5 in.
- shrink = 3 in. × 3/16 = 0.56 in.
- center bend mark = obstacle distance + shrink = 24 + 0.56 = 24.56 in.
- outer bend marks = 24.56 ± 7.5 in.
- Pull the center bend at 45°, then flip the conduit 180° and pull each outer bend at 22.5°.
Assumptions
- Standard 3-bend saddle with a 45° center bend and two 22.5° outer bends.
- Center-to-outer distance approximated as 2.5 × rise (trade rule of thumb).
- Shrink approximated as 3/16 in. per inch of rise.
- Measurements are from the reference (e.g., end of conduit or box) along the conduit.
Basis
This is trade math, not an NEC rule. Check the marks on your own bender before you bend.
The 45° saddle rule of thumb
The standard 3-point saddle uses a 45° center bend and two 22.5° outer bends. Two numbers do most of the work:
- Outer marks: 2.5 × the obstruction height on each side of the center mark.
- Shrink: 3/16 in. for each inch of obstruction height.
Add the shrink to the distance to the obstruction's center to place the center mark. Then measure the outer marks from it.
How to bend it
- Put the center mark at the bender's saddle or notch mark, not the arrow, and bend 45°.
- Roll the conduit 180°. Slide it so the first outer mark is at the arrow, and bend 22.5°.
- Do the same on the other outer mark.
- Check that the saddle crosses the obstruction and all three bends are in one plane.
Bender markings vary. Some use the arrow for the outer bends and a teardrop or rim notch for the center. Check yours.
When to use a 4-point saddle instead
A 3-point saddle is for round obstructions like a pipe. For something wide and flat, like a duct or beam, use a 4-point saddle, which is two offsets.
Need every multiplier and take-up in one place? Open the conduit bending cheat sheet.
Worked example
Saddling a 3 in. pipe whose center is 24 in. from the end of the conduit:
- Obstacle height (in.): 3
- Distance to obstacle center (in.): 24
- Center bend angle: 45° center (standard)
Result
Marks 17.06 in. · 24.56 in. · 32.06 in. · shrink 0.56 in.
How it was calculated
- center-to-outer distance = 3 in. × 2.5 = 7.5 in.
- shrink = 3 in. × 3/16 = 0.56 in.
- center bend mark = obstacle distance + shrink = 24 + 0.56 = 24.56 in.
- outer bend marks = 24.56 ± 7.5 in.
- Pull the center bend at 45°, then flip the conduit 180° and pull each outer bend at 22.5°.
Assumptions
- Standard 3-bend saddle with a 45° center bend and two 22.5° outer bends.
- Center-to-outer distance approximated as 2.5 × rise (trade rule of thumb).
- Shrink approximated as 3/16 in. per inch of rise.
- Measurements are from the reference (e.g., end of conduit or box) along the conduit.
Basis
This is trade math, not an NEC rule. Check the marks on your own bender before you bend.
Questions electricians ask
What is the multiplier for a 3-point saddle?
For a 45° center with 22.5° outer bends, the outer marks go 2.5 × the obstruction height from the center mark. The shrink is 3/16 in. per inch of height.
Where do I put the center mark?
At the distance to the center of the obstruction plus the shrink. Line it up with the saddle mark on your bender for the 45° bend.
How many degrees is a 3-point saddle?
90° total: 45° in the center and 22.5° on each side. That counts toward the 360° limit between pull points.
Practice it hands-on
Mark, bend, and strap 1/2 in. EMT with a hand bender, and keep every run at 360 degrees or less between pull points.
Teach it in one class
Free slides, quiz, and instructor note: Conduit bending (NEC 2026 Articles 344, 352, and 358).
How this calculator was built
The bending math is standard trigonometry, and it runs the same code as the Ask Shorty iPhone app. Automated tests check every calculator against hand-worked answers. Bender marks and take-up vary by manufacturer, so check yours.
How we test the calculators. See something wrong? Tell us and we will check it against the code.
Related calculators
- 4-point saddleFour marks to cross a wide obstruction like a duct or beam.
- Offset bendDistance between bends and shrink for any offset.
- 90° stub-upWhere to mark the EMT for a stub at the height you need.
Have a code question the calculator doesn’t cover?
Ask Shorty in plain English. You get a straight answer with the NEC 2026 section it came from.