1. What is Slope of a Ramp?

Slope is a measure of the steepness of a ramp, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It's a dimensionless value that describes the incline of a surface.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Slope (unitless)
• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in consistent units)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in consistent units)

Explanation: The formula calculates how much vertical elevation changes per unit of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is crucial in construction, accessibility design, and transportation engineering to ensure ramps meet safety standards and are usable for people with mobility challenges.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (meters, feet, etc.). Run must be greater than zero. The result is a unitless ratio representing the slope.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How do I convert slope to degrees?
A: Use the formula: angle = arctan(slope). A slope of 1 (45°) means rise equals run.

Q3: What does a slope of 0 mean?
A: A slope of 0 indicates a perfectly flat surface with no vertical change.

Q4: Can slope be negative?
A: Yes, negative slope indicates a downward incline, but this calculator returns absolute values.

Q5: How is slope expressed as a percentage?
A: Multiply the slope ratio by 100. For example, a slope of 0.08 equals an 8% grade.