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cascas, I understand the principle you're trying to convey, but there's a flaw in your formula. If you turn the dive at 1400 and you require 1200 to get back to your entry point, you'll only have 200 remaining in the tank. I think what you meant to say is this:
starting pressure - 5 or 600 psi = usable gas
usable gas / 2 = usable gas 1st half of the dive
Turnpressure = starting pressure - usable gas 1st half of the dive
example:
3000- 600 = 2600
2600/2=1200
You should turn the dive at 3000 - 1200 = 1800 psi to return to your entry point
Also (and I apologize for picking on you), this approach does not account for air consumed during your safety stop(s) on ascent, or air you might need to share with your buddy.
3000-600=2400 (just busting your chops) this formula really helped me understand what you guys are talking about. I am new to all of this and appreciate the info. Sorry if others pointed out the typo too!