1. What is Slope Ratio?

Slope ratio represents the steepness of a line or surface, expressed as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It is a dimensionless quantity that describes the inclination or gradient of a surface.

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 slope ratio is calculated by dividing the vertical distance by the horizontal distance, resulting in a unitless ratio that describes the steepness.

3. Importance of Slope Ratio Calculation

Details: Slope ratio is crucial in various fields including civil engineering, architecture, landscaping, and construction. It helps determine proper drainage, road gradients, ramp accessibility, and structural stability.

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 for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope ratio for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope ratio of 1:12 (rise:run), meaning 1 unit of rise for every 12 units of run.

Q2: How is slope ratio different from slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio is expressed as rise:run (e.g., 1:4), while slope percentage is calculated as (rise/run) × 100%.

Q3: What does a 1:1 slope ratio mean?
A: A 1:1 slope ratio means the rise equals the run, resulting in a 45-degree angle, which is considered very steep.

Q4: When is slope ratio used instead of degrees?
A: Slope ratio is commonly used in construction and engineering for its simplicity in measurement and calculation, while degrees are more common in mathematical contexts.

Q5: Can slope ratio be expressed as a decimal?
A: Yes, slope ratio can be expressed as a decimal (e.g., 0.25 for 1:4 ratio), which is equivalent to the tangent of the angle.