How to Measure Bends when Bending Pipes

Co-authored by Melissa & Michael Gabso

Last Updated: April 3, 2025

When bending pipes or tubes, it is important to make correct measurements. Any mistake at this stage will result in an incorrectly bent pipe or tube, and in many cases, is an irreversible scenario. In other cases, it is time-consuming, and can deform your pipe or tube permanently.

Steps

Download Article

Depending on the length of the bends and the length of the spaces between them, determine the total length of pipe or tubing you require. Ensure that a couple of inches (or centimeters) of margin is available to accommodate any errors in calculation or judgment.^{[1]
X
Research source}
From one end of the tube, mark the point for the first bend. Here, you need to carefully mark the beginning and the end of the bend. You also need to measure the distance between the bends.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Measure the distance for the second bend. Repeat the previous step, but use the vertex of the first bend as the reference/ starting point instead of the end of the tube or pipe. The vertex is the exact point where the two legs of an angle intersect.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Alternatively, you can use the initial reference point (the end of the tube) to measure the distance for all bends.
Repeat the previous step for measuring more bends. Always mark the exact spots as you go along.^{[4]
X
Research source}
Repeat step 2, but mark the direction of the bend. It is the same process except that the direction of the bend differs. You also need to deduct the gain.
6
Compensate for spring back when measuring. All tubes and pipes, irrespective of material, experience some amount of spring back. It is dependent on the material, the angle of the bend, and the radius of the bend. This can be compensated for by using two methods:
- With experience and the right methods, you can estimate the amount of spring back and over bend the tube; or
- You can wait for the spring back to occur, measure the angle and then bend the tube accordingly.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Use a piece of scrap pipe or tubing to check your calculation and the resulting product.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Use the correct formula to calculate the circumference of the bend. For example, the formula used when making a 90˚ bend is: Circumference = (pi*2*r) / (360/90).

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
When bending, take into account the ability of the material to bend and sustain the bend. It should also not break during the process or later in application.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Read the manual thoroughly before using the equipment.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Do not attempt to use any machinery without proper guidance.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Make sure you are well equipped with the relevant safety gear.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0