1. What is 1 Percent Slope?

A 1 percent slope means that for every 100 units of horizontal distance (run), the elevation changes by 1 unit vertically (rise). This is commonly used in civil engineering, construction, and landscaping to describe gentle inclines.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change in elevation (units)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance (units)
• \( 100 \) — Conversion factor to percentage

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run and converts it to a percentage by multiplying by 100.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is essential for proper drainage design, road construction, wheelchair ramp compliance, and ensuring structural stability in various engineering projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise and run values in the same units (feet, meters, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does 1% slope mean in practical terms?
A: A 1% slope means 1 unit of rise per 100 units of run. For example, a 1% slope over 100 feet would have a 1-foot elevation change.

Q2: How is slope percentage different from slope ratio?
A: Slope percentage is rise/run × 100, while slope ratio is expressed as rise:run (e.g., 1:100 for 1% slope).

Q3: What is the minimum slope for proper drainage?
A: Typically 1-2% slope is recommended for surface drainage, while pipes may require steeper slopes depending on diameter and material.

Q4: How do I measure rise and run in the field?
A: Use a level and measuring tape, or modern tools like laser levels and digital inclinometers for more precise measurements.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for roof slopes?
A: Yes, though roof slopes are often expressed as pitch (rise over 12-inch run) in construction, the percentage calculation works the same way.