3-point saddle calculator
A three-point saddle hops a conduit over a pipe or small obstruction: a 45° bend in the middle and a 22½° bend on each side. The side marks sit 2½″ from the center for every inch of obstruction height, and the saddle shrinks 3/16″ per inch.
3-point saddle calculator
All marks measured from the end of the conduit. The center mark already includes the shrink.
The 3-point saddle formula (45° center)
Center mark = distance to center of obstruction + (height × 3/16″)
Side marks = center mark ± (height × 2½″)
These constants come straight from Klein Tools' saddle "ZIP guide": 1″ of height puts the return bends 2½″ from the center with 3/16″ of shrink, 2″ puts them 5″ away with 3/8″, and so on. Klein's steps: add the shrink to the distance to the center of the obstruction, make the center mark, then mark the return bends on both sides.
Worked example: 4″ pipe, center 30″ from the end
- Shrink: 4 × 3/16″ = 3/4″.
- Center mark: 30″ + 3/4″ = 30 3/4″.
- Spacing: 4 × 2½″ = 10″ each side.
- Side marks: 20 3/4″ and 40 3/4″.
- Bend 45° at the center mark, roll 180°, bend 22½° at one side mark, then 22½° at the other in the same direction as the second bend.
Klein saddle table (45°/22½° and 60°/30°)
| Height | 45°/22½°: center to side | 45°/22½°: shrink | 60°/30°: center to side | 60°/30°: shrink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1″ | 2 1/2″ | 3/16″ | 2″ | 1/4″ |
| 2″ | 5″ | 3/8″ | 4″ | 1/2″ |
| 3″ | 7 1/2″ | 9/16″ | 6″ | 3/4″ |
| 4″ | 10″ | 3/4″ | 8″ | 1″ |
| 5″ | 12 1/2″ | 15/16″ | 10″ | 1 1/4″ |
| 6″ | 15″ | 1 1/8″ | 12″ | 1 1/2″ |
Tips from the field guides
- Measure to the center of the obstruction, not its edge.
- Add a little clearance to the height so the conduit doesn't ride on the pipe.
- For tall or wide obstructions, switch to a 4-point saddle — the run stays flat across the top and pulls easier.
Common questions
What is the multiplier for a 3-point saddle?
With a 45° center and 22½° sides, the side marks go 2½″ from the center mark for each inch of obstruction height (Klein Tools ZIP guide).
How much does a 3-point saddle shrink?
3/16″ per inch of height for a 45°/22½° saddle, and ¼″ per inch for a 60°/30° saddle, per Klein Tools.
Where do I measure a 3-point saddle from?
From the end of the conduit to the center of the obstruction. Add the shrink to that distance to get the center mark.
When should I use a 4-point saddle instead?
When the obstruction is wide or tall. A 4-point saddle is two offsets with a flat top, so it clears wide objects and pulls easier.
Sources
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