1. What is Ramp Slope?

Ramp slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a ramp, calculated as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run. It's a crucial measurement in construction, accessibility design, and various engineering applications.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change (height difference)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change (length)

Explanation: The calculator also converts the slope to percentage (slope × 100) and angle in degrees (arctan of slope).

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is essential for designing accessible ramps (typically 1:12 slope or less), determining vehicle ramp requirements, construction planning, and ensuring safety compliance in various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run using consistent units (both in meters, feet, etc.). The calculator will provide slope as a ratio, decimal, percentage, and angle in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum slope for an accessible ramp?
A: For ADA compliance, the maximum slope is 1:12 (8.33% slope), meaning 1 unit of rise for every 12 units of run.

Q2: How do I convert slope percentage to degrees?
A: Use the formula: angle = arctan(slope_percentage/100). This calculator automatically provides both values.

Q3: What's the difference between slope ratio and slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio (e.g., 1:12) shows the relationship between rise and run, while slope percentage expresses the rise as a percentage of the run.

Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, you must use the same units for both measurements to get an accurate unitless slope calculation.

Q5: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes greater than 15% (about 8.5 degrees) are considered steep for walking, while vehicle ramps typically shouldn't exceed 20% slope.