Handicap Ramp Slope and Length Calculator

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To make buildings more accessible for mobility devices, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) has established minimum accessibility requirements for public facilities. In addition to various accessibility standards, they outline the guidelines for ramp construction. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ADA requirements for handicap ramp slopes.

Our ADA ramp length calculator determines the required ramp length for your project. Our incline calculator also tells you the number of resting platforms that you need to have to be ADA-compliant. As a guide, the ADA ramp requirements are 1 foot of ramp for every inch of rise for a 4.8° incline.

Ramp Length Calculator

A. Elevation height
The height from the ground up to the bottom of the door or existing walkway. (How to measure elevation)

B. Ramp run length

C. Total ramp system length in feet
Includes the minimum number of 5′ x 5′ resting platforms and the 5′ x 5′ platform at the top of the ramp.

D. Minimum number of resting platforms
A 5′ x 5′ (minimum) resting platform is needed every 30 feet of ramp.

+ 5′ platforms
A 5′ x 5′ (minimum) platform is needed at the top of the ramp if there is not an existing one already.

1:12 Slope: For every inch of height from the ground, you need 1 foot of ramp length to achieve a 4.8° incline.

Handicap Ramp Slope and Length Calculator - Calculating ADA Ramp Length

Handicap Ramp length based on the number of stairs

StepsTotal LengthLanding(s)Ramp Run
1 Step12′5′7′
2 Steps20′5′15′
3 Steps27′5′22′
4 Steps35′5′30′
5 Steps47′10′ ( 2 x 5′)37′
*For reference only. Estimations based on a 7 1/2″ stair height (riser).
Building codes specify riser heights of no less than 4″ and a maximum of 7 3/4″.

How long of a wheelchair ramp do I need for 2 steps?

For ADA compliance, the estimated ramp length should be 20′ (5′ landing, 15′ ramp run)*

How long of a wheelchair ramp do I need for 3 steps?

For ADA compliance, the estimated ramp length should be 27′ (5′ landing, 22′ ramp run)*

How long of a wheelchair ramp do I need for 4 steps?

For ADA compliance, the estimated ramp length should be 35′ (5′ landing, 30′ ramp run)*

How long of a wheelchair ramp do I need for 5 steps?

For ADA compliance, the estimated ramp length should be 47′ (2 5′ landings, 37′ ramp run)*

Our Services

Our team designs, manufactures, ships, and installs ADA & IBC-compliant stairs, ramps, and canopies to fit YOUR custom project. Our experts will work with you throughout the project to ensure your installation is correct to your specifications and code-compliant.

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