1. What is Ramp Angle?

The ramp angle (θ) is the angle of inclination of a ramp, measured in degrees. It represents the steepness of the slope and is calculated using the trigonometric relationship between the vertical rise and horizontal run of the ramp.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Ramp angle in degrees
• \( Rise \) — Vertical height of the ramp (meters)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal length of the ramp (meters)
• \( \arctan \) — Inverse tangent function

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle whose tangent equals the ratio of rise to run, giving the inclination angle of the ramp.

3. Importance of Ramp Angle Calculation

Details: Accurate ramp angle calculation is crucial for accessibility compliance, wheelchair ramp design, construction safety, vehicle loading ramps, and ensuring proper slope for various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the maximum recommended ramp angle for wheelchair access?
A: For wheelchair accessibility, the maximum recommended slope is 1:12 (approximately 4.76 degrees) according to ADA guidelines.

Q2: How do I convert degrees to percentage slope?
A: Percentage slope = tan(θ) × 100%. For example, a 10° angle equals approximately 17.6% slope.

Q3: What is the difference between rise and run?
A: Rise is the vertical height change, while run is the horizontal distance covered by the ramp.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for roof pitch?
A: Yes, the same formula applies to roof pitch calculations where rise and run represent the vertical and horizontal components.

Q5: What are typical ramp angles for different applications?
A: Wheelchair ramps: 4-7°, Vehicle ramps: 8-15°, Stair ramps: 30-35°, Ski slopes: 25-45° depending on difficulty.