Wheelchair Ramp Length Calculator in New Jersey
With the right slope, wheelchair ramps improve a building’s accessibility for people who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. If the slope is too steep, the ramp becomes a safety hazard. Williams Lift Company helps you plan the best slope for your entry with our wheelchair ramp length calculator. We are a ramp and stair lift contractor serving homeowners and business owners throughout New Jersey, providing expert guidance founded on over 75 years of experience.
Key Takeaways
- Start by measuring the rise, or the distance between your door and the ground.
- For every inch of rise, your ramp should have one foot of run.
- Add level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp run. Under Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, an individual ramp run cannot exceed 30 inches of vertical rise.
- Switchbacks can be used to fit long ramps into limited horizontal space.
How to Measure Rise
The most important dimension for calculating wheelchair ramp length is the rise. The rise is the distance between the ground and the bottom of your door or walkway. To measure the rise, follow these steps:
- Using a tape measure, start at the very top of the ramp where the end will rest.
- Measure vertically from this point to the bottom.
- If the ramp will cover multiple steps, then measure each before adding them together to get the total vertical rise.
- Record your final measurement in inches to match ADA requirements.
How to Calculate Wheelchair Ramp Run
The second dimension to know is run, or the horizontal length of the slope. For ramps subject to ADA requirements, wheelchair ramps must be built at a 1:12 ratio of rise to run (length). This means that for every one inch of rise, the ramp needs a foot of horizontal length. Based on a standard step rise of 7.5 inches, here are some estimates for ramp run based on the number of stairs:
- 1 step: The run should be 7 feet.
- 2 steps: The run should be 15 feet.
- 3 steps: The run should be 22 feet.
- 4 steps: The run should be 30 feet.
- 5 steps: The run should be 37 feet.
This ratio results in a 4.8° incline, which is ideal for safe access. A 4.8° incline ensures that wheelchair users can avoid tipping while ascending the ramp and maintain control while going down. For ramps subject to ADA requirements, a running slope steeper than 1:12 generally does not comply with the standard.
How to Plan Platforms and Switchbacks
The ramp run is not equal to the total footprint of your ramp. At minimum, ADA-compliant ramps require level landings at the top and bottom of each ramp run. Landings must be at least as wide as the ramp and at least 60 inches long. Where a ramp changes direction, the landing must be at least 60 inches by 60 inches. Under ADA standards, the rise for any individual ramp run cannot exceed 30 inches.
These landings are ideal locations for a switchback. When designing a ramp for a high vertical rise, it can be difficult to fit the total run length into limited available space. Switchbacks help you fit long ramps onto less horizontal ground space, creating a more compact footprint.
Find Expert Wheelchair Ramp Installation Services Near You in New Jersey
While our wheelchair ramp length calculator can help you plan for your project, it is no replacement for professional guidance. Our knowledgeable experts can ensure a design that is safe and fits well in your space. Williams Lift Company serves homeowners and business owners throughout New Jersey with wheelchair ramp design and installation. Contact us today to schedule a free assessment or to request a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ramp Length for Wheelchairs
What are warning signs that a wheelchair ramp will be too steep or unsafe?
Steep wheelchair ramps can be unsafe, putting wheelchair users at risk of tipping over or losing control. Warning signs of an unsafe ramp include:
- Visibly steep slope
- Feeling unstable in the wheelchair
- Straining to climb the incline
- Smooth or slick surfaces
- Missing handrails
- No landing at the top or bottom
How do weather and outdoor placement affect safe slope and surface choice for wheelchair ramps?
The New Jersey climate is characterized by regular precipitation year-round and freezing temperatures in the winter. As a result, outdoor surfaces are often slippery. Outdoor ramps should have a shallower slope to compensate for the weather and textured surfaces to maximize grip.
How accurate are DIY calculations vs. professional assessment?
DIY calculations can be accurate enough to make estimates when planning for a wheelchair ramp, but a professional assessment is always recommended before beginning the wheelchair ramp installation. Precise measurements and professional insight ensure a ramp that is safe and easy to use.
What’s the next step after calculating my wheelchair ramp slope?
After you make a DIY slope calculation, the next step is to request a site assessment from a professional installer. The professional will take precise measurements, evaluate the available space, design a custom ramp layout, and provide a free quote for installation.