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Slope to Degrees Formula:
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The slope to degrees conversion calculates the angle of inclination from a slope ratio (rise over run). This is commonly used in construction, engineering, and geography to express steepness in angular terms rather than ratios.
The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:
Where:
Explanation: The arctangent function converts the slope ratio to an angle in radians, which is then converted to degrees for practical use.
Details: Converting slope ratios to degrees is essential for construction planning, road design, wheelchair ramp compliance, roof pitch determination, and geological assessments where angular measurements are more intuitive than ratios.
Tips: Enter the slope as a decimal value (rise divided by run). For example, a 1:4 slope would be entered as 0.25, a 1:2 slope as 0.5, and a 1:1 slope as 1.0.
Q1: What's the difference between slope ratio and degrees?
A: Slope ratio expresses steepness as a ratio (rise:run), while degrees express it as an angle from horizontal. Degrees are often more intuitive for visualization.
Q2: What is the maximum slope angle possible?
A: Theoretically, 90 degrees for a vertical surface. Practically, most applications range from 0° (flat) to 45° (very steep).
Q3: How do I convert degrees back to slope ratio?
A: Use the formula: slope = tan(θ × π/180), where θ is the angle in degrees.
Q4: What slope angles are common in construction?
A: Wheelchair ramps: 4.8° (1:12), roof pitches: 14-45°, stairs: 30-50°, driveways: 5-15°.
Q5: Can this calculator handle negative slopes?
A: The current version handles positive slopes only, as negative slopes would represent downward angles which are less commonly calculated.