1. What is Elevation Grade Percentage?

The elevation grade percentage measures the steepness or incline of a surface, calculated as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run multiplied by 100. It's commonly used in construction, road design, and outdoor activities.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the elevation grade formula:

Where:

• \( rise \) — Vertical elevation change
• \( run \) — Horizontal distance

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage the vertical rise is compared to the horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Grade Calculation

Details: Grade percentage is crucial for determining slope steepness in construction projects, road safety assessments, wheelchair accessibility, and athletic training.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run in the same units (feet, meters, etc.). The run must be greater than zero. The result shows the grade as a percentage.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's considered a steep grade?
A: Generally, grades above 10% are considered steep. Most vehicles can handle up to 15-20%, while wheelchair ramps should be ≤8.33%.

Q2: How does grade percentage relate to degrees?
A: Grade percentage is not the same as angle in degrees. To convert: angle = arctan(grade%/100).

Q3: What's the maximum possible grade percentage?
A: Theoretically unlimited, but a vertical cliff would approach infinite grade. Practically, most applications consider grades up to 100% (45° angle).

Q4: How accurate should my measurements be?
A: For construction projects, measure to the nearest 1/4 inch over 100 feet. For general use, nearest whole unit is usually sufficient.

Q5: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both must be in the same units since the calculation is a ratio. The units cancel out in the percentage result.