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 per 100 units of horizontal run and is commonly used in construction, engineering, and landscaping.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal distance and converts it to a percentage by multiplying by 100.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage is crucial for proper drainage design, road construction, wheelchair ramp compliance, roof pitch determination, and ensuring structural stability in various engineering applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise and run values in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The result shows the slope as a percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 25% are considered steep, while slopes above 50% are very steep. Building codes often have specific requirements for different slope ranges.

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

Q3: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair access?
A: ADA guidelines recommend a maximum slope of 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for wheelchair ramps.

Q4: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: Yes, as long as both rise and run use the same units (feet, meters, etc.), the percentage calculation remains accurate.

Q5: What slope is suitable for drainage?
A: For proper drainage, a minimum slope of 1-2% is typically recommended for surfaces like roads, parking lots, and gutters.