1. What is the Distance Elevation Grade Calculator?

The Distance Elevation Grade Calculator computes the horizontal distance based on vertical rise and grade percentage. It's commonly used in construction, engineering, and outdoor activities to determine the length of a slope.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical elevation change (feet)
• \( Grade \) — Slope steepness (percentage)

Explanation: The formula converts grade percentage to a ratio (dividing by 100) and then divides the rise by this ratio to get the horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Distance Calculation

Details: Accurate distance calculation is crucial for planning construction projects, trail building, road design, and determining the actual travel distance on slopes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise in feet and grade as a percentage (e.g., 5 for 5%). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between grade and angle?
A: Grade is rise over run expressed as a percentage (e.g., 10% means 10 feet rise per 100 feet horizontal), while angle is measured in degrees.

Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise for the given inputs, but actual terrain may have varying grades.

Q3: Can I use this for hiking trail planning?
A: Yes, it's useful for estimating trail distances when you know the elevation gain and average grade.

Q4: What's a typical road grade?
A: Most highways have maximum grades of 5-6%, while mountain roads may have grades up to 10-12%.

Q5: How does this relate to slope ratio?
A: A 100% grade equals a 1:1 slope ratio (45 degree angle), while a 50% grade equals a 1:2 slope ratio.