1. What is Hill Grade Calculation?

Hill grade calculation determines the steepness or incline of a slope, expressed as a percentage. It's commonly used in civil engineering, construction, and outdoor activities to measure slope steepness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the hill grade formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical height difference (m or ft)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance (m or ft)

Explanation: The formula calculates the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run, then multiplies by 100 to convert to a percentage.

3. Importance of Grade Calculation

Details: Accurate grade calculation is essential for road construction, drainage planning, wheelchair accessibility compliance, and determining suitable slopes for various applications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (either meters or feet). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between grade and angle?
A: Grade is expressed as a percentage, while angle is measured in degrees. A 45° angle equals a 100% grade.

Q2: What is considered a steep grade?
A: Generally, grades above 10% are considered steep for vehicles, while grades above 5% may be challenging for wheelchair users.

Q3: Can I use different units for rise and run?
A: No, both measurements must use the same units to get an accurate percentage result.

Q4: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your input measurements.

Q5: What's the maximum possible grade percentage?
A: Theoretically, a vertical surface would have an infinite grade, but practically, most applications deal with grades under 100%.