Construction
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Rolling Offset Calculator.
Calculate diagonal travel and angle from offset and spread.
Set your values
Results update as you type.
Results use only the stated formula and entered dimensions; no material density, pricing, code, or structural recommendation is inferred.
Use Cases
Plumbing and Piping Installation
Quickly determine the exact length of pipe needed for a rolling offset in plumbing systems, ensuring accurate cuts and minimal waste.
Example: Offset = 12 inches, Spread = 8 inches → Travel ≈ 14.42 inches
Electrical Conduit Bending
Electricians use rolling offsets to route conduit around obstacles. This calculator helps find the travel length and angle for precise bending.
Example: Offset = 6 inches, Spread = 4 inches → Angle ≈ 56.31°
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a rolling offset?
- A rolling offset is a pipe or conduit fitting technique used to change both the direction and elevation of a run. It involves two offset bends and two fittings, creating a diagonal travel segment between two parallel pipes. The calculator uses the offset (vertical/horizontal displacement) and spread (distance between parallel runs) to find the travel length and angle.
- How is the diagonal travel calculated?
- The diagonal travel is the square root of the sum of the squares of the offset and spread (Pythagorean theorem). This gives the true length of the pipe between the two fittings. The calculator also determines the angle of the fitting based on the ratio of offset to spread.
- What units should I use?
- You can use any consistent unit of measurement (inches, feet, millimeters, etc.) for both offset and spread. The calculator will output the travel in the same unit and the angle in degrees. Ensure both inputs are in the same unit for accurate results.
Tips & Common Mistakes
Tips
- Always measure the offset and spread accurately using a tape measure or laser distance meter for precise results.
- Ensure both offset and spread are in the same unit (e.g., both inches or both centimeters) before entering them.
- For complex installations, double-check your measurements and consider adding a small allowance for fitting adjustments.
- Use the calculated angle to set your conduit bender or pipe cutter accurately for a perfect fit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Mixing units (e.g., entering offset in inches and spread in feet) will produce incorrect results. Always use consistent units.
- Forgetting that the travel is the diagonal distance, not the sum of offset and spread. Use the Pythagorean theorem, not simple addition.
- Assuming the angle is always 45 degrees. The angle depends on the ratio of offset to spread and varies accordingly.
Last updated: August 13, 2026