Free tool · Pipe layout
Pipe miter template – 1:1 PDF for corners and kinks
Enter the pipe diameter and the change of direction – the calculator shows the corner in 3D and delivers the unrolled cut line as a 1:1 PDF template. For pipe corners, frames and handrail kinks. Works in mm or inch.
Open the calculatorMiter calculator for round pipe
3D preview
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Flat pattern (preview)
One template for both pipes – turn it 180° for the second pipe.
How a miter cut works
When two pipes of the same diameter meet end to end and change direction, each pipe is cut at half the angle. Unrolled, this slanted cut becomes a sine curve. Its height – the cut depth – is the diameter times tan(half the angle).
| Change of direction | Cut angle per pipe | Cut depth at 42.4 mm (1.669 in) OD |
|---|---|---|
| 30° | 15° | 11.4 mm (0.447 in) |
| 45° | 22.5° | 17.6 mm (0.691 in) |
| 60° | 30° | 24.5 mm (0.964 in) |
| 90° | 45° | 42.4 mm (1.669 in) |
In the workshop
- Print the PDF at actual size and check it with the control ruler.
- Cut out the template, wrap it around the pipe and align the reference line square to the axis.
- Scribe the gold outer contour – 0° marks the outside of the corner.
- For the second pipe, apply the template turned by 180°.
Help
Frequently asked questions
At what angle do I cut each pipe?
At half the change of direction. For a square 90° corner each pipe is cut at 45°, for a 30° kink at 15°. Only then are both cut faces the same ellipse and line up without a step.
What is the difference between change of direction and included angle?
The change of direction is the angle by which the pipe turns. The included angle of the corner is 180° minus the change of direction. A square corner has 90° for both; a shallow 30° kink has an included angle of 150°.
Do I need two templates for the two pipes?
No. One template fits both pipes. For the second pipe turn it by 180°.
What does the 0° mark mean?
The 0° line marks the outside of the corner – the long side of the pipe. Align it with a scribed line along the pipe so both cuts end up in the same plane.
When do I need a template at all?
A chop saw or band saw with an angle stop needs no template. It helps where you cannot saw: on installed pipe, on large diameters or when cutting with an angle grinder or torch.
A pipe meets the side of another pipe – is that a miter?
No, that is a saddle cut. Use the pipe notching template. Wide bends made of several pieces are covered by the segmented bend calculator.
Can I get the flat pattern as a DXF file?
Yes – use "DXF for laser / plasma" next to the PDF button. The miter curve comes as one polyline at full scale; its width equals the pipe circumference, which is the quickest way to check the import. Units follow the mm / inch switch.