1. What is Slope Percentage?

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

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 ratio of vertical change to horizontal change and converts it to a percentage to express the slope's steepness.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage is crucial in construction, civil engineering, landscaping, and accessibility planning. It helps determine if a slope meets safety standards, building codes, and accessibility requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope percentage for wheelchair ramps?
A: The ADA recommends a maximum slope of 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for wheelchair ramps.

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to angle in degrees?
A: Slope percentage = tan(angle) × 100. For example, a 45-degree angle has a 100% slope.

Q3: What's considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 25-30% are considered steep and may require special construction considerations.

Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both measurements must be in the same units for the calculation to be accurate.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your measurements.