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ADA Ramp Slope Formula:
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The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) ramp slope is a critical measurement for ensuring accessibility in built environments. It determines the steepness of a ramp, which must comply with specific standards to be accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments.
The calculator uses the ADA ramp slope formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the angle of inclination by taking the arctangent of the rise divided by the run, then converting from radians to degrees.
Details: According to ADA standards, the maximum slope for a ramp is 1:12 (4.8°). This means for every 1 inch of rise, there must be at least 12 inches of run. Commercial properties must follow these guidelines to ensure accessibility compliance.
Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in inches. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will provide the slope angle in degrees and the slope ratio (e.g., 1:12).
Q1: What is the maximum ADA ramp slope?
A: The maximum slope allowed is 1:12 (4.8 degrees) for commercial ramps. Steeper slopes may be permitted in certain residential applications.
Q2: Are handrails required on ADA ramps?
A: Handrails are required on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6 inches or a horizontal projection greater than 72 inches.
Q3: What is the maximum rise for a single ramp run?
A: A single ramp run must not have a rise greater than 30 inches without an intermediate landing.
Q4: How wide must an ADA ramp be?
A: The minimum clear width of a ramp must be 36 inches to accommodate wheelchair passage.
Q5: Are there different requirements for existing buildings?
A: While new construction must meet current ADA standards, existing buildings may have different compliance requirements based on the extent of renovation and feasibility.