1. What is Percent Slope?

Percent slope 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.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percent slope formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Slope \%} \) — Percent slope (percentage)
• \( \text{Rise} \) — Vertical rise (units of length)
• \( \text{Run} \) — Horizontal run (units of length)

Explanation: This formula calculates the incline or decline of a surface as a percentage, which is commonly used in construction, engineering, and geography.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for proper drainage design, road construction, wheelchair ramp compliance, roof pitch determination, and landscape planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in the same units of length. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 25% are considered steep, while slopes below 5% are considered gentle. Building codes often have specific requirements for maximum slopes.

Q2: How is percent slope different from degrees?
A: Percent slope is the ratio of rise to run multiplied by 100, while degrees measure the angle from horizontal. A 45-degree angle equals 100% slope.

Q3: What is the maximum slope for wheelchair ramps?
A: ADA guidelines typically require a maximum slope of 8.33% (1:12 ratio) for wheelchair ramps.

Q4: Can slope percentage be negative?
A: Yes, negative slope percentage indicates a downward slope or decline, while positive indicates an upward slope or incline.

Q5: How do I measure rise and run in the field?
A: Use a level and measuring tape, or specialized tools like inclinometers or laser levels for more precise measurements.