A method of bending sheet metal uses a test work piece of the same thickness and material as a finished piece. The test piece is bent into an angled form having an interior angle of any size. The interior angle is measured as are the height of each exterior edge above its opposite leg and the height of the apex of the angled form. Using these measurements, the interior radius of the angled form can be calculated as can the inner and outer lengths of the legs. Using these values the depth of a neutral line, which will have the same length in a work piece whether bent or not, can be determined. Once the depth of the neutral line has been calculated, a bend deduction for the final work piece may be determined and thus the required starting length is determined for any desired interior angle or leg lengths.