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Ramp Ratio Formula:
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The car ramp ratio is a fundamental measurement that describes the steepness or gradient of a ramp. It represents the relationship between the vertical rise and horizontal run of the ramp, providing crucial information for vehicle accessibility and safety.
The calculator uses the ramp ratio formula:
Where:
Explanation: The ratio indicates how much vertical elevation occurs per unit of horizontal distance. A higher ratio means a steeper ramp.
Details: Accurate ramp ratio calculation is essential for ensuring vehicle safety, preventing bottoming out, determining if a vehicle can safely navigate the ramp, and complying with accessibility standards for parking structures and driveways.
Tips: Enter rise and run values in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero. The calculator will compute the dimensionless ratio that represents the ramp's steepness.
Q1: What is considered a safe ramp ratio for cars?
A: Generally, ratios below 0.125 (1:8) are considered safe for most passenger vehicles, while ratios above 0.2 (1:5) may cause scraping for low-clearance vehicles.
Q2: How does ramp ratio differ from percentage grade?
A: Ratio is rise over run (unitless), while percentage grade is (rise/run) × 100%. A ratio of 0.1 equals a 10% grade.
Q3: When is ramp ratio calculation most important?
A: Crucial for driveway design, parking garage entrances, car trailer loading, and any situation where vehicles transition between different elevation levels.
Q4: Are there vehicle-specific considerations?
A: Yes, sports cars with low ground clearance require shallower ratios (smaller numbers), while SUVs and trucks can typically handle steeper ratios.
Q5: How can I measure rise and run accurately?
A: Use a measuring tape for run distance and a level with measuring tape for vertical rise. For existing ramps, measure from the transition point to the highest point.