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Calculate Angle of a Slope

Slope Angle Formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = \arctan\left(\frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}}\right) \]

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1. What is Slope Angle?

Slope angle is the measure of steepness or incline of a surface, typically expressed in degrees. It represents the angle between the inclined surface and the horizontal plane.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the arctangent formula:

\[ \text{Angle} = \arctan\left(\frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}}\right) \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula calculates the angle whose tangent is equal to the ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run.

3. Importance of Slope Angle Calculation

Details: Slope angle calculation is crucial in various fields including construction, engineering, road design, landscaping, and outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both rise and run values in the same units (feet, meters, etc.). Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between slope percentage and slope angle?
A: Slope percentage is the ratio (rise/run) × 100%, while slope angle is the arctangent of that ratio measured in degrees.

Q2: What is considered a steep slope?
A: Generally, slopes above 30 degrees are considered steep, but this varies by context. In construction, slopes over 15 degrees may require special considerations.

Q3: Can I use this calculator for roof pitch?
A: Yes, roof pitch is essentially a slope measurement. The rise would be the vertical height and run would be the horizontal span.

Q4: What if my run measurement is zero?
A: A zero run would represent a vertical surface (90 degrees), but our calculator requires both values to be greater than zero.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: The calculation is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on the precision of your rise and run measurements.

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