Kick Bend Multiplier Chart

Use this kick bend multiplier chart after the calculator result to document stub height, kick distance, take-up, selected method, mark-from-end, and box-entry fit checks.

Open calculator

Quick reference table

A kick bend moves a stub-up toward a box, wall, rack, or equipment entry without building a full offset. The calculator result depends on stub height, kick distance, conduit size, bender take-up, and whether trig mode or field multiplier mode was used. Record the method, angle, mark-from-end, take-up value, and fit check before bending.

Kick bend planning ranges

Kick bend planning ranges
Kick distance	Common field angle	Multiplier	Best field use
Up to 2 in	10 deg	6.0	Small alignment correction with long layout
2 to 4 in	22.5 deg	2.6	Typical cabinet or equipment entry correction
4 to 6 in	30 deg	2.0	Shorter layout where the stub still has room
Over 6 in	Review layout	Varies	Often better as an offset or reroute

Take-up values to verify against the bender

Take-up values to verify against the bender
Conduit type	1/2 in	3/4 in	1 in	Field note
EMT	5 in	6 in	8 in	Common hand-bender planning values
IMC	5.5 in	6.5 in	8.5 in	Check shoe markings before marking
Rigid metal	6 in	7 in	9 in	Heavier material may need bender-specific data

Formula basis

Trigonometric kick angle = atan(kick distance / effective height). Field spacing = kick distance x multiplier.

Stub height is the planned vertical section before the kick is added.
Kick distance is the horizontal move from the wall, box, or equipment reference to the conduit centerline.
Effective height subtracts the selected bender take-up from the stub height.
Multiplier spacing is used when the calculator is run in field multiplier mode instead of trig angle mode.

Worked examples

12 inch stub with a 3 inch kickA 3 inch kick falls in the 22.5 deg planning range. If the calculator uses multiplier mode, mark spacing is 3 x 2.6 = 7.8 inches; if it uses trig mode, record the angle and take-up separately.

Keep a 1 inch cabinet entry correction smallA 1 inch kick can often use a 10 deg layout so the conduit approaches the cabinet cleanly. The long mark spacing should be checked against the available stub length before cutting.

Assumptions. Balanced load and line-to-line voltage assumptions behind this chart.

The chart mirrors the calculator field screen and uses common take-up values for planning documentation.
Manufacturer bender markings, shoe radius, conduit material, and field technique can change the final mark position.
Large kick distances should be checked against available stub height, box entry alignment, and whether a standard offset is cleaner.

Code and standard notes. Planning limits that should be checked before final equipment selection.

Use this as a layout worksheet for the calculator result, then verify actual bender take-up, enclosure entry, supports, and field fit before final bending.

How to use this chart

1Record stub and kickWrite stub height and kick distance from the calculator result before choosing trigonometric or multiplier layout.

2Verify take-up firstCompare the calculator take-up with the actual bender, conduit size, and conduit type that will be used.

3Keep the method visibleLabel the result as trigonometric or multiplier based so a field adjustment does not mix angle, spacing, and take-up assumptions.

Worksheet checklist. Record source basis, review gaps, and assumptions before using the chart result.

Record the angle resultDocument the calculated kick angle or chosen field angle and the conduit size that produced the take-up value.
Record mark locationsWrite mark-from-end, any second reference mark, developed length, and box or wall reference before cutting.
Record fit checksNote wall clearance, equipment entry, bend direction, shoe reference, and whether a test fit changed the layout.

Common mistakes to avoid. Review these before turning chart current into an equipment decision.

Using a take-up value from a different bender or conduit size and treating mark-from-end as final.
Switching from trig mode to multiplier mode without relabeling angle, spacing, and shrink assumptions.
Making the kick in the wrong direction after rotating the stub, which can move the conduit away from the box entry.

Frequently asked questions

These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.

Why are there two kick bend calculation methods?

Trig mode solves the angle from measured geometry. Multiplier mode uses common field angle bands for faster layout when the electrician chooses the angle first.

Why does take-up matter on a kick bend?

The mark-from-end depends on the bender take-up. A take-up value from the wrong conduit size or shoe can move the finished stub away from the box entry.

When is a kick bend the wrong choice?

If the kick is large compared with the stub height, the entry can look forced. A two-bend offset or reroute may be easier to align.