ADA Ramp Calculator
Calculate ADA-compliant ramp specifications from height measurements. Our calculator provides accurate slope ratios, construction requirements, material estimates, and accessibility compliance guidance for safe and legal ramp design.
Last updated: December 15, 2024
Need custom accessibility solutions for your facility? Get Consultation
Vertical distance the ramp needs to overcome (step height, threshold, etc.)
Ramp Specifications
Required Ramp Length
96.0"
Compliance Level:
ADA Compliant
✓ ADA Compliant
Slope
8.3%
Angle
4.8°
Landing Size (minimum)
60.0" × 60.0"
Handrails: Required
Both sides, 34-38" height, proper grip diameter
Material Estimates:
Estimated Construction Cost:
Recommendations:
- •Handrails required on both sides
- •Ensure non-slip surface and proper drainage
ADA Compliance Tips:
- • Maximum 1:12 slope ratio (8.33% grade)
- • Maximum 30" rise per ramp run
- • Minimum 5' × 5' landing at top and bottom
- • 36" minimum clear width between handrails
- • Non-slip surface required in all weather conditions
Quick Example Result
8-inch step height using ADA standard (1:12 ratio):
Ramp Length
96.0"
Slope
8.3%
Landing Size
5' × 5'
How This Calculator Works
Our ADA ramp calculator uses federal accessibility standards to determine compliant ramp specifications. The calculator ensures your ramp meets ADA requirements for slope, length, landings, and safety features while providing construction guidance.
ADA Ramp Calculation Formula
Ramp Length = Rise Height × 12 (for 1:12 slope ratio)The 1:12 ratio means for every 1 inch of vertical rise, you need 12 inches of horizontal run. This creates an 8.33% grade that is safe for wheelchair users and meets federal accessibility standards.
Shows compliant slope ratios, landing requirements, and handrail placement
ADA Compliance Requirements
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes specific requirements for ramp construction to ensure safe access for individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. These standards are federally mandated for public accommodations and many private facilities.
- Maximum slope: 1:12 ratio (8.33% grade) for permanent installations
- Maximum rise: 30 inches per ramp run before requiring intermediate landing
- Minimum width: 36 inches clear between handrails
- Landing requirements: Minimum 5' × 5' at top, bottom, and direction changes
- Handrails required: Both sides for rises > 6 inches, 34-38 inches high
- Edge protection: Required to prevent wheels from slipping off ramp
- Surface: Stable, firm, slip-resistant in all weather conditions
Construction Types and Applications
Permanent Ramps
- • Concrete or steel construction
- • Full ADA compliance required
- • Building permits typically needed
- • 1:12 maximum slope ratio
- • Integrated drainage systems
Temporary Ramps
- • Portable or modular design
- • 1:8 slope may be acceptable
- • Shorter-term installations
- • Aluminum or composite materials
- • Must still meet safety standards
Material and Cost Considerations
Concrete Ramps
$75-120 per linear foot. Permanent, weather-resistant, requires professional installation.
Aluminum Ramps
$100-200 per linear foot. Lightweight, portable, good for temporary or residential use.
Wood Ramps
$50-100 per linear foot. Cost-effective, requires regular maintenance, suitable for residential use.
Sources & References
- ADA Standards for Accessible Design - U.S. Department of JusticeOfficial federal accessibility requirements and technical specifications
- International Building Code (IBC) - International Code CouncilBuilding code requirements for accessibility and ramp construction
- ANSI A117.1 Accessibility Standard - American National Standards InstituteTechnical standards for accessible and usable buildings and facilities
Need more accessibility tools? Try our draw length calculator for adaptive sports or explore ergonomic design calculators.
Get Custom Accessibility ConsultationExample Ramp Calculation
Specifications:
- Step height: 12 inches
- Application: Commercial entrance
- Slope ratio: 1:12 (ADA standard)
- Width: 42 inches (minimum 36" + margin)
Calculation Steps:
- Ramp length = 12 × 12 = 144 inches (12 feet)
- Slope = 12 ÷ 144 = 8.33% grade
- Landing size = 5' × 5' minimum at top and bottom
- Handrails required on both sides (rise > 6")
Result: 12-foot ramp with 8.33% slope, ADA compliant with required handrails and landings
Estimated cost: $900-1,800 for materials and professional installation
Frequently Asked Questions
Found This Calculator Helpful?
Share it with others working on accessibility improvements and ADA compliance
Suggested hashtags: #ADA #Accessibility #WheelchairRamp #ADACompliance #UniversalDesign