Ladder Slope Calculator

Plan ladder setup precisely with angles, base setbacks, vertical reach, and overshoot distance calculations. Compute slope ratio, grade percent, and lean angle with instant unit switching for professionals. Choose known pairs: length with angle, base distance, height reach, or ratio safety validation. Includes 4:1 rule checks and clear recommendations automatically.

CodingAce Ladders Advanced

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Angles from ground; angle from wall = 90° − θ. Ensure inputs are feasible.

Results
Ladder length (L)
Base distance (b)
Vertical reach (h)
Lean angle θ (ground)
Angle from wall
Slope m = h / b
Grade (%)
Base : Height
Height : Base
4:1 rule deviation
Units L b h θ (deg) m = h/b Grade (%) b:h 4:1 deviation
Angle diagram
Not to scale — illustration only
Shows base distance, reach, and lean angle θ at ground. Includes 4:1 base marker.
Formula used

Let ladder length L, base distance b, vertical reach h, lean angle from ground θ (radians), angle from wall α = \u03C0/2 - θ.

  • b = L \u22C5 \u2061 \u2192 \u2061 \cos(θ), h = L \u22C5 \u2061 \sin(θ)
  • L = \u221A(b^2 + h^2), θ = \u2061 \mathrm{atan2}(h, b)
  • m = h/b, grade percent = 100 \u00D7 m
  • 4:1 guideline: recommended base b_{rule} = h/4, target angle ≈ 75.5°
All outputs reflect your selected units. Rounded for display; internal calculations keep precision.
How to use
  1. Select units.
  2. Choose which values you already know.
  3. Enter the numbers and press Calculate.
  4. Review computed distances, angles, slope, and rule checks.
  5. Download your results as CSV or PDF.
This tool aids planning only. Use proper training and site-specific safety practices.
Example data table
Scenario Units L b h θ b:h 4:1 deviation
Typical exterior ft 24 6.0 23.2 75.5° 1:3.9 near target
Compact indoor m 3.5 0.85 3.39 78.6° 1:4.0 slightly steep
Shallow lean m 4.0 1.6 3.68 66.5° 1:2.3 too shallow
FAQs

It’s a common guidance: for every four units of vertical height, set the ladder base one unit out from the wall, yielding a lean angle near 75.5°.

It shows the lean angle from the ground (θ) and the complementary angle from the wall (α = 90° − θ), together with slope and grade percent.

Yes. Choose one of four modes: L+θ, L+b, L+h, or b+h. The calculator computes the remaining quantities and validates geometric feasibility automatically.

Slope m is the ratio h/b. Grade percent is 100 × m. They express the same steepness in different units for convenience and industry familiarity.

No. It’s a planning aid only. Always consult manufacturer instructions, site policies, and applicable regulations. Ensure firm footing, proper extension above landings, and trained supervision.

Yes. Use the Download CSV and Download PDF buttons inside the Results card. CSV contains tabular outputs; PDF captures a formatted summary.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.