1. What is Elevation Grade?

Elevation grade (or slope) is the measure of steepness or the degree of incline of a surface. In hiking, it helps determine the difficulty of a trail by measuring how much elevation is gained over a horizontal distance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the elevation grade formula:

Where:

• \( Rise \) — Vertical change in elevation (feet)
• \( Run \) — Horizontal distance (feet)

Explanation: The formula calculates the percentage of vertical change relative to the horizontal distance covered.

3. Importance of Grade Calculation

Details: Understanding trail grade helps hikers prepare for difficulty, estimate energy expenditure, and choose appropriate trails for their fitness level.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter rise (elevation gain) and run (horizontal distance) in feet. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a steep grade for hiking?
A: Generally, 0-5% is flat, 5-10% is moderate, 10-15% is steep, and above 15% is very steep.

Q2: How does grade relate to difficulty?
A: Higher grades require more energy and may be more challenging, especially over long distances.

Q3: What's the difference between grade and angle?
A: Grade is percentage (rise/run×100), while angle is degrees (arctan(rise/run)).

Q4: Can I use meters instead of feet?
A: Yes, as long as both rise and run use the same units, the grade percentage will be correct.

Q5: How accurate does my measurement need to be?
A: For general hiking purposes, estimates within 10-20 feet are usually sufficient.