1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a way to express the steepness of a slope as a percentage. It represents the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal change (run) multiplied by 100.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change (in meters)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal change (in meters)

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 in construction, landscaping, road design, and accessibility planning. It helps determine if a slope is suitable for specific uses like wheelchair access or vehicle traffic.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the slope percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 15% are considered steep, while slopes above 30% are very steep and may require special considerations.

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to degrees?
A: While percentage is rise/run × 100, degrees use the arctangent of rise/run. A 45° angle equals a 100% slope.

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: Can I use different units?
A: The units must be consistent (both in meters or both in feet). The calculator currently uses meters.

Q5: What if my run is zero?
A: A run of zero would mean a vertical cliff (undefined slope), which the calculator won't accept as it requires positive values.