Key Takeaways
- A 4 point saddle bend uses four bends (two offset pairs) to route conduit over a wide obstruction with a flat section across the top.
- It's essentially two offset bends back-to-back. The first offset lifts the conduit up, the second brings it back down.
- Total shrink is double a single offset: at 30 degrees, total shrink = obstruction height x 1/2". At 22.5 degrees, total shrink = obstruction height x 3/8".
- Use the 4-Point Saddle Calculator to get exact mark locations, travel, and shrink for any obstruction.
A junction box sits right in the middle of your conduit run. It's 8 inches wide and 4 inches tall. A 3-point saddle won't work here because it peaks at a single point. You need the conduit to go up, run flat across the top of the box, and come back down. That's a 4 point saddle bend.
The four point saddle is one of the more intimidating bends for apprentices, but it's really just two offsets placed back-to-back. Once you understand offset bends, you already know 90% of what you need. This guide walks through the formula, two worked examples, and the field tips that keep your saddles clean and your conduit in plane.
Watch: Four Point Saddle Bend with Multipliers
What Is a 4-Point Saddle Bend?
A four point saddle uses four bends to route conduit over an obstruction. Bends 1 and 2 form the first offset, lifting the conduit up to the height of the obstruction. Bends 3 and 4 form the second offset, bringing it back down to the original run line. Between bends 2 and 3, the conduit runs flat across the top of the obstruction.
All four bends use the same angle. The most common choices are 22.5 degrees and 30 degrees. Unlike a 3-point saddle where the center bend is double the outer bends, a 4-point saddle keeps every bend identical. That makes it simpler to execute once your marks are in place.
The key advantage over a 3-point saddle is that flat section. When the obstruction is wide (a cable tray, a junction box, rectangular ductwork), you need the conduit to clear the entire width. A 3-point saddle peaks at a single point and comes right back down. A 4-point saddle gives you the horizontal clearance for wide obstacles. According to EC&M's conduit bending tips, you should use a four-bend saddle any time the obstruction measures 6 inches or more across.
The 4-Point Saddle Formula
Because a four point saddle conduit bend is two offsets, the math uses the same multiplier and shrink values you already know from offset bends. You just apply them twice.
Travel Distance (Marks 1-2 and Marks 3-4)
Travel is the distance between the two marks of each offset pair. The formula is:
Travel = Obstruction Height x Multiplier
The multiplier depends on your bend angle: 1/sin(angle). At 30 degrees, it's 2. At 22.5 degrees, it's 2.613.
Flat Section (Marks 2-3)
This is the distance between the two middle bends. It equals the width of the obstruction you need to clear. Measure the obstruction at its widest point and add a small buffer (1/4" to 1/2") so the conduit doesn't rub.
Total Shrink
Each offset produces shrink. Since you have two offsets, the total shrink is doubled:
Total Shrink = Obstruction Height x Shrink per Inch x 2
Add the total shrink to your first mark distance from the end of the conduit. This keeps the saddle centered on the obstruction.
Multiplier and Shrink Values by Angle
| Bend Angle | Multiplier | Shrink per Inch (single offset) | Total Shrink per Inch (4-point saddle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5° | 2.613 | 3/16" | 3/8" |
| 30° | 2.000 | 1/4" | 1/2" |
| 45° | 1.414 | 3/8" | 3/4" |
| 60° | 1.155 | 1/2" | 1" |
Most electricians default to 30 degrees for 4-point saddles because the 2x multiplier makes the math easy in the field. The 22.5-degree option produces a gentler transition that's easier on wire pulls, but the travel distances get long on bigger obstructions.
Worked Example 1: 30-Degree 4-Point Saddle
You're running 3/4" EMT along a wall. A junction box sits in your path. It's 4 inches tall and 8 inches wide. The near edge of the box is 36 inches from the end of the conduit. You'll use 30-degree bends.
Step 1: Gather your values
- Obstruction height: 4"
- Obstruction width: 8"
- Distance to near edge of obstruction: 36"
- Bend angle: 30 degrees
- Multiplier: 2.000
- Shrink per inch (single offset): 1/4"
Step 2: Calculate total shrink
Total shrink = 4" x 1/4" x 2 = 2"
Step 3: Calculate travel distance
Travel = 4" x 2.000 = 8"
This is the distance between marks 1 and 2, and also between marks 3 and 4.
Step 4: Place all four marks
- Mark 1: 36" + 2" (total shrink) = 38" from the end of the conduit
- Mark 2: 38" + 8" (travel) = 46" from the end
- Mark 3: 46" + 8" (obstruction width) = 54" from the end
- Mark 4: 54" + 8" (travel) = 62" from the end
Step 5: Make the bends
- Place the bender arrow on mark 1. Bend to 30 degrees.
- Flip the conduit 180 degrees. Place the arrow on mark 2. Bend to 30 degrees in the opposite direction. The conduit now has a 4-inch offset (the first half of the saddle).
- Align mark 3 on the arrow. Bend to 30 degrees in the same direction as mark 2.
- Flip 180 degrees. Place the arrow on mark 4. Bend to 30 degrees. The conduit now returns to its original plane.
Check the finished saddle on a flat surface. Both ends should sit flat with the raised section clearing the 4-inch-tall, 8-inch-wide box.
Worked Example 2: 22.5-Degree 4-Point Saddle
Same scenario, different angle. You've got a cable tray that's 3 inches tall and 12 inches wide. The near edge is 48 inches from the end of the conduit. You want a gentle 22.5-degree saddle for easier wire pulling.
Step 1: Gather your values
- Obstruction height: 3"
- Obstruction width: 12"
- Distance to near edge: 48"
- Bend angle: 22.5 degrees
- Multiplier: 2.613
- Shrink per inch (single offset): 3/16"
Step 2: Calculate total shrink
Total shrink = 3" x 3/16" x 2 = 18/16" = 1-1/8"
Step 3: Calculate travel distance
Travel = 3" x 2.613 = 7.839", which rounds to 7-7/8"
Step 4: Place all four marks
- Mark 1: 48" + 1-1/8" = 49-1/8" from the end
- Mark 2: 49-1/8" + 7-7/8" = 57" from the end
- Mark 3: 57" + 12" = 69" from the end
- Mark 4: 69" + 7-7/8" = 76-7/8" from the end
Step 5: Make the bends
- Arrow on mark 1. Bend to 22.5 degrees.
- Flip 180. Arrow on mark 2. Bend to 22.5 degrees opposite.
- Arrow on mark 3. Bend to 22.5 degrees matching mark 2.
- Flip 180. Arrow on mark 4. Bend to 22.5 degrees.
The flat section measures 12 inches, clearing the cable tray with room to spare. Both ends return to the original run line.
3-Point Saddle vs 4-Point Saddle: When to Use Each
This is one of the most common questions apprentices ask, and the answer comes down to the shape of the obstruction. Here's a direct comparison.
| Feature | 3-Point Saddle | 4-Point Saddle |
|---|---|---|
| Number of bends | 3 | 4 |
| Profile shape | Peaked (triangle) | Flat top (trapezoid) |
| Best for | Round, narrow obstructions (pipes, conduit) | Wide, flat obstructions (boxes, trays, ductwork) |
| Obstruction width | Under 6" | 6" and wider |
| Bend angles | Center bend at full angle, outers at half | All four bends at the same angle |
| Total shrink | Single shrink calculation | Double shrink (two offsets) |
| NEC bend degrees used (at 30°) | 60° total (30 + 15 + 15) | 120° total (30 + 30 + 30 + 30) |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Moderate (more marks, simpler angles) |
If the obstruction is a single pipe crossing your run, a 3-point saddle is faster and uses fewer degrees of your NEC 360-degree allowance. If the obstruction has width to it (anything over about 6 inches), the 4-point saddle is the right call. Trying to clear a wide box with a 3-point saddle will leave the conduit rubbing on the edges.
How to Do This in the Conduit Bending App
Marking a 4-point saddle involves more arithmetic than most bends. Four marks, two shrink calculations, and an obstruction width measurement all have to line up. Conduit Bending handles all of it.
Open the Conduit Bending app and select the 4-Point Saddle calculator. Enter the obstruction height, the obstruction width, and your bend angle. The app returns:
- All four mark locations from the end of the conduit
- Travel distance for each offset pair
- Total shrink (already factored into the mark positions)
- Flat section length
- Total bend degrees consumed
The app supports EMT, IMC, and rigid conduit from 1/2" to 4", with bender-specific data for every size. You can also try the free online 4-Point Saddle Calculator right in your browser.
Choosing the Right Bend Angle
The bend angle you pick affects three things: how much conduit the saddle consumes along the run, how much shrink you need to compensate for, and how many of your NEC-allowed 360 degrees the saddle eats up. Here's the practical breakdown based on guidance from EC&M's bending fundamentals.
| Bend Angle | Best For | NEC Degrees Used | Total Shrink Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22.5° | Long runs, easy wire pulls | 90° (4 x 22.5°) | 3/8" per inch of height |
| 30° | Most common, easiest math | 120° (4 x 30°) | 1/2" per inch of height |
| 45° | Tight spaces, compact saddles | 180° (4 x 45°) | 3/4" per inch of height |
| 60° | Very tight spaces (rarely used) | 240° (4 x 60°) | 1" per inch of height |
Notice how a 45-degree 4-point saddle uses 180 degrees, which is half your total NEC allowance between pull points. If the run has any other bends (offsets, 90s), you could exceed the NEC (NFPA 70) 360-degree limit quickly. That's why 22.5 and 30 degrees are the standard choices for 4-point saddles in the field.
Common Mistakes
The 4-point saddle has more marks and more bends than most conduit operations, which means more chances for errors. Watch out for these.
- Forgetting to double the shrink: A single offset at 30 degrees has shrink of 1/4" per inch. A 4-point saddle at 30 degrees has total shrink of 1/2" per inch because there are two offsets. If you only account for single shrink, your saddle lands off-center. This is the most common 4-point saddle mistake.
- Bending in the wrong sequence or direction: The four bends alternate direction. Marks 1 and 4 bend one way; marks 2 and 3 bend the other way. If you lose track and bend a mark in the wrong direction, you'll end up with a corkscrew instead of a saddle. Number your marks 1 through 4 and write the bend direction next to each one.
- Not keeping all four bends in the same plane: If the conduit rotates between bends, the saddle twists. As noted in Mike Holt's hand bending guide, draw a pencil line along the full length of the conduit and girdle each mark 360 degrees so the reference stays visible no matter how you rotate the pipe in the bender.
- Measuring obstruction width too tight: If you set the flat section (marks 2 to 3) exactly equal to the obstruction width, the conduit will rub the edges of the box. Add 1/4" to 1/2" of clearance on each side.
- Using too steep an angle: A 45-degree 4-point saddle consumes 180 degrees. Add a couple of 90s on the same run and you've blown past the NEC 360-degree limit. Stick to 22.5 or 30 degrees unless you have a very short run with no other bends.
- Overbending and trying to correct: If you overshoot on any of the four bends, don't try to bend it back. Reverse-bending weakens the conduit wall and creates visible kinks. Cut a new piece and start over. Conduit is cheaper than callbacks.
Quick Reference: 4-Point Saddle Values
Use this table to look up travel and total shrink for common obstruction heights at the two most-used 4-point saddle angles. Keep it handy on the job.
| Obstruction Height | 22.5° Travel / Total Shrink | 30° Travel / Total Shrink |
|---|---|---|
| 1" | 2-5/8" / 3/8" | 2" / 1/2" |
| 2" | 5-1/4" / 3/4" | 4" / 1" |
| 3" | 7-7/8" / 1-1/8" | 6" / 1-1/2" |
| 4" | 10-1/2" / 1-1/2" | 8" / 2" |
| 5" | 13-1/16" / 1-7/8" | 10" / 2-1/2" |
| 6" | 15-11/16" / 2-1/4" | 12" / 3" |
For obstruction heights not listed here, use the 4-Point Saddle Calculator or the Conduit Shrink Calculator for exact values. The conduit fill chart is also worth checking before you start bending, especially on runs with multiple saddles where wire fill gets tight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a 3-point saddle and a 4-point saddle?
A 3-point saddle uses three bends (one center bend and two outer bends at half the angle) to create a peaked bump over an obstruction. A 4-point saddle uses four bends (two offset pairs at equal angles) to create a flat, raised section that clears the obstruction with a level run across the top. Use a 3-point saddle for round obstructions like pipes. Use a 4-point saddle for wide, flat obstructions like junction boxes, cable trays, or ductwork.
What angles should I use for a 4-point saddle bend?
The most common angle for a 4-point saddle is 22.5 degrees or 30 degrees. All four bends use the same angle. A 22.5-degree bend creates a gentler transition with less shrink but takes more space along the conduit run. A 30-degree bend is more compact and uses the easy-to-remember 2x multiplier. For tight spaces, 45 degrees works but consumes more of your 360-degree NEC bend allowance.
How do you calculate shrink for a 4-point saddle?
A 4-point saddle has two offsets, so the total shrink is double what a single offset would produce. Multiply the obstruction height by the shrink-per-inch value for your bend angle, then multiply by 2. At 30 degrees, total shrink equals the obstruction height times 1/2 inch. At 22.5 degrees, it is the obstruction height times 3/8 inch. Add this total shrink to your first mark measurement from the end of the conduit.
How far apart should the marks be on a 4-point saddle?
A 4-point saddle has three spacing measurements. The distance from mark 1 to mark 2 (and from mark 3 to mark 4) equals the obstruction height times the multiplier for your bend angle. At 30 degrees the multiplier is 2, at 22.5 degrees it is 2.613. The distance from mark 2 to mark 3 is the width of the obstruction you need to clear. This flat section is what distinguishes the 4-point saddle from a 3-point saddle.
When should I use a 4-point saddle instead of a 3-point saddle?
Use a 4-point saddle when the obstruction is wider than about 6 inches or has a flat top surface, such as junction boxes, cable trays, rectangular ductwork, or multiple grouped pipes. The flat section between the two middle bends lets the conduit run level across the top. A 3-point saddle works better for narrow, round obstructions like a single pipe crossing your conduit path.
