Formula for Slope Angle

To calculate the slope angle, the formula is:

$\text{Slope Angle (°)} = \arctan\left(\frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}}\right) \times \frac{180}{\pi}$

Where:

• Rise: The vertical height of the ramp.
• Run: The horizontal distance of the ramp.

Formula for Ramp Length

The ramp length is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem:

$\text{Ramp Length} = \sqrt{\text{Rise}^2 + \text{Run}^2}$

Where:

• Rise: The vertical height of the ramp.
• Run: The horizontal distance of the ramp.

Example Calculation

Imagine a ramp with:

• Rise: 3 feet
• Run: 12 feet

Step 1: Calculate the Slope Angle

$\text{Slope Angle (°)} = \arctan\left(\frac{3}{12}\right) \times \frac{180}{\pi} = \arctan(0.25) \times 57.2958 = 14.04^\circ$

The slope angle is 14.04°.

Step 2: Calculate the Ramp Length

$\text{Ramp Length} = \sqrt{3^2 + 12^2} = \sqrt{9 + 144} = \sqrt{153} = 12.37 \, \text{feet}$

The ramp length is 12.37 feet.

FAQ

What is the recommended slope for a wheelchair ramp, and why is it important?

The recommended slope for a wheelchair ramp is 1:12. This means for every 1 inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of horizontal run (length). This ratio creates a gentle slope that most wheelchair users can navigate safely and independently.