1. What is Slope Ratio?

Slope Ratio represents the steepness of a ramp or incline, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It is a dimensionless value that describes how much elevation changes over a given horizontal distance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope ratio formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical elevation change to horizontal distance, providing a measure of the ramp's steepness.

3. Importance of Slope Ratio Calculation

Details: Slope ratio calculation is essential in construction, accessibility design, and transportation engineering to ensure ramps meet safety standards and functional requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope ratio for wheelchair ramps?
A: For wheelchair accessibility, the recommended maximum slope ratio is 1:12 (rise:run), meaning 1 unit of rise per 12 units of run.

Q2: How does slope ratio differ from slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:12), while slope percentage is the ratio multiplied by 100% (e.g., 8.33% for 1:12).

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

Q4: What are common applications of slope ratio calculations?
A: Common applications include ramp design, road construction, roof pitch calculation, and landscape grading.

Q5: How precise should slope ratio measurements be?
A: For most applications, measurements should be precise to within 1-2% of the total distance to ensure accurate slope calculations.