1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a way to express the steepness of an incline as a ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, multiplied by 100 to convert it to a percentage. It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and landscaping.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• Vertical Rise — The change in elevation (height difference)
• Horizontal Run — The horizontal distance

Explanation: The formula calculates how much elevation changes over a given horizontal distance, expressed as a percentage.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage is crucial for designing accessible ramps, proper drainage, road construction, and ensuring structural stability in various projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both vertical rise and horizontal run in the same units (feet, meters, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between slope ratio and slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio is expressed as a ratio (e.g., 1:20), while slope percentage converts this to a percentage (e.g., 5%).

Q2: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15% are considered steep, while slopes above 25% may require special engineering considerations.

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

Q4: How do I measure slope in the field?
A: You can use a level and tape measure, or specialized tools like inclinometers or laser levels.

Q5: Can I calculate slope from a topographic map?
A: Yes, by measuring the elevation difference between contour lines and the horizontal distance between them.