Example Data Table
| Case | Rise | Ratio | Run | Ramp Length | Angle | Sections | Footprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Access | 0.30 m | 1:12 | 3.60 m | 3.61 m | 4.76° | 1 | 6.60 m |
| Clinic Entrance | 0.76 m | 1:12 | 9.14 m | 9.17 m | 4.76° | 2 | 13.64 m |
| School Walkway | 0.45 m | 1:16 | 7.20 m | 7.21 m | 3.58° | 1 | 10.20 m |
| Landscape Path | 0.20 m | 1:20 | 4.00 m | 4.00 m | 2.86° | 1 | 7.00 m |
Footprint values include sample top and bottom landings of 1.50 m each.
Formula Used
1) Horizontal Run
Run = Rise × Ratio Denominator
2) Grade Percent
Grade % = (Rise ÷ Run) × 100
3) Angle
Angle = arctan(Rise ÷ Run)
4) Ramp Length
Ramp Length = √(Rise² + Run²)
5) Sections Required
Sections = ceiling(Total Run ÷ Maximum Segment Length)
6) Horizontal Footprint
Footprint = Run + Top Landing + Bottom Landing + Intermediate Landings
7) Travel Surface Area
Surface Area = Width × (Ramp Length + Total Landing Length)
8) Approximate Slab Volume
Volume = Plan Area × Slab Thickness
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the total rise first, then select one unit for the project. Choose a design input method. You can work from a target ratio, a known run, a known angle, or a known grade value.
Set the ramp width, landing lengths, maximum segment length, slab thickness, and waste allowance. Then click Calculate Ramp. The result block appears above the form, directly below the page header.
Review the slope ratio, grade, angle, footprint, sections, surface area, and material volume. Use the design checks for a quick planning review. Download the result summary with the CSV or PDF buttons.
FAQs
1) What does the ramp ratio mean?
A ratio like 1:12 means the ramp rises 1 unit vertically for every 12 units of horizontal run. Larger denominators create gentler ramps.
2) Why does the calculator show both grade and angle?
Grade percent is common in civil and site work. Angle is useful for geometric review. Both describe the same slope from different engineering perspectives.
3) Why are sections and intermediate landings important?
Long ramps can become difficult to navigate and build. Breaking the run into sections helps planning, improves comfort, and supports rest points between sloped portions.
4) What is the difference between footprint and ramp length?
Ramp length is the sloped travel distance. Footprint is the total horizontal space used, including landings and intermediate breaks.
5) Does the volume output represent exact concrete quantity?
No. It is an approximate planning value based on plan area and slab thickness. Final quantity should reflect structural detail, edge conditions, reinforcement, and site geometry.
6) Why compare the landing length with ramp width?
This provides a simple planning check. Landings shorter than the ramp width can feel constrained and may reduce maneuvering comfort at transitions.
7) Can I use inches or feet instead of metric units?
Yes. Select inches or feet from the unit menu. The calculator converts values internally and returns results in your chosen display unit.
8) Is this calculator enough for final construction approval?
It is best for design planning and early engineering checks. Final approval should always follow the governing code, site constraints, and project documentation.