1. What is the Ramp Slope Calculation Formula?

The Ramp Slope Calculation Formula calculates the slope (m) of a ramp by dividing the vertical change (rise) by the horizontal change (run), both measured in feet. The result is a unitless value representing the steepness of the ramp.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — Slope (unitless)
• \( \text{rise} \) — Vertical change in feet
• \( \text{run} \) — Horizontal change in feet

Explanation: The formula provides a simple way to determine the steepness of a ramp by comparing its vertical and horizontal dimensions.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for designing accessible ramps, ensuring safety standards, and meeting building code requirements for various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in feet. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered an accessible ramp slope?
A: For ADA compliance, the maximum slope for a ramp is typically 1:12 (rise:run), which equals approximately 0.0833 slope.

Q2: How do I convert slope to percentage?
A: Multiply the slope by 100 to get the percentage grade. For example, a slope of 0.0833 equals 8.33% grade.

Q3: What are typical slope ranges for different ramp types?
A: Wheelchair ramps: 1:12 to 1:20, Vehicle ramps: 1:6 to 1:10, Pedestrian ramps: 1:8 to 1:12.

Q4: Why is slope unitless?
A: Slope is a ratio of two measurements with the same units (feet/feet), so the units cancel out, leaving a unitless value.

Q5: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both measurements must be in the same units for the slope calculation to be accurate and meaningful.