Elevation Grade Calculator
Calculate slope, grade percentage, and angle of elevation for terrain analysis
Enter Elevation Parameters
The vertical change in elevation
The horizontal distance traveled
Grade Formula
Grade = Rise ÷ Run | Percentage = Grade × 100% | Angle = arctan(Grade)
Critical Notice
Elevation grade calculations are critical for construction safety, road design, and structural engineering. Always verify measurements and consult professionals.
Elevation Grade Results
Understanding Elevation Grade
What is Elevation Grade?
Elevation grade (or slope) is the steepness or degree of inclination of a surface. It represents the ratio of vertical change (rise) to horizontal distance (run) and is fundamental in construction, surveying, and engineering applications.
Key Applications:
- • Road and highway design
- • Building site preparation
- • Drainage and water flow analysis
- • Retaining wall construction
- • Accessibility compliance (ADA)
- • Structural foundation planning
Mathematical Formulas
Expression Formats:
- Ratio: 0.05 (decimal format)
- Percentage: 5% (most common)
- Angle: 2.86° (surveying)
- Ratio format: 1 in 20 (engineering)
How to Measure Rise and Run
Professional Tools
Surveyor's Transit
Professional optical instrument with built-in telescope for precise elevation measurements when paired with a leveling rod.
Clinometer
Handheld instrument that directly measures angle of elevation between two points using a protractor and telescope.
Digital Level
Modern electronic instruments that provide accurate digital readings for both horizontal and vertical measurements.
Measurement Process
- 1Establish reference points at start and end of slope
- 2Measure horizontal distance (run) using measuring tape
- 3Determine vertical difference (rise) using optical instruments
- 4Apply grade formulas to calculate slope characteristics
- 5Verify measurements and cross-check calculations
Measurement Tips
- • Keep measuring tape taut for accurate horizontal distance
- • Use multiple measurement points for irregular terrain
- • Account for instrument height in elevation calculations
- • Consider atmospheric conditions for long-distance measurements
Construction Applications & Standards
Road Construction
- • Highway grades: typically 3-6%
- • Urban roads: maximum 8-12%
- • Mountain roads: up to 15%
- • Parking lots: 1-5% for drainage
Building & ADA
- • ADA ramps: maximum 8.33% (1:12)
- • Sidewalks: maximum 5%
- • Wheelchair access: 5% preferred
- • Building sites: 2-10% typical
Drainage & Utilities
- • Sewer lines: minimum 1%
- • Surface drainage: 2-4%
- • Utility trenches: 0.5% minimum
- • Roof drainage: 2% minimum
Grade Classification Reference
| Grade % | Angle | Classification | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-2% | 0-1.1° | Level/Very Gentle | Parking lots, patios |
| 2-5% | 1.1-2.9° | Gentle | Sidewalks, driveways |
| 5-15% | 2.9-8.5° | Moderate | Residential roads |
| 15-30% | 8.5-16.7° | Steep | Mountain roads |
| 30%+ | 16.7°+ | Very Steep | Special construction |
Example Calculations
Example 1: Road Grade
Given:
- • Rise: 12 meters
- • Run: 200 meters
Calculations:
- 1. Grade ratio = 12 ÷ 200 = 0.06
- 2. Grade percentage = 0.06 × 100% = 6%
- 3. Grade angle = arctan(0.06) = 3.43°
- 4. Ratio format = 1 in 16.67
Example 2: ADA Ramp
Given:
- • Rise: 0.6 meters (24 inches)
- • Run: 7.2 meters (24 feet)
Calculations:
- 1. Grade ratio = 0.6 ÷ 7.2 = 0.0833
- 2. Grade percentage = 0.0833 × 100% = 8.33%
- 3. Grade angle = arctan(0.0833) = 4.76°
- 4. Ratio format = 1 in 12