The maximum slope for a compliant ramp is commonly specified as?

The maximum slope for a compliant ramp is commonly specified as?

• A. One in ten
• B. One in twelve
• C. One in twenty
• D. One in eight

Answer: (B)

Ramp slope is described as rise over run, and for accessibility standards the commonly specified maximum is one inch of rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run. This 1:12 ratio translates to about an 8.3% grade, which keeps pushing a wheelchair practical while not demanding an excessively long ramp. For example, a rise of 6 inches requires a ramp run of at least 72 inches. Slopes steeper than this (like 1:10 or 1:8) are harder to push and less safe, while gentler slopes (like 1:20) need more space but are easier to navigate. The 1:12 maximum is a widely adopted standard in many building and accessibility codes.

Ramp slope is described as rise over run, and for accessibility standards the commonly specified maximum is one inch of rise for every twelve inches of horizontal run. This 1:12 ratio translates to about an 8.3% grade, which keeps pushing a wheelchair practical while not demanding an excessively long ramp. For example, a rise of 6 inches requires a ramp run of at least 72 inches. Slopes steeper than this (like 1:10 or 1:8) are harder to push and less safe, while gentler slopes (like 1:20) need more space but are easier to navigate. The 1:12 maximum is a widely adopted standard in many building and accessibility codes.