Elevation Grade Calculator
Calculate grade percentage, ratio, and angle based on elevation changes and distances. This tool is essential for civil engineering, road design, hiking trail assessment, and more.
Gentle slope
Suitable for railways and major highways
Vehicle Accessibility
- Standard vehicles: Accessible
- Heavy vehicles: Accessible
- Bicycles: Comfortable
Design Considerations
- Drainage: May need additional measures
- Erosion risk: Low
- Winter maintenance: Standard
What is Grade?
Grade (also called slope, incline, gradient, pitch, or rise) is the measure of steepness of a road, railroad, or trail. It is typically expressed as a percentage, ratio, or angle.
Grade Percentage
Grade percentage is calculated as (Rise ÷ Run) × 100. For example, if a road rises 5 meters over a horizontal distance of 100 meters, the grade is 5%.
Grade Ratio
Grade ratio is expressed as 1:X, where X is the horizontal distance needed for a 1-unit rise. For example, a 5% grade is equivalent to a 1:20 ratio (1 unit of rise for every 20 units of horizontal distance).
Grade Angle
Grade angle is the angle of inclination measured in degrees. It is calculated using the arctangent function: angle = arctan(Rise ÷ Run). For example, a 5% grade is approximately 2.86 degrees.
Common Applications
- Road and highway design (typically 5-8% maximum)
- Railway design (typically 1-2% maximum)
- Wheelchair ramp design (typically 8.33% maximum, or 1:12 ratio)
- Hiking trail difficulty assessment
- Drainage system design
How to Use the Elevation Grade Calculator
Rise & Run Method
- Select the "Rise & Run" tab
- Enter the vertical rise (elevation change)
- Enter the horizontal run (distance)
- Select appropriate units for both measurements
- View the calculated grade percentage, ratio, and angle
Elevation Points Method
- Select the "Elevation Points" tab
- Enter the starting elevation
- Enter the ending elevation
- Enter the horizontal distance between points
- Select appropriate units for all measurements
- View the calculated grade percentage, ratio, and angle
Understanding Results
- Grade Percentage: The slope expressed as a percentage (rise/run × 100)
- Grade Ratio: The slope expressed as a ratio (1:X)
- Grade Angle: The angle of inclination in degrees
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculate grade from slope measurements
Calculate student grades and percentages
Calculate final course grades
Learn about road grade requirements
Accessibility standards for slopes and ramps
Best practices for sustainable trail grades
Federal Highway Administration guidelines