1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a line, surface, or ramp. It is calculated as the ratio of the vertical change (rise) to the horizontal change (run) between two points.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the steepness of a ramp by dividing the vertical distance by the horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is crucial in construction, engineering, and accessibility design to ensure ramps meet safety standards and building codes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical change (rise) and horizontal change (run) in consistent units. Both values must be positive numbers, with run greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for rise and run?
A: Use consistent units (both in meters, both in feet, etc.). The slope result will be unitless.

Q2: What is considered a safe slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: Typically 1:12 slope (rise:run) is recommended for wheelchair accessibility, meaning 1 unit of rise per 12 units of run.

Q3: Can slope be expressed as a percentage?
A: Yes, slope percentage = (rise/run) × 100%. A 1:12 slope equals approximately 8.33% grade.

Q4: What if my run value is zero?
A: Run cannot be zero as division by zero is undefined. This would represent a vertical surface.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise based on the input values you provide.