Ramp Information

The American for Disabilities Act standards suggests 1 foot of ramp for every 1 inch of vertical rise

SpinLife’s simple guide on how to correctly size a ramp.

In planning a ramp installation, think about how you’ll use the ramp. Will you be walking, wheeling, wheeling with assistance, or motoring? You’ll need to know the Rise to decide on the Ramp Length (Run).

To figure the Rise (Vertical height), just measure from the ground level, straight up to the top level you need to access.

To figure the Ramp Length you need, see below:

• Ramps that are being used on commercial buildings must meet ADA guidelines.

The slope cannot be greater than 1 inch of rise to 1 foot of ramp length.  That slope is comfortable for a person self-propelling a wheelchair up the ramp without help.

Example: If you have two steps, and each is 7 inches high, the total rise is 14 inches. Your ramp needs to be 14 feet long. 1 inch of rise to 1 foot of length

• If your ramp is being used on a private residence, ADA guidelines are not required, but you still need a slope you can comfortably manage.

 If a person is walking, or being pushed in a wheelchair, 2 inches of rise per 1 foot of ramp length is fine.

Example: If you have two steps, and each is 7 inches high, the total rise is 14 inches.

Your ramp needs to be 7 feet long. 2 inches of rise to 1 foot of length

• If your ramp is being used on a private residence for access with powered mobility- like a scooter or power chair, the slope can be 3 inches of rise to 1 foot of ramp length.

Example: If you have two steps, and each is 7 inches high, the total rise is 14 inches.

Your ramp needs to be 4 ½ feet long. 3 inches of rise to 1 foot of length.