1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measure of the steepness or incline of a surface, expressed as a percentage. It represents the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run, multiplied by 100 to convert to percentage form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Rise} \) — Vertical height difference (meters)
• \( \text{Run} \) — Horizontal distance (meters)
• \( \times 100 \) — Conversion factor to percentage

Explanation: This formula calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal distance and expresses it as a percentage for easy interpretation.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage calculations are essential in civil engineering, construction, road design, landscaping, and accessibility planning. They help determine if slopes are safe for various applications and meet regulatory requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in meters. Ensure measurements are accurate and taken perpendicular to each other. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15% are considered steep, while slopes above 25% are very steep and may require special engineering considerations.

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to degrees?
A: Slope percentage = tan(angle in degrees) × 100. For example, a 45° slope equals 100% slope.

Q3: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair accessibility?
A: ADA guidelines recommend maximum slopes of 5% for ramps, with 8.33% as the absolute maximum for short distances.

Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: Yes, as long as both measurements use the same units (feet, meters, etc.), the calculation will be accurate.

Q5: What does a negative slope percentage mean?
A: Negative slope indicates a downward slope or decline. The calculator assumes positive values for simplicity.