What does percent grade mean?

Percent grade = (rise / run) x 100. A 10% grade means 10 feet of elevation change for every 100 feet of horizontal distance.

What is a steep road gradient?

Most public roads are designed for grades under 6%. Mountain highways may reach 8-12%. The steepest public roads in the world approach 35% (about 19°).

Gradient to Degrees Converter

Convert a slope gradient (percent grade) to an angle in degrees.

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Gradient (% Grade)

Degrees

5.71 °

Radians0.0997 rad

Rise per Foot of Run1.2 inches

View formula & how it works →

Gradient (Percent Grade) to Degrees

Angle = arctan(Gradient / 100)

A 100% grade means the rise equals the run (45°). A 10% grade is a relatively steep road.

Common Grades

GradeDegreesContext 1%0.57°Gentle drainage slope 5%2.86°Moderate road grade 10%5.71°Steep road grade 45%24.2°Very steep trail 100%45°Rise equals run

Example Calculation

Convert a 10% road grade to degrees.

01Angle = arctan(10/100) = arctan(0.1)
02Angle = 5.71°
03Rise per foot of run = 0.1 x 12 = 1.2 inches

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gradient to Degrees Converter

Gradient (Percent Grade) to Degrees

Common Grades

Example Calculation

Frequently Asked Questions

Metric vs Imperial: A Complete Guide to the Two Measurement Systems

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Angle Converter