3-Point Saddle Bend
45° Center Saddle Bend
Everything for a 45 degree 3-point saddle: the center-to-outer multiplier, the shrink, a worked example, and the calculator, all from the same math your bender uses.
The 45° Saddle Numbers
| Center bend / outer bends | 45° / 22.5° |
| Center-to-outer multiplier (field / exact) | 2.5 / 2.61 |
| Shrink per inch of depth | 3/16″ (0.1875″) |
| 3″ saddle: center to each outer mark | 7.84″ |
| 3″ saddle: shrink to shift the center | 0.56″ |
Distance from center to each outer mark = saddle depth × 2.5. Shrink = depth × 3/16″. Center bend 45 degrees, both outer bends 22.5 degrees.
Calculate Your 45° Saddle
Choose the 3-point saddle mode, set the center angle to 45°, and enter your saddle depth for the exact mark spacing and shrink.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the multiplier for a 45 degree saddle?
The center-to-outer multiplier for a 45 degree 3-point saddle is 2.5 (the exact value is 1/sin(22.5 degrees) = 2.61). The center bend is the full 45 degrees and the two outer bends are half that, 22.5 degrees. Multiply the saddle depth by 2.5 to get the distance from the center mark to each outer mark. For a 3 inch saddle that is 3 x 2.5 = 7.84 inches.
How much does a 45 degree saddle shrink?
A 45 degree saddle shrinks 3/16 inch for every inch of saddle depth. A 3 inch saddle shrinks about 0.56 inches, so shift the center mark toward the free end by that amount before bending so the saddle lands centered over the obstruction.
How do you bend a 45 degree 3-point saddle?
Find the center of the obstruction and mark it on the conduit, then shift that mark 0.56 inches (the shrink for a 3 inch saddle) toward the free end. Bend the center mark to the full 45 degrees. Measure 7.84 inches (for a 3 inch saddle) to each side of the center and mark the outer bends. Rotate the conduit 180 degrees and bend each outer mark to 22.5 degrees. The three bends lift the conduit up and back down over the obstruction.
When should I use a 45 degree saddle?
The 45 degree saddle is the everyday choice, and the 45 degree saddle is the one most electricians memorize (field multiplier 2.5). The center bends 45 degrees with 22.5 degree outer bends, balancing a close mark spacing against an easy wire pull. Use it for most pipes and small obstructions.
Other Saddle Angles
30° Center Saddle
Multiplier 3.9, shrink 1/8″ per inch, 15° outer bends.
60° Center Saddle
Multiplier 2, shrink 1/4″ per inch, 30° outer bends.
22.5° Center Saddle
Multiplier 5.1, shrink 3/32″ per inch, 11.25° outer bends.
Saddle Calculator + All Angles
3-point and 4-point saddle marks, multipliers, and shrink with the calculator.