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 per 100 units of horizontal run and is commonly used in construction, civil engineering, and landscaping projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical height difference (in feet)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance (in feet)
• \( Slope \% \) — Result expressed as percentage

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

3. Importance of Slope Calculation in Construction

Details: Accurate slope calculation is essential for proper drainage, road design, ramp construction, foundation work, and ensuring compliance with building codes and accessibility standards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise and run values in feet. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the slope percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope for drainage?
A: For proper drainage, slopes typically range from 1% to 2% (1-2 feet of fall per 100 feet of run).

Q2: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA standards require a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for wheelchair ramps.

Q3: How do I convert slope percentage to degrees?
A: Use the formula: degrees = arctan(slope percentage / 100). A 100% slope equals 45 degrees.

Q4: What's the difference between slope and grade?
A: In construction, slope and grade are often used interchangeably, but grade sometimes refers to the elevation of a point relative to a datum.

Q5: What slope is too steep for vehicle access?
A: Generally, slopes above 15-20% can be challenging for most vehicles, while slopes above 25% may require special vehicles or construction methods.