Enter rise, run, width, and depths to size your ramp quickly correctly. See grade ratios, material volumes, and cost breakdowns for smarter builds everywhere.
Enter rise and either run or slope ratio. Add width, depths, and cost options to estimate quantities and total cost.
| Rise (in) | Run (in) | Width (in) | Surface | Slope (%) | Length (ft) | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 144 | 36 | Concrete | 8.33 | 12.04 | $410.00 |
| 18 | 216 | 48 | Pavers | 8.33 | 18.06 | $735.00 |
| 24 | 288 | 48 | Wood | 8.33 | 24.08 | $920.00 |
Build safer ramps by planning slope and materials properly.
Garden ramps face rain, mud, and uneven soil, so slope control is both a safety and durability issue. A gentle grade reduces slipping, wheel spin, and erosion channels. Many builders start with a 1:12 ratio for comfortable movement, then adjust for available space and drainage paths.
This calculator converts rise and run into slope percent, angle, and a 1:n ratio. For example, a 18-inch rise with a 216-inch run produces an 8.33% grade and about 4.76° angle, with a 1:12 ratio. These numbers help compare designs quickly and consistently.
Material quantities begin with ramp length (the sloped distance) and surface area. A longer ramp increases surface coverage, edging length, and base volume. If you widen a ramp from 36 to 48 inches, area rises by 33% at the same length, directly increasing gravel, concrete, pavers, or boards.
A compacted gravel base commonly ranges from 3 to 6 inches depending on soil and load. A 4-inch base under 72 square feet equals 24 cubic feet, or 0.89 cubic yards before waste. Compaction, moisture, and gradation affect final height, so ordering slightly extra is normal.
Concrete offers a continuous surface and predictable thickness; pavers add aesthetics and serviceability; wood decking can suit temporary or raised solutions; gravel-only ramps can work for low-traffic paths. The calculator switches line items so your estimate reflects the selected build-up and typical accessories.
Waste accounts for trimming, settlement, spillage, and uneven subgrade. For pavers, 5–10% is common; for gravel and concrete, 5–8% often covers handling losses. Increasing waste from 5% to 10% raises material quantities by roughly 4.8% relative to the 5% baseline.
Budgets often split into materials, labor, and logistics. Local pricing varies widely: gravel might range $40–$80 per cubic yard, concrete $140–$220 per cubic yard, and pavers $3–$10 per square foot. Add labor hours and an hourly rate to reflect site prep, forming, placement, and cleanup.
Use the slope results to decide if you need more run, a switchback, or resting landings. Compare totals across surface types, then refine with actual supplier quotes. Export the CSV for bidding and the PDF for a job folder so changes remain traceable across revisions.
It means 1 unit of rise for every 12 units of run. For instance, a 2-inch rise needs 24 inches of run. The calculator converts between ratio, percent grade, and angle automatically.
Use run when you already measured the horizontal distance. Use ratio when you want to target a specific slope like 1:12. The tool will compute the missing value and all related metrics.
Ramp length is the sloped distance along the surface, found using the rise and run. Because it’s the hypotenuse of a right triangle, it is always equal to or greater than the run.
Light foot traffic may work with 3–4 inches, while wheelbarrows or frequent loads often benefit from 4–6 inches. Poor soil or wet areas may need geotextile and thicker base layers.
Pavers typically sit on a thin bedding layer and need edge restraint to prevent shifting. Including sand and edging makes the estimate more realistic for outdoor conditions and seasonal movement.
They are illustrative and may not match your local prices, thicknesses, or labor. Use them as a sanity check for scale, then replace costs with supplier quotes for a final budget.
Yes, as a planning baseline. Estimate the effective length and average width for curved runs, or calculate each straight segment separately and add totals together. Always verify layout on site.
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.