What is the running slope for an entryway ramp?

What is the running slope for an entryway ramp?

• A. 1:12
• B. 1:20
• C. 1:8
• D. 1:6

Answer: (A)

Running slope describes how steep the ramp is: it’s the ratio of horizontal distance (run) to vertical rise. For entryway accessibility, the maximum running slope is 1:12, meaning for every 1 inch of rise you need 12 inches of ramp length. This equates to about an 8.3% grade. Slopes like 1:8 or 1:6 are too steep for safe wheelchair use, while 1:20 is gentler but isn’t the standard maximum—so the typical required running slope is 1:12.

Running slope describes how steep the ramp is: it’s the ratio of horizontal distance (run) to vertical rise. For entryway accessibility, the maximum running slope is 1:12, meaning for every 1 inch of rise you need 12 inches of ramp length. This equates to about an 8.3% grade. Slopes like 1:8 or 1:6 are too steep for safe wheelchair use, while 1:20 is gentler but isn’t the standard maximum—so the typical required running slope is 1:12.