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, landscaping, and engineering to determine proper grading and drainage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical change (in consistent units)
• \( run \) — Horizontal change (in consistent units)

Explanation: The slope is expressed as a ratio (rise:run) and as a decimal value. A 1:12 slope means for every 12 units of horizontal distance, the surface rises 1 unit.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Proper slope calculation is essential for ensuring adequate drainage, creating accessible ramps, building stable structures, and meeting building code requirements for various construction projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (meters, feet, inches, etc.). The run value must be greater than zero. The calculator will provide both the ratio format and decimal value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope for drainage?
A: For proper drainage, a minimum slope of 1:50 to 1:100 (2% to 1%) is typically recommended, depending on the surface material and local building codes.

Q2: How is slope expressed in percentage?
A: Slope percentage = (rise/run) × 100. For example, a 1:20 slope equals a 5% grade.

Q3: What's the maximum slope for wheelchair accessibility?
A: The ADA recommends a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33%) for wheelchair ramps, with 1:16-1:20 being more comfortable.

Q4: How do I convert slope ratio to degrees?
A: Angle in degrees = arctan(rise/run). Most scientific calculators have a tan⁻¹ function for this conversion.

Q5: What's the difference between slope and gradient?
A: While often used interchangeably, gradient typically refers to the steepness of a slope expressed as a percentage, while slope is usually expressed as a ratio.