1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of the steepness or incline of a surface, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It is a dimensionless quantity that describes the gradient of a ramp or incline.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change in meters
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change in meters

Explanation: The slope represents how much vertical elevation changes per unit of horizontal distance. A slope of 0.1 means a 10 cm rise for every 1 meter of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculation is essential in construction, civil engineering, accessibility design, and outdoor activities. It helps determine ramp accessibility compliance, drainage requirements, and terrain difficulty assessment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will compute the slope ratio (unitless).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope of 1:12 (approximately 0.0833) for wheelchair ramps, meaning 1 unit of rise per 12 units of run.

Q2: How do I convert slope to percentage?
A: Multiply the slope by 100 to get percentage grade. For example, a slope of 0.08 equals an 8% grade.

Q3: What's the difference between slope and gradient?
A: Slope is typically expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:12) while gradient is often expressed as a percentage, but both describe the steepness of an incline.

Q4: Can slope be greater than 1?
A: Yes, slopes greater than 1 indicate very steep inclines where the vertical change exceeds the horizontal change.

Q5: How accurate should my measurements be?
A: For construction purposes, measurements should be precise to within centimeters. For general estimation, meter-level accuracy is sufficient.