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How to Calculate Ramp Gradient

Mobility is important regardless of your situation. People in wheelchairs have just as many rights as people who aren't. By building ramps, it is possible to give access to areas where people on wheels normally couldn't go. It is important to make your ramps the correct gradient; otherwise, the slope may be too steep for some people.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the length of the ramp.

    • 2

      Determine the height of the ramp.

    • 3

      Divide the length by the height.

    • 4

      Read the result as a ratio of 1:[result] [unit].

    • 5

      Look at this example; a ramp that is 10 feet long and 2 feet high would have a ratio of 1:5 feet (10 / 2 = 5), or 5 feet of length for every 1 foot of height.