# Ramp Calculator

Design ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps. Calculate ramp length, landings, surface area, and railing needed. Enter rise height and slope for instant results.

## What this calculates

Building an accessible ramp requires precise dimensions to meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards and ensure safe, comfortable use for wheelchair users and people with mobility challenges. This calculator determines ramp length, number of landings, total footprint, and railing requirements based on rise height and slope ratio.

## Inputs

- **Rise Height** (in) — min 1, max 120 — Total height to climb from ground to threshold
- **Maximum Slope** — options: 1:12 (ADA compliant), 1:8 (residential, non-ADA), 1:6 (steep, limited use) — ADA requires 1:12 slope maximum for wheelchair ramps
- **Ramp Width** (in) — min 30, max 72 — ADA minimum is 36 inches; 48 inches for two-way traffic
- **Include Railings** — ADA requires handrails on both sides for ramps over 6 inches of rise

## Outputs

- **Ramp Run Length** (ft) — Horizontal length of the ramp run (not including landings)
- **Ramp Surface Area** (sq ft) — Total ramp surface area including landings
- **Intermediate Landings** — ADA requires a landing every 30 feet of ramp run
- **Total Length (with landings)** (ft) — Full length including top/bottom landings and intermediate landings
- **Railing Length** (ft) — Total handrail needed (both sides, ramp + 12" extensions)

## Details

ADA standards require a maximum slope of 1:12, meaning 1 inch of rise for every 12 inches of run. A 30-inch rise requires a 30-foot ramp. This gentle slope ensures wheelchair users can navigate the ramp independently without excessive effort or risk of rollback.

Intermediate landings are required every 30 feet of ramp run. Landings must be at least 60 inches long and the full width of the ramp. Top and bottom landings are always required. Landings provide rest areas and are necessary at changes in direction. If the ramp changes direction at a landing, the landing must be at least 60 x 60 inches.

Handrails are required on both sides of any ramp with more than 6 inches of rise. Rails must be 34-38 inches high, extend 12 inches beyond the top and bottom of the ramp, and return to the wall or post. The minimum clear width between handrails is 36 inches. For residential ramps not subject to ADA, steeper slopes (1:8) are permissible but less comfortable for wheelchair users.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is the ADA slope requirement for ramps?**

A: ADA requires a maximum slope of 1:12 (one inch of rise per 12 inches of run, or about 8.3% grade). This means a 30-inch rise needs a 30-foot ramp. Steeper slopes are not ADA-compliant and are difficult for wheelchair users to navigate independently.

**Q: How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?**

A: Multiply the rise height in inches by 12 for ADA compliance. A 24-inch rise needs a 24-foot ramp, a 30-inch rise needs 30 feet, and a 36-inch rise needs 36 feet. Add 5 feet for each landing (top, bottom, and intermediate every 30 feet of run).

**Q: When are landings required on a ramp?**

A: ADA requires landings at the top and bottom of every ramp, and intermediate landings every 30 feet of ramp run. Landings are also required at any change in direction. Each landing must be at least 60 inches long and as wide as the ramp.

**Q: What materials are best for a wheelchair ramp?**

A: Pressure-treated lumber is the most common and affordable option for residential ramps. Aluminum ramps are lightweight, maintenance-free, and available as modular kits. Concrete ramps are permanent and durable but expensive. All surfaces must be slip-resistant, especially when wet.

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Source: https://vastcalc.com/calculators/construction/ramp
Category: Construction
Last updated: 2026-04-21