1. What is a 5% Slope?

A 5% slope means a rise of 5 units for every 100 units of horizontal distance. This is commonly used in civil engineering, road construction, and landscaping to describe gradient steepness.

2. How Slope Percentage Relates to Angle

The angle of a slope is calculated using the arctangent function:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Angle in degrees
• \( \text{slope\%} \) — Slope percentage (5% in this case)
• \( \arctan \) — Inverse tangent function

3. Practical Applications

Details: 5% slopes are commonly used for wheelchair ramps, road gradients, and drainage systems. This gradient provides a balance between accessibility and efficient water runoff.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply click the Calculate button to compute the angle equivalent of a 5% slope. The result is displayed in degrees.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does 5% slope mean in practical terms?
A: A 5% slope rises 5 feet (or meters) for every 100 feet (or meters) of horizontal distance.

Q2: Is 5% slope considered steep?
A: 5% is a moderate slope. It's gentle enough for most vehicles and accessible routes, but may require consideration for wheelchair users over long distances.

Q3: How does slope percentage compare to degrees?
A: Slope percentage is the tangent of the angle multiplied by 100. A 5% slope corresponds to approximately 2.86 degrees.

Q4: Where are 5% slopes commonly used?
A: Road construction, ramp design, landscaping, irrigation systems, and architectural accessibility features.

Q5: What's the maximum recommended slope for different applications?
A: Wheelchair ramps: 8.33% (1:12), roads: typically 6-8% maximum, walking paths: 5-10% depending on length and use.