1. What is the Slope Percentage Formula?

The Slope Percentage formula calculates the gradient or incline of a ramp, which is essential for ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWD). It represents the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run expressed as a percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Slope Percentage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{rise} \) — Vertical change (in meters)
• \( \text{run} \) — Horizontal change (in meters)
• \( 100 \) — Conversion factor to percentage

Explanation: The formula calculates the steepness of a ramp by comparing the vertical height gained to the horizontal distance covered.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation for PWD

Details: Proper slope calculation is crucial for designing accessible ramps that comply with disability access regulations. The recommended maximum slope for wheelchair ramps is typically 8.33% (1:12 ratio).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the slope percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum recommended slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: The maximum recommended slope is 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for commercial and public access ramps.

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

Q3: What are the ADA requirements for ramp slopes?
A: ADA requires a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for ramps, with steeper slopes allowed for existing sites under specific conditions.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for other applications?
A: Yes, it can calculate slopes for various applications including roads, roofs, and landscaping, not just accessibility ramps.

Q5: What units should I use for measurements?
A: While meters are used here, the formula works with any consistent unit system (feet, inches, etc.) as long as both measurements use the same units.