1. What is Gradient?

Gradient is a measure of steepness or incline of a surface, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and mathematics to describe slopes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gradient formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in units like meters or feet)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in units like meters or feet)

Explanation: The gradient represents how much vertical elevation changes per unit of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Gradient Calculation

Details: Gradient calculation is essential for designing accessible ramps, road construction, drainage systems, and determining slope stability in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (e.g., both in meters or both in feet). Both values must be positive numbers, with run greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical gradient for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum gradient of 1:12 (8.33%) for wheelchair ramps.

Q2: How is gradient different from slope percentage?
A: Gradient is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:4), while slope percentage is gradient × 100 (e.g., 25%).

Q3: Can gradient be greater than 1?
A: Yes, gradient can be greater than 1 when the rise is greater than the run, indicating a very steep slope.

Q4: What units should I use for rise and run?
A: Use consistent units for both measurements (e.g., both in meters or both in feet). The gradient result will be unitless.

Q5: How is gradient used in civil engineering?
A: Gradient is crucial for road design, drainage systems, railway construction, and ensuring proper water flow in pipelines.