Are you working on a driveway, ramp, or concrete slab and need to determine the correct slope? Our Concrete Slope Calculator makes it easy to compute the slope percentage, slope ratio (rise:run), and slope angle in degrees—all in one place.
What is Concrete Slope?
Concrete slope describes the incline or decline of a surface. It is defined by the vertical change (rise) relative to the horizontal distance (run).
You can express slope in three ways:
- Percentage (%) — Most common for construction and drainage
- Angle (°) — Common in engineering and design
- Ratio (rise:run) — Often used in accessibility ramps (e.g., 1:12)
How to Calculate Concrete Slope?
You only need two inputs:
- Rise (vertical height change)
- Run (horizontal length)
Both should be in the same unit (meters or feet).
Formulas to Calculate Slope
1. Slope Percentage Formula
Slope (%)=(RunRise)×100
2. Slope Angle (Degrees) Formula
Slope Angle (°)=arctan(RunRise)×π180
3. Slope Ratio Formula
Slope Ratio=Rise:Run
Example Calculation
Let’s calculate the slope for the following:
- Rise = 1 meter
- Run = 12 meters
Slope Percentage
121×100=8.33%
Slope Angle (°)
arctan(121)×π180=4.76∘
Slope Ratio
1:12
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the ideal slope for a concrete driveway?
The recommended slope for a concrete driveway is typically 1% to 5% (i.e., 1 to 5 cm rise for every 1 meter of run). This ensures proper water drainage without making the surface too steep.
2. How do I calculate slope in concrete construction?
You can calculate slope using the formula:
Slope (%) = (Rise ÷ Run) × 100
Simply enter the rise (vertical height) and run (horizontal distance) into our calculator to get the result instantly.
3. What units should I use for rise and run?
Both rise and run should be in the same unit—either meters, feet, or inches. The unit cancels out in the ratio, so the result is dimensionless.
4. Why is slope important in concrete slabs and driveways?
Slope is crucial to:
- Ensure water drainage
- Prevent water pooling and cracks
- Maintain safety (not too steep or slippery)
5. What is a safe slope for a wheelchair ramp?
For wheelchair accessibility (ADA guidelines), the slope should be 1:12 (8.33%) or less. That means 1 unit rise for every 12 units run.
6. What happens if my concrete slope is too steep?
A slope that is too steep can cause:
- Water to flow too quickly, causing erosion
- Vehicles to have difficulty entering or exiting driveways
- Safety hazards, especially for walking surfaces
7. Can I use this calculator for other surfaces (not just concrete)?
Yes! While designed for concrete applications, you can use this calculator for any slope calculation, such as soil grading, landscaping, ramps, roofs, or pavements.
Check out 1 similar Concrete Slope Calculator :