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 percentage form.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

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

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical change to horizontal distance and expresses it as a percentage to easily understand the steepness of a slope.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Slope percentage calculations are essential in civil engineering, construction, road design, landscaping, and accessibility planning. They help determine if slopes are safe for vehicles, pedestrians, or construction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the rise (vertical height) and run (horizontal distance) in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will automatically compute the slope percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15% are considered steep, while slopes above 25% are very steep and 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° angle 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 I use different units for rise and run?
A: Yes, as long as both use the same units (feet, meters, etc.), the percentage calculation remains accurate.

Q5: What does a 100% slope mean?
A: A 100% slope means the rise equals the run, creating a 45-degree angle where you move 1 unit vertically for every 1 unit horizontally.