Calculator
How Long Should Your Wheelchair Ramp Be?
Ramp length is not a judgment call — it is arithmetic. Measure the rise from finished ground to the top of the threshold, choose a slope, and the length follows.
Ramp length needed
24.0 ft of ramp run
- Ramp sections
- 1
- Intermediate landings
- 0
- Total footprint to plan
- about 34 ft
Footprint includes 5-foot landings and 5 feet of clear space at the top and bottom. Local codes may differ; confirm with your building department or installer before ordering material.
How the math works
Slope is expressed as a ratio of run to rise. A 1:12 slope means one inch of vertical rise needs twelve inches of ramp. So a 24-inch rise needs 288 inches — 24 feet — of ramp run, before landings.
The ADA sets 1:12 as the maximum slope for new public ramps and limits any single run to 30 inches of rise before a level landing. Private homes usually are not covered by the ADA, but 1:12 remains the practical standard because it is what most people can actually manage in a manual wheelchair.
Ramp run only. Add 5 ft for each intermediate landing plus 5 ft of clear level space at the top and bottom.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
What to do with the number
Take the length into your quotes. Modular aluminum ramps are usually priced per linear foot plus landings, so a contractor quoting a lump sum should still be able to tell you the run and landing count they designed to. If two quotes differ wildly, it is often because one designed a steeper ramp.
- Confirm the slope in writing, not just the total price.
- Ask whether handrails are included — at 1:12 they usually should be.
- Check that the top landing is level and at least 5 feet deep so the door can swing outward.
- Ask about permits. Permanent ramps generally need one; portable ramps generally do not.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a ramp need to be for three steps?
Three standard steps is roughly 21 to 24 inches of rise, which needs 21 to 24 feet of ramp at the recommended 1:12 slope. That surprises most people, and it is the main reason porch lifts get considered for tall rises on small lots.
What slope is legal for a home?
Private homes are generally not governed by the ADA, so 1:12 is a strong recommendation rather than a legal requirement in most jurisdictions. Permanent ramps still usually require a permit and must meet local building code, which often references 1:12. Check with your building department before you build.
When do I need a landing?
Plan a level landing at least every 30 inches of rise, at the top of the ramp, and anywhere the ramp changes direction. Landings should be at least 5 feet by 5 feet so a wheelchair can turn without a wheel dropping off the edge.
Is a steeper ramp acceptable if someone is pushing?
Slopes up to about 1:10 are sometimes used for short assisted rises, and portable threshold ramps go steeper still. Steeper ramps demand real strength from the person pushing and are unsafe for independent self-propelled use. If the person needs to use the ramp alone, stay at 1:12 or gentler.
Does ramp length change the price much?
Yes — length is the primary cost driver. Modular aluminum ramps are commonly quoted per linear foot, so doubling the rise roughly doubles the material cost and adds landings on top.
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