What Gradient Is Permitted for a Ramp?
Our ramp calculator allows you to calculate the required ramp length or check the gradient of an existing ramp. But which gradient is suitable for each application?
Below, you can find out which ramp gradients are recommended or required for different applications.
Please note: The regulations and standards referenced on this page relate to Germany. Requirements may differ in other countries. Always check the applicable local regulations and standards.
How Is the Gradient of a Ramp Calculated?
The gradient of a ramp is calculated using the following formula:
Example Calculation
A ramp overcomes a height difference of 0.30 m over a horizontal length of 5.00 m. The horizontal length is also referred to as the horizontal projection.
Gradient (%) = (0.30 m / 5.00 m) × 100 = 6%
The ramp therefore has a gradient of 6%. Whether this gradient is permitted depends on the specific application.
Important Information About Ramp Length
When planning a ramp, the horizontal length (horizontal projection) is particularly important, as it determines how much space the ramp requires.
The actual length along the inclined ramp surface is slightly greater. It can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem:
Note: If intermediate landings are required, their length must also be taken into account when calculating the total space required for the ramp.
Ramp Gradients for Wheelchairs and Rollators
When planning accessible ramps, a distinction is made between public and private settings. The requirements for ramp gradients vary depending on the intended application.
Public Buildings
In Germany, DIN 18040-1 specifies a maximum gradient of 6% for accessible ramps in publicly accessible buildings.
After a maximum ramp run length of 6 m, an intermediate landing of at least 1.50 m in length is required.
Assuming a step height of 0.185 m, a gradient of 6% requires a horizontal ramp length of approximately 3.08 m per step. For two steps, the required ramp length increases to approximately 6.17 m. As DIN 18040-1 limits individual ramp runs to 6 m, the ramp in this example must be divided into two runs with an intermediate landing.
Please note: DIN 18040-1 is a German standard. Accessibility requirements and permitted ramp gradients may differ in other countries. Always check the relevant local regulations and standards.
Private Settings
In private settings, different requirements may apply compared with publicly accessible buildings. A suitable and safe ramp gradient depends particularly on the user's mobility and whether assistance is available.
The following table provides guideline values for different applications. The ramp lengths are based on an assumed step height of 0.185 m.
| Application | Gradient (Guideline Value) | Ramp Length per Step |
|---|---|---|
| Self-propelled wheelchair user | 6% | approx. 3.08 m |
| Rollator user | 10% | approx. 1.85 m |
| Wheelchair user with assistance | 15% | approx. 1.25 m |
| Wheelchair user with strong assistance | 20% | approx. 0.93 m |
These values illustrate how much space a ramp requires. For example, three steps, each 0.185 m high, require a horizontal ramp length of approximately 9.25 m at a gradient of 6% – excluding any intermediate landings that may be necessary.
Please note: The gradients shown for private settings are indicative values, not universally permitted maximum gradients. Their suitability must be assessed individually, taking into account user safety and applicable local requirements.
If sufficient space is not available, a lift table for barrier-free access can offer a space-saving alternative.
Ramp Gradients for Pallet Trucks and Forklift Trucks
Important: The following gradient values for manual pallet trucks, electric stacker trucks and ride-on forklift trucks are based on practical experience and are intended as guidance only.
The gradient that can actually be negotiated safely depends on the specific vehicle, the load being transported and the operating conditions. The manufacturer's specifications in the operating instructions must always be followed..
| Industrial Truck | Gradient (Guideline Value) |
|---|---|
| Manual pallet truck | 8% |
| Electric stacker truck | 5% |
| Ride-on forklift truck | 12.5% |
At first glance, it may seem surprising that the indicated gradient for a manual pallet truck is higher than that for a powered electric stacker truck.
One important reason is the vehicle design: it is not just the driving force that matters, but also the ground clearance. Electric stacker trucks often have limited ground clearance and may bottom out when travelling onto or off a ramp.
Example Ramp Lengths for Typical Applications
In everyday industrial operations, pallet trucks and forklift trucks often need to overcome height differences greater than those of individual steps. The following practical examples show the horizontal ramp lengths required for different types of industrial trucks.
| Application Example | Height Difference | Manual Pallet Truck | Electric Stacker Truck | Forklift Truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access ramp for a low-profile lift table | approx. 0.10 m | approx. 1.25 m | approx. 2.00 m | approx. 0.80 m |
| Access ramp for a goods lift | approx. 0.12 m | approx. 1.50 m | approx. 2.40 m | approx. 0.96 m |
| Ramp for a fixed loading dock | approx. 1.10 m | approx. 13.75 m | approx. 22.00 m | approx. 8.80 m |
| Ramp for loading and unloading lorries | approx. 1.40 m | approx. 17.50 m | approx. 28.00 m | approx. 11.20 m |
ote: The ramp lengths have been calculated using the gradient values stated above (8% for manual pallet trucks, 5% for electric stacker trucks and 12.5% for forklift trucks). They are intended for guidance only. The manufacturer's specifications and the actual operating conditions determine the permissible gradient.
Ramp Gradients for Cars
Ramps are also used to provide access for cars, for example at garage entrances.
When planning garage ramps, the applicable building regulations must be taken into account. In Germany, the Lower Saxony Garage and Parking Spaces Ordinance specifies, among other things, the following requirements:
| Application | Maximum Gradient |
|---|---|
| Ramps in medium-sized and large garages | 15% |
| Transition area to a public road for ramps with a gradient exceeding 10% | 10% |
For ramps with a gradient exceeding 10%, a transition area at least 3 m long, with a maximum gradient of 10%, must be provided between the ramp and the public road.
Please note: These requirements apply to Lower Saxony, Germany. Regulations may differ in other German federal states and in other countries. Always check the applicable local building regulations.
Example Calculation: Ramp Length for a Basement Garage
We assume the following dimensions:
- Average room height: approx. 2.40 m
- Floor slab thickness: approx. 0.25 m
- Total height difference: approx. 2.65 m
Depending on the assumed gradient, the following horizontal ramp lengths are required:
| Ramp Gradient | Calculated Ramp Length |
|---|---|
| 15% | approx. 17.67 m |
| 10% | approx. 26.50 m |
The calculation shows that the required ramp length depends significantly on the gradient. At a gradient of 10%, approximately 8.83 m more horizontal ramp length is required to overcome the same height difference than at 15%.
Note: This calculation only takes into account the height difference and the assumed gradient. Any additional transition areas and other structural requirements may increase the total space required.
If there is insufficient space for a conventional garage ramp, a car lift or an underground parking lift may offer a space-saving alternative.
