1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measurement that expresses the steepness of an incline as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, multiplied by 100 to convert it to a percentage. It's commonly used in construction, landscaping, and accessibility planning.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change (inches)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change (feet)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal change and converts it to a percentage for easier interpretation.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Proper slope calculation is essential for ensuring ADA compliance in sidewalks, preventing water pooling, and creating safe, accessible pathways for all users.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise in inches and horizontal run in feet. Both values must be positive numbers, with run greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum slope for ADA compliance?
A: The maximum running slope for an accessible route is 1:12 (8.33%) for ramps and 1:20 (5%) for walks.

Q2: How do I measure rise and run?
A: Use a level and measuring tape. Place the level horizontally, measure the vertical distance from one end to the ground (rise), and measure the horizontal distance (run).

Q3: Can I use different units of measurement?
A: Yes, but ensure consistency. The calculator expects inches for rise and feet for run. Convert other units accordingly before calculation.

Q4: What does a 2% slope mean?
A: A 2% slope means for every 100 units of horizontal distance, the vertical change is 2 units.

Q5: Why is slope important for sidewalks?
A: Proper slope ensures water drainage, prevents slipping hazards, and makes sidewalks accessible to people with mobility challenges.