Ramp Calculator — Slope, ADA Compliance & Materials
Calculate ramp run length, slope angle, and material requirements for wheelchair ramps, vehicle loading, and access. Verifies ADA compliance (1:12 max slope), landing requirements, and handrail specs. Includes material cost estimation.
Why This Construction Metric Matters
Why: Proper ramp slope is essential for accessibility and safety. ADA requires maximum 1:12 slope (8.33%) for wheelchair access. Steeper ramps are dangerous; shallower ramps require excessive length. Landings every 30 inches of rise provide rest and turning space.
How: Run = Rise × Slope Ratio. For 1:12: Run = Rise × 12. Slope angle = arctan(Rise/Run). Slope percent = (Rise/Run) × 100. Material area = (Run × Width)/144 + Landing area. Handrails required if rise > 6 inches; height 34-38 inches, extension 12 inches.
- ●ADA max slope 1:12 (8.33%). Landings required every 30" of rise, min 60" × 60".
- ●Handrails required for ramps with rise > 6"; height 34-38", extend 12" beyond.
- ●Min width 36" for ADA. Non-slip surface and max 2% cross slope required.
- ●Residential ramps may use 1:8 (12.5%); vehicle loading 1:4 (25%) or steeper.
Ramp Calculator
Slope • ADA • Materials • Run Length
Quick Examples — Click to Load
Single Step Entry Ramp
6" rise, residential entry
24" Rise Residential
24" rise, 2 landings
ADA Compliant Commercial
30" rise, full ADA compliance
Vehicle Loading Ramp
48" rise, steep slope
Wheelchair Ramp
18" rise, residential
Multi-Landing Ramp
60" rise, 4 landings
Metric Ramp
50cm rise, metric units
📏 Basic Dimensions
Vertical height difference
Minimum 36" for ADA
Rise:Run ratio
🪜 Landings
Required every 30" of rise for ADA
Minimum 60" for ADA
🏗️ Material & Load
Concrete
Durable, permanent solution
• Height: 34-38 inches above ramp surface
• Extension: 12 inches beyond top and bottom
• Required for ramps with rise greater than 6 inches (ADA)
Planning estimates only. Verify with a licensed engineer or contractor before construction.
📐 Construction Industry Facts
ADA max slope 1:12 (8.33%) for wheelchair access.
— ADA
Landings required every 30" of rise, min 60" × 60".
— ADA
Handrails 34-38" height, 12" extension beyond top/bottom.
— ADA
Min width 36". Non-slip surface, max 2% cross slope.
— ADA
What is a Ramp Calculator?
Calculates ramp run length, slope angle, and material requirements. Checks ADA compliance and building codes.
Slope
Run & angle
ADA
Compliance check
Materials
Cost estimation
Safety
Code compliance
How to Calculate
When to Use
Wheelchair ramps, vehicle loading, accessibility design.
Why It Matters
Safety, ADA compliance, proper slope for usability.
Where Applied
Residential, commercial, public buildings, loading docks.
Formulas
Run = Rise × ratio. Slope% = (Rise/Run)×100. ADA max 1:12 (8.33%).
Tips
- • ADA: max 30" rise per run, 60" landing
- • Handrails if rise > 6"
Common Mistakes
- • Steeper than 1:12 for ADA
- • No landing at top/bottom
FAQs
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