1. What Is Gradient Percentage?

Gradient percentage measures the steepness of a slope, representing the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run expressed as a percentage. This calculation follows Australian standards which align with global practices for road and trail gradient measurement.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard gradient formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Gradient %} \) — Slope steepness expressed as percentage
• \( \text{Rise} \) — Vertical height difference in meters
• \( \text{Run} \) — Horizontal distance in meters

Explanation: The formula calculates how much elevation changes over a given horizontal distance, converting the ratio to a percentage for easier interpretation.

3. Importance Of Gradient Calculation

Details: Accurate gradient calculation is essential for road design, construction projects, trail planning, cycling routes, and ensuring accessibility compliance. It helps determine appropriate grades for various applications.

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 according to Australian standards.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What Is Considered A Steep Gradient?
A: Generally, gradients above 10% are considered steep for vehicles, while gradients above 15% are challenging for pedestrians and cyclists.

Q2: How Does Gradient Percentage Relate To Degrees?
A: Gradient percentage = tan(angle) × 100. For example, a 45° angle equals 100% gradient, while 30° equals approximately 57.7% gradient.

Q3: What Are Typical Road Gradients In Australia?
A: Main roads typically have maximum gradients of 5-8%, while local streets may reach 12-15%. Steeper gradients require special design considerations.

Q4: Why Use Percentage Instead Of Ratio?
A: Percentage is more intuitive for most people - a 10% gradient means 10 meters rise per 100 meters horizontal distance.

Q5: Are There Standards For Maximum Gradients?
A: Yes, Australian standards specify maximum gradients for different road types, accessibility requirements, and land uses to ensure safety and functionality.