1. What Is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measure of the steepness or incline of a surface, expressed as a percentage. It represents the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run multiplied by 100.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of incline by comparing the vertical rise to the horizontal run.

3. Importance Of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage calculations are essential in construction, landscaping, road design, and accessibility planning to ensure proper drainage, safety, and compliance with regulations.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in inches. 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 a 100% slope.

Q3: What's considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 25% are considered steep, while slopes above 40% are very steep and may require special engineering.

Q4: Can I use this calculator for metric measurements?
A: This calculator is specifically designed for inches. For metric measurements, ensure both rise and run are in the same units (e.g., both in centimeters).

Q5: What's the minimum slope for proper drainage?
A: For most applications, a minimum slope of 2% is recommended for adequate drainage.