3-Point Saddle Bend Calculator
Calculate three-point saddle marks and a simple bending sequence for crossing a narrow obstruction. New here? Read the quick guide.
Project details (optional)Add details
Conduit saddle inputs
Configure the three-point saddle
Calculated field marks
Measure every mark from START
Formula breakdown
Return angle: 45° ÷ 2 = 22.5°
Each outer mark from center: 2 × 2.5 = 5.000 in
Published shrink: 2 × 3/16 = 0.375 in
How to mark and bend this configuration
Field instructions
Three-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
- 20.38 in (20 3/8 in)
- Mark 2 from START
- 15.38 in (15 3/8 in)
- Mark 3 from START
- 25.38 in (25 3/8 in)
- 1Choose and label the START end.
Lay the conduit in its installation direction and mark one end START. Do not switch ends while measuring.
- 2Locate the obstruction center.
Measure 20.00 in (20 in) from START. This is where the obstruction is centered; the calculated center-bend mark includes the published shrink allowance.
- 3Make Mark 1 at 20.38 in (20 3/8 in).
Measure from START and draw a clear line across the conduit. This is the center bend and it is made first.
- 4Make Mark 2 at 15.38 in (15 3/8 in).
Measure from START again. This return mark may be physically before Mark 1, even though it is bent second.
- 5Make Mark 3 at 25.38 in (25 3/8 in).
Measure from START again. Confirm Marks 2 and 3 are equally spaced on opposite sides of Mark 1.
- 6Bend Mark 1 to 45°.
Align the bender's center-of-bend rim/notch with Mark 1. Make the center bend in the first direction and stop at 45°.
Reference: center-of-bend mark • First bend direction • Target: 45° - 7Bend Mark 2 to 22.5° in the opposite direction.
Align the bender arrow with Mark 2. Reverse the bend direction so this leg begins returning toward the original conduit line.
Reference: arrow • Opposite direction • Target: 22.5° - 8Rotate the conduit and bend Mark 3.
Rotate the conduit 180° around its long axis without losing the saddle plane. Align the bender arrow with Mark 3 and bend to 22.5°.
Reference: arrow • Opposite direction • Target: 22.5° - 9Check the finished saddle.
Set the conduit on a flat reference. Both ends should lie on the original line without a dogleg, and the saddle should clear the obstruction at its center. Correct or remake it if the measurements do not match.
Calculated field layout
Three-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.
Three-point saddle guidance
Bridge a narrow obstruction and return to the original run
This calculator follows the published 45° and 60° center-bend saddle tables. All three marks are measured from the same conduit end.
How are three-bend saddle marks calculated?
For a 45-degree center bend, the return bends are 22.5 degrees, each outside mark is 2.5 times the obstruction height from center, and shrink is 3/16 inch per inch of rise. For a 60-degree center bend, return bends are 30 degrees, marks are 2 times the height from center, and shrink is 1/4 inch per inch.
Where is the center mark placed?
Measure to the obstruction center and add the published saddle shrink. Place the two return marks the calculated equal distance on either side of that center mark.
Does the calculator replace bender instructions?
No. Verify the center-of-bend notch, arrow, shoe radius, conduit compatibility, springback, and field clearance using the exact bender instructions.
Review the source method on the methodology page.