1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measure of the steepness of a ramp or incline, expressed as a percentage. It represents the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run multiplied by 100.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in units like meters or feet)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in units like meters or feet)
• \( 100 \) — Percentage conversion factor (unitless)

Explanation: The formula calculates the incline of a surface as a percentage, which is useful for determining PVI ramp specifications.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for designing accessible ramps, road construction, drainage systems, and ensuring compliance with building codes and safety standards.

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 percentage for accessible ramps?
A: For ADA compliance, ramp slopes should not exceed 8.33% (1:12 ratio).

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to angle in degrees?
A: Slope percentage = tan(angle) × 100. A 45° angle equals a 100% slope.

Q3: What's the difference between slope percentage and gradient?
A: They are often used interchangeably, though gradient is sometimes expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:20) rather than a percentage.

Q4: When is slope percentage used in civil engineering?
A: Slope percentage is critical for road design, railway construction, landscaping, and drainage system planning.

Q5: Are there limitations to slope percentage calculations?
A: This calculation assumes a straight, uniform slope and doesn't account for curvature or varying inclines along a path.