1. What is Slope Percentage?

Slope percentage is a measure of the steepness or incline of a surface, calculated as the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, expressed as a percentage. It's commonly used in excavation, construction, and civil engineering projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the slope percentage formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical height difference (feet)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance (feet)

Explanation: The formula calculates how many units the surface rises vertically for every 100 units of horizontal distance.

3. Importance of Slope Calculation

Details: Accurate slope calculation is crucial for proper drainage, stability of excavations, compliance with safety regulations, and ensuring structural integrity in construction projects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run measurements in feet. Both values must be positive numbers, with run greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a safe slope for excavations?
A: Safe slopes depend on soil type but typically range from 1:1 (100%) for stable rock to 1.5:1 (67%) for type A soil, according to OSHA standards.

Q2: How does slope percentage relate to angle?
A: Slope percentage = tan(angle) × 100. A 45° angle equals 100% slope, where rise equals run.

Q3: What's the difference between slope ratio and slope percentage?
A: Slope ratio (e.g., 2:1) shows the horizontal distance per unit of vertical drop, while percentage expresses this as a percentage (e.g., 50% for 2:1 slope).

Q4: When is slope calculation most critical?
A: Critical applications include trench safety, road construction, drainage systems, wheelchair ramp design, and foundation work.

Q5: How accurate should slope measurements be?
A: For most construction purposes, measurements should be accurate to within 1-2%. For precision engineering, greater accuracy may be required.