Offset
Conduit offset calculator
An offset is two bends that step the conduit around an obstacle. The conduit offset calculator gives you the two field numbers: how far apart to mark the bends, and how much run the offset adds (shrink).
Offset, 90° stub-up, and saddle are tabs on the same homepage conduit bending calculator. This page is the offset tab only: what you enter, and what the card returns.
Inputs
- Conduit size on the offset selector: 1/2″, 3/4″, or 1″ EMT.
- Offset height in inches. Fractions such as 6 1/2 are accepted.
- Bend angle: 10°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, or 60°. The card opens on 30°.
- First mark from end, optional. Leave it blank when you only need spacing and shrink.
Outputs
The card shows distance between marks, shrink (add to the run), and the multiplier and shrink-per-inch line for the angle you picked. Values round to the nearest 1/16 inch. Bend radius is not included.
Distance between marks = height × multiplier
Shrink = height × shrink per inch
The full multiplier list is the EMT offset multiplier chart. The shrink column for every angle is the conduit shrinkage chart. This page does not repeat those tables.
Worked example: the live default, 6″ at 30°
Height 6″, angle 30°, multiplier 2.00, shrink 1/4″ per inch of height.
- Distance between marks: 6 × 2.00 = 12″.
- Shrink: 6 × 1/4″ = 1 1/2″.
Add 1 1/2″ to the straight run when you lay out toward the coupling. Both results are exact on the 1/16-inch round. This is the default field card.
The same 30° constants at a different height scale in a straight line. An 8″ offset at 30° is 8 × 2.00 = 16″ between marks and 8 × 1/4″ = 2″ of shrink. Eight inches is an example height, not the homepage default. The default remains 6″.
First mark from end
The first-mark field is optional. Blank means the card is spacing and shrink only. If you type a distance from the end of the stick, read the positions on the field card. Do not add a second hand formula on top of the card.
IN/MM, copy, and print
The IN/MM switch changes the display for a metric tape. The multipliers stay the same constants. Tap a result to copy it. Print marks uses print styling limited to the result card, which is the practical way to carry 12″ and 1 1/2″ off the phone.
What this tab does not calculate
A 90° stub-up uses take-up, not the offset multiplier. Typical hand-bender take-up is 5″ for 1/2″ EMT, 6″ for 3/4″ EMT, and 8″ for 1″ EMT. “Typical” is the right word. Verify on your shoe. Ideal, Klein, and Greenlee stamps are close and not identical, and a worn shoe drifts. Saddle layout is the Saddle tab. Switch tabs; do not force offset spacing onto a stub or a saddle.
PVC is in the page title because many crews mark a heated PVC offset the same way. The shipped take-up presets are EMT. Confirm PVC on scrap. The tool is free to open and can run as an offline PWA once cached. Constants follow Klein Tools bending charts. WattsCalc is not affiliated with Klein Tools, Ideal, or Greenlee.
Open the conduit offset calculator on the Offset tab, check the 6″ at 30° card against 12″ and 1 1/2″, then enter the height you are actually bending.
FAQ
Which angles can I enter?
10°, 15°, 22.5°, 30°, 45°, and 60°.
What does the card return for the default offset?
6″ at 30°: marks 12″ apart, shrink 1 1/2″, multiplier 2.00, shrink 1/4″ per inch of height.
Do I have to fill in the first mark?
No. Leave it blank for spacing and shrink only.
Does the offset tab need an account?
No. You can use it in the browser, including from the offline PWA when the app is cached.
Is saddle take-off on this same formula?
No. Use the Saddle tab. Stub-ups use the 90° tab and take-up, not the offset multiplier.
Open the conduit bending calculator
Results are estimates for reference only. Always verify measurements against your bender and local electrical code before cutting or bending conduit.
