1. What is Slope?

Slope is a measure of steepness or incline, calculated as the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run). It's commonly used in construction, landscaping, and engineering to describe the gradient of surfaces.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change (in feet)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change (in feet)

Explanation: The slope represents how many feet the surface rises (or falls) for each foot of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope calculations are essential for proper drainage, accessibility compliance, structural stability, and many construction projects. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommends slopes no greater than 1:12 for ramps.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in feet. Both values must be positive numbers, and run cannot be zero. The result is a dimensionless ratio (ft/ft).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I convert slope to degrees?
A: Use the arctangent function: degrees = arctan(slope). Many scientific calculators have this function.

Q2: How do I convert slope to percentage?
A: Multiply the slope by 100. For example, a slope of 0.05 = 5% grade.

Q3: What's a typical roof slope?
A: Residential roofs often have slopes between 4:12 and 9:12 (0.33 to 0.75).

Q4: What's the maximum ADA-compliant slope?
A: The maximum slope for an ADA-compliant ramp is 1:12 (8.33%).

Q5: How is slope different from pitch?
A: In roofing, pitch is typically expressed as a ratio of rise over a 12-inch run (e.g., 4:12), while slope can use any run measurement.