1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a line, representing the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) between two points on the line.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The slope represents how much the vertical dimension changes for each unit of horizontal change.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is essential in various fields including civil engineering, architecture, geography, and physics for designing ramps, roads, roofs, and analyzing terrain.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a slope of 1 mean?
A: A slope of 1 means the vertical rise equals the horizontal run (45° angle).

Q2: Can slope be negative?
A: Yes, negative slope indicates a downward incline, but this calculator only handles positive values.

Q3: What units are used for slope?
A: Slope is unitless - it's a ratio of two measurements with the same units.

Q4: How is slope different from gradient?
A: Slope is typically expressed as a ratio or angle, while gradient is often expressed as a percentage (slope × 100%).

Q5: What's the maximum possible slope value?
A: There's no theoretical maximum, but practical slopes are limited by material properties and safety requirements.