1. What is Hill Gradient?

The hill gradient measures the steepness of a slope, calculated as the ratio between the vertical rise and the horizontal run. It's commonly expressed as an angle in degrees or as a percentage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Angle of the slope in degrees
• \( rise \) — Vertical height difference
• \( run \) — Horizontal distance

Explanation: The arctangent function converts the ratio of rise to run into an angle, which represents the steepness of the slope.

3. Importance of Gradient Calculation

Details: Gradient calculation is crucial in road design, cycling, hiking, construction, and various engineering applications to ensure safety and proper design.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the vertical rise and horizontal run in consistent units (both in meters, feet, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between angle and percentage gradient?
A: Angle is measured in degrees while percentage is rise/run × 100. A 45° angle equals 100% gradient.

Q2: What is considered a steep hill?
A: For cycling, >10% is steep. For roads, >7% requires special consideration in design.

Q3: How does gradient affect walking difficulty?
A: Generally, gradients >15% become challenging for most walkers, >30% may require hands for balance.

Q4: What's the maximum gradient for roads?
A: Most highways max at 6-7%, local roads may go up to 15% in mountainous areas.

Q5: How is gradient used in civil engineering?
A: Engineers use gradient calculations for drainage design, road construction, and accessibility planning.