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 value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical to horizontal distance and converts it to a percentage value to represent the slope steepness.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage calculation is crucial in construction, civil engineering, accessibility planning, and various other fields where understanding incline steepness is important for safety and functionality.

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 for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Typically, slopes above 15-20% are considered steep, but this varies by application and local regulations.

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

Q3: What's the maximum slope for wheelchair accessibility?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope of 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for wheelchair ramps.

Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both values must be in the same units since the calculation involves a ratio that cancels out the units.

Q5: What does a 100% slope mean?
A: A 100% slope means the rise equals the run, which corresponds to a 45-degree angle.