Elevation Grade Calculator
Find signed grade, slope angle and straight sloping distance from rise and horizontal run.
Formula
Grade = ±100h/d; angle = ±atan(h/d); length = √(h²+d²). Use + uphill and − downhill.
Height difference: 10 ft · Horizontal run: 100 ft · Grade ≈ 100×(10 ft × 0.3048 m/ft)÷(100 ft × 0.3048 m/ft) · Slope angle ≈ atan((10 ft × 0.3048 m/ft)÷(100 ft × 0.3048 m/ft))×180÷pi · Sloping distance ≈ sqrt((10 ft × 0.3048 m/ft)^2+(100 ft × 0.3048 m/ft)^2)
How to use
- Choose ascent or descent and enter a nonnegative height difference.
- Enter horizontal run, not sloping distance.
- Read grade, angle and sloping length.
Examples
- A rise of 3 m over 4 m gives 75% and a 5 m slope.
Frequently asked questions
Is 100% grade vertical?
No. Equal rise and run give 100% and 45°.
Can I use road distance as run?
Only its horizontal projection; sloping distance would underestimate grade.
Does this follow uneven terrain?
No. It models one straight segment between two points.
Sources
Updated: