Home
Back
Slope Formula:
| From: | To: |
Slope calculation determines the steepness or gradient of a ramp, expressed as a percentage. It measures the vertical rise relative to the horizontal run and is essential for designing accessible and safe ramps.
The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run and converts it to a percentage by multiplying by 100.
Details: Proper slope calculation is crucial for wheelchair accessibility, building code compliance, vehicle ramp design, and ensuring safe pedestrian access. Different applications have specific slope requirements.
Tips: Enter rise and run values in inches. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will compute the slope percentage automatically.
Q1: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for wheelchair ramps, with steeper slopes requiring handrails and additional safety features.
Q2: How do I convert slope percentage to degrees?
A: Use the formula: degrees = arctan(slope percentage / 100). For example, a 10% slope equals approximately 5.71 degrees.
Q3: What's the difference between slope ratio and slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio (e.g., 1:12) shows the relationship between rise and run, while slope percentage expresses this as a percentage (e.g., 8.33%).
Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: Yes, as long as both measurements use the same units (inches, feet, meters, etc.), the slope percentage calculation remains accurate.
Q5: What slope is considered too steep for vehicles?
A: Generally, slopes above 15-20% can be challenging for most vehicles, while slopes above 25% may require 4-wheel drive or specialized vehicles.