Electrical reference chart
Offset Bend Multiplier Chart
Use this offset bend multiplier chart after the calculator result to document offset height, selected angle, distance between bends, shrink allowance, first mark, and fit-check notes.
Quick reference table
For a two-bend conduit offset, distance between bends equals offset height times the selected multiplier: 10 deg = 6.0, 22.5 deg = 2.6, 30 deg = 2.0, 45 deg = 1.414, and 60 deg = 1.155. A 4 inch offset at 30 deg uses the 2.0 multiplier, so the marks are 8 inches apart before shrink and bender-reference checks. Use this chart for common offset multiplier questions without creating angle-specific pages.
Offset multiplier and shrink reference
| Bend angle | Multiplier | Shrink per inch | Field tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 deg | 6.0 | 1/16 in | Long layout, gentle bend, good for crowded racks |
| 15 deg | 3.9 | 1/8 in | Gentle bend with moderate layout length |
| 22.5 deg | 2.6 | 3/16 in | Useful when 30 deg is too steep |
| 30 deg | 2.0 | 1/4 in | Fast field math and common bender mark |
| 45 deg | 1.414 | 3/8 in | Compact layout with more shrink |
| 60 deg | 1.155 | 1/2 in | Very short layout, harder to keep clean |
What the calculator result should trigger
| Result item | Field question | Worksheet note |
|---|---|---|
| Mark spacing | Is there enough straight conduit before and after the offset? | Record available straight run |
| Shrink | Does the finished endpoint need to land on a fixed reference? | Add shrink back to the first mark when required |
| Angle choice | Will the angle fit the obstruction and still look aligned? | Compare 22.5 deg, 30 deg, and 45 deg rows |
| Bender reference | Arrow, star, or notch used? | Write the actual shoe reference before bending |
Offset chart to calculator handoff
| Search or worksheet need | Use this chart for | Open the calculator when |
|---|---|---|
| Offset bend multiplier chart | Choosing a bend angle row and checking spacing against available straight run | Offset height, first mark, and second mark need project-specific values |
| 30 degree offset multiplier | Fast-checking the 2.0 multiplier and 1/4 in shrink-per-inch row | The fixed endpoint means spacing and shrink must be recorded together |
| Offset bend shrink chart | Seeing which angles create more layout loss before marking conduit | The angle changes and all marks need to update from the same input |
| Parallel or rolling offset | Identifying when a flat offset chart is no longer enough | Roll angle, true offset, or repeated parallel runs must be calculated |
How to use this chart
Start with measured offset height
Use the calculator result or field measurement to record the actual rise or drop before choosing the bend angle.
Compare angle tradeoffs
Pick an angle that fits the available straight run while keeping shrink, bender access, and final alignment visible.
Transfer marks from one reference
Use one conduit end, obstruction centerline, or box reference consistently so the first and second marks do not drift.
Formula basis
Distance between bends = offset height x multiplier. Shrink allowance = offset height x shrink per inch.
- Offset height is the rise or drop needed to clear an obstruction or change elevation.
- Bend angle is the equal angle used for both bends in the offset.
- Multiplier converts offset height into mark spacing along the conduit.
- Shrink allowance estimates how much the finished run shortens through the offset geometry.
Worked examples
Clear a 4 inch obstruction with 30 degree bends
Distance between bends = 4 x 2.0 = 8 inches. Shrink = 4 x 1/4 = 1 inch. If the far end must land on a box centerline, record that 1 inch allowance before marking.
Use a gentler offset in a crowded rack
A 3 inch offset at 22.5 deg needs 3 x 2.6 = 7.8 inches between bends and about 9/16 inch shrink. It takes more straight run than 30 deg but can be easier to keep parallel with adjacent conduits.
Related calculators
Offset Bend Calculator
Field-chart geometry screen for equal-angle conduit offsets. Returns bend spacing, shrinkage allowance, travel, and optional first and second bend marks.
Kick Bend Calculator
Calculate kick bend (90° with offset) for transitioning conduit from wall surface to electrical panels, junction boxes, or equipment. Supports both trigonometric and field multiplier methods.
Saddle Bend Calculator
Calculate 3-point and 4-point saddle bend marks for routing conduit over obstacles. Outputs mark locations, bend spacing, and shrinkage for common field angles.
Parallel Roll Offset Calculator
Calculate rolling offsets for conduit that must move both horizontally and vertically. Provides true offset, roll angle, mark spacing, and shrinkage compensation.
Related charts
Conduit Shrink Chart
Use a conduit shrink chart to compare bend angle, offset height, true offset, shrink per inch, and layout allowance after a calculator result.
Saddle Bend Layout Chart
Use this 3 point saddle bend chart: 2 in obstruction at 45 deg marks 2.83 in each side; compare 4-point layout for wide trays.
Parallel Roll Offset Chart
Use a parallel roll offset chart to document horizontal offset, vertical offset, true offset, roll angle, mark spacing, and rotation direction.
Frequently asked questions
These answers explain how to use the chart without turning a quick reference into a final design decision.