1. What is Gradient Percentage?

Gradient percentage is a measure of slope steepness expressed as a percentage. It represents the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run, multiplied by 100 to convert to percentage form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the gradient 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 expresses it as a percentage for easy interpretation.

3. Importance of Gradient Calculation

Details: Gradient percentage is crucial in civil engineering, road construction, landscaping, and accessibility planning. It helps determine slope steepness for safety, drainage, and design purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise and run values in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will compute the gradient percentage automatically.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep gradient?
A: Generally, gradients above 10% are considered steep, while gradients above 25% are very steep and may require special considerations.

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

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

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

Q5: What does a negative gradient indicate?
A: A negative gradient indicates a downward slope. However, this calculator only handles positive values for simplicity.