Ramp Slope Calculator
Work out a ramp's slope and length for a given rise, including accessibility gradients.
Getting a ramp's gradient right
A ramp's slope is the ratio of its rise to its length, and the right gradient depends on what the ramp is for — a gentle slope for wheelchair access, a steeper one for a shed or a vehicle. This works out the slope and the length needed for a given rise, so a ramp is both usable and, where it must be, compliant.
Enter the rise and desired slope to see the ramp length.
Accessibility has strict limits
Where accessibility matters, the gradient is not a matter of preference — there are strict maximum slopes for wheelchair ramps, because too steep a ramp is unusable or unsafe for someone in a chair, and these are set by accessibility standards that vary by country. A common guideline is a fairly gentle ratio, which means an accessible ramp for even a modest rise needs to be surprisingly long, often with level landings for longer runs.
Ramp Slope Calculator FAQ
How steep can a wheelchair ramp be?
Accessibility standards set strict maximum slopes, and they are gentle — which means an accessible ramp for even a small rise is surprisingly long.
Why does the required length surprise people?
Because a gentle accessible gradient means a modest rise needs a long ramp, often with level landings, so it is worth checking you have the space.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The calculation happens in your browser.