Home Back

How To Calculate Slope Angle

Slope Angle Formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = \arctan\left(\frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}}\right) \]

m
m

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From: To:

1. What is Slope Angle?

Slope angle is the measure of steepness or incline of a surface, typically expressed in degrees. It represents the angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the trigonometric formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = \arctan\left(\frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}}\right) \]

Where:

Explanation: The ratio of rise to run (slope ratio) is calculated first, then the arctangent function converts this ratio to an angle in radians, which is then converted to degrees.

3. Importance of Slope Angle Calculation

Details: Calculating slope angle is crucial in various fields including construction, civil engineering, landscaping, road design, and accessibility planning. It helps determine if a slope is safe for construction, meets regulatory requirements, or is suitable for specific purposes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the slope angle in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between slope angle and slope percentage?
A: Slope angle is measured in degrees, while slope percentage is the ratio (rise/run) × 100%. A 45° angle equals a 100% slope.

Q2: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 30° are considered steep, but this varies by context. For wheelchair accessibility, slopes above 5° may be challenging.

Q3: Can I use different units of measurement?
A: Yes, as long as both rise and run use the same units (feet, meters, etc.), the angle calculation will be accurate.

Q4: What's the maximum possible slope angle?
A: The theoretical maximum is 90° (vertical), but practical limits depend on the material and application.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your rise and run measurements.

How To Calculate Slope Angle© - All Rights Reserved 2025