1. What is Slope Ratio?

Slope ratio represents the steepness or incline of a surface, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and landscaping to measure incline angles.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in feet)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in feet)

Explanation: The slope ratio is a unitless value that represents how much vertical change occurs per unit of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for proper drainage planning, road construction, ramp design, and ensuring structural stability in various engineering projects.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both values must be in the same units to get a proper unitless ratio.

Q2: How do I convert slope ratio to degrees?
A: Use the formula: angle = arctan(slope) to convert slope ratio to degrees.

Q3: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes greater than 1:1 (45 degrees) are considered steep, while slopes less than 1:4 (14 degrees) are considered gentle.

Q4: Can slope ratio be greater than 1?
A: Yes, when the vertical change is greater than the horizontal change, the slope ratio will be greater than 1.

Q5: How is slope ratio used in construction?
A: Slope ratios are used for designing ramps, drainage systems, roof pitches, and ensuring proper grading for foundations.