3-Point Saddle Calculator
A 3-point saddle bend lets you route conduit over an obstruction and back to its original path using three bends. The center bend is made at the full angle while the two outer bends are each made at half that angle. Enter the obstruction height and center bend angle below to get all the values you need.
How a 3-Point Saddle Works
The center mark is placed directly over the center of the obstruction. The two outer marks are placed equal distances away from the center. The center bend is made at the full specified angle, and each outer bend is made at exactly half that angle in the opposite direction. This creates a smooth transition over the obstacle and back to the original conduit path.
Travel = Obstruction Height × Multiplier
Multiplier depends on the center bend angle (e.g. 1.414 for 45°)
Shrink Values by Angle
| Center Angle | Outer Angles | Multiplier | Shrink per Inch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5° | 11.25° | 2.613 | 3/16" |
| 30° | 15° | 2.000 | 1/4" |
| 45° | 22.5° | 1.414 | 3/8" |
| 60° | 30° | 1.155 | 1/2" |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 3-point saddle bend?
A 3-point saddle bend uses three bends to route conduit over an obstruction. The center bend is made at the full angle and the two outer bends are each made at half that angle to return the conduit to its original path.
How do I choose the center bend angle for a 3-point saddle?
The most common center angle for a 3-point saddle is 45 degrees, with 22.5-degree outer bends. For shallower obstructions you can use a 30-degree center angle, and for tighter clearances a 60-degree center angle works well. The choice depends on how much room you have and how steep you want the saddle.
How do I calculate shrink on a 3-point saddle?
Shrink on a 3-point saddle depends on the obstruction height and the center bend angle. At 45 degrees the shrink is 3/8 inch per inch of obstruction height. At 30 degrees it is 1/4 inch per inch, and at 22.5 degrees it is 3/16 inch per inch. Multiply the obstruction height by the shrink-per-inch value for your angle to get the total shrink.