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 change (rise) to horizontal change (run) multiplied by 100.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( \text{rise} \) — Vertical change (in units like meters)
• \( \text{run} \) — Horizontal change (in units like meters)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of vertical change relative to horizontal distance, providing a standardized measure of incline.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage is crucial in various fields including construction, civil engineering, landscaping, and accessibility planning. It helps determine appropriate grades for roads, ramps, and drainage systems.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between slope percentage and slope ratio?
A: Slope percentage expresses the incline as a percentage (e.g., 10%), while slope ratio expresses it as a ratio (e.g., 1:10).

Q2: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15-20% are considered steep, but this varies by application. For wheelchair accessibility, slopes should not exceed 8.33%.

Q3: How do I convert slope percentage to degrees?
A: To convert slope percentage to degrees, use the formula: degrees = arctan(slope percentage/100).

Q4: Can slope percentage be negative?
A: While mathematically possible, in practical applications slope percentage is typically expressed as a positive value representing the magnitude of incline.

Q5: What are common applications of slope percentage calculations?
A: Common applications include road design, roof pitch determination, wheelchair ramp construction, and landscape grading.