Roofing & Exterior

Ramp Calculator

Plan a wheelchair, scooter or equipment ramp. Enter the height it needs to climb and the slope ratio to get the ramp length, angle and number of landings.

Updated Oct 2, 2026A free tool from homesblogs

What is a ramp calculator?

A ramp’s slope is expressed as a ratio of rise to run. A 1:12 slope climbs 1″ for every 12″ of horizontal distance — the steepest slope allowed for accessible public ramps in the US. This calculator turns your rise into the footprint you need.

How does it work?

Run = rise × ratio. The ramp surface is the hypotenuse of rise and run, and the angle is the arctangent of 1 ÷ ratio. Accessibility guidelines limit each run to 30″ of rise, so landings are added in between. The same triangle maths appears in the Rolling Offset Formula. Pouring a concrete ramp? Estimate the slab with the Cubic Yard Calculator.

What information is needed?

  • Total rise in inches
  • Slope ratio you want to build to

How to use the Ramp Calculator

  1. Measure from the ground straight up to the top of the threshold or deck.
  2. Choose a slope — 1:12 is the maximum for wheelchair users.
  3. Select Calculate.
  4. Add landing depth to the run for your total footprint.

The formula

In plain terms, here is the calculation the tool runs:

Run = Rise × Ratio
Ramp length = √(Run² + Rise²)
Angle = atan(1 ÷ Ratio)
Ratio
12 for 1:12, 16 for 1:16, etc.
Landings
One every 30" of rise

Worked example

Example

A 24" rise to a front door at 1:12.

  1. 24 × 12 = 288" = 24 ft of run
  2. √(288² + 24²) = 289" ≈ 24.1 ft of ramp
  3. atan(1/12) = 4.76°

A 24 ft run with no intermediate landing, plus top and bottom landings.

Frequently asked questions

Is 1:12 required for home ramps?

Private residences are not always bound by ADA, but 1:12 or gentler is strongly recommended for wheelchair users.

How wide should a ramp be?

At least 36″ clear between handrails.

Can a ramp turn?

Yes, at a landing. A switchback or L-shaped ramp saves space where a straight run will not fit.

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