Converters & essentials

Slope & Gradient Calculator

Every trade writes slope differently - percent, degrees or 1:x. Enter rise and run once and read all three.

Calculator

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How it works

Gradient percent is rise divided by run times 100. The angle is the arctangent of rise over run, and the ratio is 1 : run/rise - the format drainage and ramp regulations use.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 1:40 gradient in percent and degrees?

1:40 means 1 unit of fall per 40 along - 2.5% or about 1.4 degrees. Typical foul drainage for 100 mm pipes runs between 1:40 and 1:80.

What gradient can a wheelchair ramp be?

ADA (US) and UK Part M both cap ramps at 1:12 (8.3%), with gentler slopes preferred - see the dedicated ramp calculator for lengths and landings.