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 vertical rise divided by the horizontal run, multiplied by 100 to convert to a percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical height difference
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance
• \( \times 100 \) — Conversion to percentage

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal distance and expresses it as a percentage for easy interpretation.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage is crucial in construction, civil engineering, landscaping, road design, and accessibility planning. It helps determine if slopes are safe for construction, wheelchair access, or vehicle travel.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise and run values in the same units (feet, meters, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15% are considered steep, while slopes above 25% may require special engineering considerations.

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to degrees?
A: Slope percentage = tan(angle in degrees) × 100. For example, a 45° slope equals 100% slope.

Q3: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair access?
A: ADA guidelines recommend maximum slopes of 5% for ramps, with 8.33% as the absolute maximum for short distances.

Q4: Can slope percentage be negative?
A: While mathematically possible, in practical applications slope percentage is typically expressed as positive, with direction indicated separately.

Q5: What units should I use for rise and run?
A: Use any consistent units (feet, meters, inches, etc.) as long as both rise and run are in the same units.