Measurement
Convert a field-measured vertical change and horizontal run into several equivalent slope descriptions. The calculator reports percent grade, a 1:N rise-to-run ratio and angle so the same measured geometry can be used consistently in landscaping, drainage, ramps, roofs or layout conversations without prescribing the required slope.
Change the defaults to match your project and the product you plan to buy.
Project result
See percent grade, rise/run ratio, angle and sloped length from the measured geometry.
At a glance
Planning estimate only. Verify product coverage, package size, supplier specifications and project requirements before purchasing.
Budget scenario
Use a current supplier subtotal or reuse a priced calculator result, then add optional delivery, tax and contingency. Home Measure Lab does not fetch or guess live prices.
Enter a current supplier subtotal or reuse a priced calculator result.
Budget values are local planning inputs, not live quotes. Verify tax treatment, delivery, labor and supplier pricing before purchasing.
Choose the right tool
You have measured vertical change and horizontal run and need equivalent percent grade, ratio, angle and sloped length.
It does not prescribe drainage, ramp, roof or accessibility slope requirements.
Methodology
rise ÷ horizontal run × 100
Uses horizontal run, not surface length.
1 : (run ÷ rise)
Shown when rise is greater than zero.
atan(rise ÷ run)
Reported as a geometry conversion.
√(run² + rise²)
Useful as a measured surface-length reference.
Measure horizontal run on plan or with a level reference, then measure the vertical change between the same start and end points. Do not substitute the sloped surface length for horizontal run; that changes the percentage and angle. On uneven ground, divide the route into segments if the grade changes materially and preserve the direction of fall on a sketch.
Use the result as a conversion between equivalent ways to describe measured slope. The calculator does not decide whether the grade is suitable for drainage, accessibility, roofing, retaining walls or any other system. Those requirements can depend on code, manufacturer instructions, soil, surface finish and project design. If you need material length along the slope, the sloped-length output can be carried into the relevant stock calculator.
Reference
| Input | Controls | Verify before using |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal run | Percent/angle denominator | Measure level distance. |
| Rise or fall | Steepness | Record direction separately. |
| Percent grade | Communication | 100 × rise/run. |
| Angle | Geometry | Do not confuse with percent. |
Questions
No. Percent grade and degrees are different representations; 10% is about 5.71 degrees.
No. It converts measured geometry only; required slope is an external project or code decision.
Split the route into separate measured segments and calculate each segment rather than averaging a complex profile blindly.
Planning guides
Measurement
Measure horizontal run and vertical change correctly before converting a field slope into percent grade, ratio or angle.
Read guide →Measurement
Understand why percent grade, 1:N ratio and degrees are different representations of the same measured rise/run geometry.
Read guide →Calculate total linear footage from repeated segments and estimate whole stock pieces with an optional waste allowance in US or Metric units.
Open calculator → MeasurementCalculate the area of a triangular section from base and perpendicular height in US or Metric units for floors, walls, yards and material takeoffs.
Open calculator → MeasurementCalculate the expected corner-to-corner diagonal of a rectangle and compare it with a field-measured diagonal without treating the result as a structural tolerance.
Open calculator →