How to Use Altitude & Slope Calculator
Enter the starting altitude and ending altitude in the same vertical unit, usually meters. The calculator subtracts start altitude from end altitude, so an uphill route returns a positive elevation change and a downhill route returns a negative value.
Enter horizontal distance, not walking distance along the slope. The formula assumes the distance is measured on a flat map or plan view between the two points.
Read slope angle when you need degrees and slope percent when you need road, trail, drainage, or construction-style grade. Both describe the same rise-over-run relationship in different formats.
Formula & Theory - Altitude & Slope Calculator
The Altitude & Slope Calculator uses elevation change = end altitude minus start altitude. Slope percent = elevation change divided by horizontal distance, multiplied by 100. Slope angle = arctangent of elevation change divided by horizontal distance, converted from radians to degrees.
Percent slope is often easier for road grades and trail descriptions, while angle is common in geometry and terrain analysis. A 100 percent slope is not vertical; it means rise equals run, which corresponds to a 45-degree angle. Negative results indicate descent.
Use Cases for Altitude & Slope Calculator
- Estimate trail steepness before a hike or ride.
- Check grading concepts for site planning or civil design examples.
- Compare two routes that climb the same elevation over different distances.