1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measure of the steepness of a slope, calculated as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, expressed as a percentage. It is commonly used in construction, engineering, and accessibility planning for ramps and inclines.

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 steepness of a slope by comparing the vertical height change to the horizontal distance, then converts this ratio to a percentage for easier interpretation.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for designing accessible ramps, determining proper drainage gradients, planning construction projects, and ensuring safety in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (meters, feet, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers, with run greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope percentage for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope of 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for wheelchair ramps.

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

Q3: What's the difference between slope ratio and slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio is expressed as rise:run (e.g., 1:12), while slope percentage is (rise/run)×100.

Q4: Can slope percentage be greater than 100%?
A: Yes, slopes greater than 45° have percentages exceeding 100% (e.g., 60° ≈ 173%).

Q5: What units should I use for rise and run?
A: Use consistent units (both meters, both feet, etc.). The calculator works with any unit system as long as both inputs use the same units.