EMT bending calculator

EMT trade size

Hand benders cover 1/2 to 1-1/4 inch. Larger EMT is bent with a mechanical, hydraulic or electric bender, and its take-up comes from that bender's chart.

Stub height

Measured from the floor (or the surface the conduit lies on) to the back of the stub, the outside of the bend.

Out-to-out distance

From the outside (back) of the first stub to the outside of the second stub.

Offset depth

How far the conduit has to move over: from the surface it's on to the surface it needs to be on. For a rolling offset this is the rise (vertical).

Roll (side shift)

How far the conduit also has to move sideways.

Distance to obstruction (optional)

Measure from the end of the conduit to the face of the obstruction. With this, the marks include shrink so the offset lands exactly where you need it.

Bend angle

Shallow angles (10–22.5°) make a gentler offset that pulls wire easier but need more room. Steeper angles (45–60°) are compact. 30° is the everyday choice.

Offset depth

Usually about 1/2 inch, enough to line the conduit up with the box knockout.

Obstruction width

Along the conduit, from the near edge to the far edge.

Kick depth

How far out from the wall or surface the conduit needs to get.

Centerline radius

The radius of the sweep, measured to the center of the conduit. Chapter 9, Table 2 sets the minimum for each size.

Number of shots

More shots make a smoother sweep. 10 to 15 is common.