1. What is a Ramp Length Calculator?

Definition: This calculator determines the required ramp length based on the height to be overcome and the desired slope.

Purpose: It helps architects, builders, and accessibility planners design ramps that meet safety standards and usability requirements.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Ramp length (feet)
• \( H \) — Height to overcome (feet)
• \( S \) — Slope ratio (unitless, e.g., 0.0833 for 1:12 slope)

Explanation: The height is divided by the slope ratio to determine the required horizontal length of the ramp.

3. Importance of Proper Ramp Length

Details: Correct ramp length ensures accessibility compliance, safety for users, and proper functionality for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the height in feet and the desired slope ratio (default 0.0833 for ADA-compliant 1:12 slope). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a standard slope for accessibility ramps?
A: The ADA recommends a maximum slope of 1:12 (8.33% or 0.0833), meaning 1 foot of rise requires 12 feet of ramp length.

Q2: When might I use a different slope?
A: Steeper slopes (like 1:8 or 1:10) might be used for residential applications where space is limited, but these may not meet accessibility standards.

Q3: How do I convert slope percentage to ratio?
A: Divide the percentage by 100. For example, 8.33% becomes 0.0833 as a ratio.

Q4: Does this calculation account for landings?
A: No, additional length should be added for required landings at the top, bottom, and any turns in the ramp.

Q5: What if my height is in inches?
A: Convert inches to feet by dividing by 12 before entering the value (e.g., 24 inches = 2 feet).