4-Point Saddle Bend Calculator
Calculate four-point saddle marks and a simple bending sequence for crossing a wider obstruction. New here? Read the quick guide.
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Conduit saddle inputs
Configure the four-point saddle
Calculated field marks
Measure every mark from START
Formula breakdown
Each offset travel: 2 ÷ sin(30°) = 4.000 in
Horizontal approach: 2 ÷ tan(30°) = 3.464 in
Occupied span: (4.000 × 2) + 8 = 16.000 in
How to mark and bend this configuration
Field instructions
Four-point saddle
Choose one conduit end as START. Measure every mark from that same end. The mark numbers below are the bending sequence, not their left-to-right order on the conduit.
- Mark 1 from START
- 17.04 in (17 1/16 in)
- Mark 2 from START
- 21.04 in (21 1/16 in)
- Mark 3 from START
- 29.04 in (29 1/16 in)
- Mark 4 from START
- 33.04 in (33 1/16 in)
- 1Choose and label the START end.
Lay the conduit in its installation direction and mark one end START. Measure all four marks from this end.
- 2Mark the four calculated locations.
From START, make Mark 1 at 17.04 in (17 1/16 in), Mark 2 at 21.04 in (21 1/16 in), Mark 3 at 29.04 in (29 1/16 in), and Mark 4 at 33.04 in (33 1/16 in). Draw each line completely across the conduit.
- 3Bend Mark 1 to 30°.
Align the bender arrow with Mark 1 and make the first bend toward the obstruction.
Reference: arrow • First direction • Target: 30° - 4Rotate the conduit and bend Mark 2.
Rotate the conduit 180° around its long axis, keep the saddle plane indexed, align the arrow with Mark 2, and bend to 30° so the conduit becomes level over the obstruction.
- 5Bend Mark 3 to begin returning.
Keep the level crossing in the same plane. Align the arrow with Mark 3 and bend to 30° toward the original conduit line.
- 6Rotate the conduit and bend Mark 4.
Rotate the conduit 180° without changing the indexed plane. Align the arrow with Mark 4 and make the final 30° bend.
- 7Check the finished saddle.
Both ends should be parallel and on the original line, the middle crossing should be level, and all four bends should remain in one plane without a dogleg.
Calculated field layout
Four-point saddle
The diagram responds to the selected bend angle and obstruction dimensions. It preserves the calculated field layout; verify the actual bender before bending.
Export this saddle calculation
Create a field worksheet containing the project details, conduit, obstruction geometry, mark sequence, formulas, calculated diagram, and manufacturer-neutral verification notes.
Four-point saddle guidance
Plan two offsets around a wider obstruction
The level middle section uses the entered obstruction width. Add practical side clearance where fittings, insulation, or field tolerances require it.
When should I use a four-bend saddle?
A four-bend saddle is useful for a wider obstruction because it creates two equal offsets with a level section between them.
How is four-bend saddle spacing calculated?
Each offset travel is the obstruction height divided by the sine of the selected angle. The middle marks are separated by the entered obstruction width.
Are the marks exact for every bender?
They are centerline planning marks. Verify bender radius, take-up or gain method, conduit springback, and clearance using the actual tool and job conditions.
Review assumptions on the methodology page.