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Slope (m): N/A

Slope Calculator: ADA Ramp Slope & Length Tool 

The slope calculator at hcalculator helps you accurately calculate the slope of a line, ramp, or incline based on rise over run. Whether you’re planning a ramp for accessibility or looking to understand the gradient between two points, this tool simplifies your work. Our calculator determines ramp length using your input of height (rise) and slope ratio. 

🔍 Why Use a Slope Calculator? 

If you need to find the slope, angle, or length of a ramp, you’re in the right place. The slope calculator finds values using the standard slope formula, making it ideal for: 

  • Wheelchair ramps 
  • Inclined walkways 
  • Graphing a line equation 
  • Understanding the rate of change in x and y values 

You can also use it to find the slope between two points, determine the angle of inclination, or estimate the slope of a roof. 

ADA Slope Calculator Requirements 

To be ADA-compliant, follow these general rules: 

Ramp Type 

Maximum Slope 

Use Case 

Wheelchair Ramp (ADA) 

1:12 

1 inch rise for every 12 inches run 

Portable Ramp 

Up to 1:8 

Temporary or mobile use 

Public Access Ramp 

Shallower 

Safer, less steep ramp 

📏 Example: For a rise of 24 inches, a slope of 1:12 means a ramp length of 24 feet. The calculator helps simplify this calculation instantly. 

🛠 How the Slope Calculator Works 

Here’s how to use the tool: 

Step 1: Enter the rise (vertical height) 
Step 2: Choose your slope ratio (e.g., 1:12 or 1:10) or calculate the slope manually 
Step 3: The calculator gives you the ramp length, angle, or other slope-related values 

🔣 Equation for Ramp Length: 

Example: 
If the rise is 12 inches and the slope is 1:12, then the ramp length = 12 feet. 

You can also find the gradient or steepness using this tool, especially when working with graph coordinates or when trying to rearrange the equation to find the value of x. 

⚠️ What Is a 100% Slope? 

A 100% slope equals a 45° angle of elevation—that’s extremely steep! ADA standards recommend no more than 1:12 to avoid unsafe conditions. 

In trigonometry, this is similar to forming a right triangle, with vertical and horizontal distances used to determine the slope or angle. 

🧱 Key Ramp Construction Factors 

Before building a ramp, consider: 

  • Handrails: Needed if the elevation is more than 6 inches 
  • Landings: Every 30 feet and at top/bottom 
  • Width: At least 36 inches 
  • Non-slip surface: Prevents accidents 

Using a slope calculator early avoids missteps, ensures compliance, and lets you calculate based on the change in x or run distance. 

🏗 Permanent vs. Portable Ramps 

There are several ramp types you can evaluate using this calculator: 

  • Permanent ramps: Built into a structure 
  • Portable ramps: Used temporarily or when moving 
  • Modular ramps: EZ-ACCESS options with pre-built parts 

Use the elevation grade calculator function for projects like sidewalks or ramps with variable horizontal length. 

🧮 Slope Angle & Graphing Support 

Want to find the angle of inclination? Here’s the equation of a line to help: 

Also useful for: 

  • Determining the slope from an equation 
  • Plotting the graph of a ramp or roof 
  • Applying the Pythagorean theorem for accurate length 

You can even estimate the slope of the line tangent to a function at a given point if you’re working with calculus or finding the derivative of a function. 

📚 ADA Ramp Guidelines Summary 

Feature 

ADA Standard 

Max slope 

1:12 

Max rise 

30 inches per run 

Minimum width 

36 inches 

Handrails 

Required for >6” rise 

Landing 

Level, 60″ length minimum 

These apply whether you’re finding the slope of a line, checking vertical distance, or calculating the slope between two points. 

🧠 FAQs: Find the Slope, Length & More 

Q: How do I find a slope using two points? 
A: Use the slope formula: (change in y) / (change in x). Our slope calculator does it instantly. 

Q: Can a slope be undefined? 
A: Yes. A vertical line has an undefined slope because its horizontal change is zero. 

Q: What is the y-intercept? 
A: It’s the point where the line crosses the y-axis, in slope-intercept form: y = mx + b. 

Q: How does this help with roofing? 
A: Use it to find the slope of a roof, based on altitude and horizontal distance. 

Q: Can I use this for other calculations? 
A: Absolutely. Whether you’re using a triangle calculator, solving line equations, or working with coordinates, it works. 

🎯 Final Thought 

At the end of the day, an accurate ramp or graph starts with the right slope. Whether you need to find the slope, determine the steepness, or understand the equation of a line, the slope calculator at hcalculator is here to help. 

With support for fractions, decimals, and even advanced math like calculus and trigonometry, it’s more than just a tool—it’s your assistant in every slope-related task. 

👉 Try the Slope Calculator now on hcalculator and make every incline count—accurately and ADA-compliantly