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Ramps & Slope Requirements

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Slope & Landings

Units:
Ramp Slope, Rise, and Landing RequirementsHow steep and how longFlat spots to restbottom landingtop landing1:12 max slope30″ maxrise per run36″ wide min60″ minlanding lengthlevel landingat top, bottom, and every turnslope ≤ 1:48 in any directionTurns? 60″ × 60″ min landingwheelchair needs room to rotate at direction changeClick or tap numbered callouts for details

Key numbers — Slope & Landings

1:12Maximum ramp slope (1 inch rise per 12 inches of ramp)
30″Maximum rise per ramp run before a landing is required
60″Minimum landing length at top, bottom, and direction changes
36″Minimum clear width between handrails

Handrails & Edge Protection

Ramp Handrail and Edge Protection RequirementsHandrails on both sidesKeeping wheels on the ramp12″ ext.34″–38″Required when rise exceeds 6″both sides, continuous, graspable (1¼″–2″ round)4″ minramp surfacecurbcurbOptions: curb, wall, rail, or barrierprevents wheelchair from rolling off the edgeClick or tap numbered callouts for details

Key numbers — Handrails & Edge Protection

34″–38″Handrail height above ramp surface
12″Extension beyond top and bottom of ramp run
4″Minimum curb height for edge protection

When Is a Ramp Required?

A ramp is required whenever there is a change in level greater than 1/2 inch along an accessible route. Here's the breakdown:

Up to 1/4 inchMay be vertical (no treatment needed)
1/4 inch to 1/2 inchMust be beveled (slope no steeper than 1:2)
Over 1/2 inchRequires a ramp or elevator

This applies everywhere along an accessible route — building entrances, hallways, sidewalk connections, changes between floor levels, and outdoor paths.

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §303.4

"Changes in level greater than 1/2 inch (13 mm) high shall be ramped, and shall comply with 405 or 406."

§303.3

"Changes in level between 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) high minimum and 1/2 inch (13 mm) high maximum shall be beveled with a slope not steeper than 1:2."

Maximum Slope

The maximum slope for an ADA-compliant ramp is 1:12. This means for every 1 inch of rise (height), the ramp must extend at least 12 inches horizontally. That's a slope of about 8.33%.

In practical terms:

  • A 6-inch step needs a ramp at least 6 feet long (6 × 12 = 72 inches)
  • A 30-inch rise (2.5 feet) needs a ramp at least 30 feet long — plus landings

In existing buildings where space is limited, slightly steeper slopes are allowed for short rises: up to 1:10 for a 6-inch rise, and up to 1:8 for a 3-inch rise. These exceptions do notapply to new construction.

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §405.2 — Slope

"Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12."

§405.2 — Existing Sites

"In existing sites, buildings, and facilities, ramps shall be permitted to have running slopes steeper than 1:12 complying with Table 405.2 where such slopes are necessary due to space limitations." Table 405.2: Slope steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8 — max rise 3 inches. Slope steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10 — max rise 6 inches.

Maximum Rise Per Run

A single ramp run — the sloped section between landings — can have a maximum rise of 30 inches. If you need to go higher than 30 inches, you must add a level landingand start a new run.

For example, to reach a level that is 5 feet (60 inches) above the ground, you need at least two ramp runs with a landing between them. Each run would cover 30 inches of rise, and each would be at least 30 feet long at a 1:12 slope.

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §405.6 — Rise

"The rise for any ramp run shall be 30 inches (760 mm) maximum."

Landing Requirements

Every ramp must have a level landing at both the top and bottom. Landings provide a flat resting place and allow wheelchair users to stop safely.

  • Length: At least 60 inches (5 feet) in the direction of travel
  • Width: At least as wide as the ramp itself
  • Direction changes: If the ramp turns, the landing must be at least 60 × 60 inches (5 × 5 feet) to allow a wheelchair to turn safely
  • Slope: Landings must be level(maximum cross slope of 1:48)

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §405.7 — Landings

"Ramp runs shall have landings at the top and the bottom of each ramp run."

§405.7.2 — "Landings shall have a clear length of 60 inches (1525 mm) long minimum."

§405.7.3 — "Landings shall be at least as wide as the widest ramp run leading to the landing."

§405.7.4 — "Ramps that change direction between runs at landings shall have a clear landing 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum by 60 inches (1525 mm) minimum."

Handrail Requirements

Handrails are required on both sides of any ramp run with a rise greater than 6 inches. Key specifications:

  • Height: Between 34 and 38 inchesabove the ramp surface, measured to the top of the gripping surface
  • Extensions: Must extend 12 inches horizontally beyond the top and bottom of the ramp. This gives users something to hold before stepping onto or off of the slope.
  • Gripping surface: Must be continuous (no obstructions), with a circular cross section of 1.25 to 2 inches in diameter, or a non-circular shape with a perimeter of 4 to 6.25 inches
  • Both sides: Handrails on both sides of every ramp run — no exceptions

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §405.8

"Ramp runs with a rise greater than 6 inches (150 mm) shall have handrails complying with 505."

§505.4 — Height

"Top of gripping surfaces of handrails shall be 34 inches (865 mm) minimum and 38 inches (965 mm) maximum vertically above walking surfaces."

§505.10 — Extensions: Handrails at the top of ramp runs shall extend horizontally 12 inches (305 mm) minimum beyond the top of the ramp run. At the bottom, handrails shall extend 12 inches minimum beyond the bottom of the ramp run.

Edge Protection

Ramps must have edge protection on both sides to prevent wheelchairs, walkers, and canes from slipping off the edge. Two options satisfy this requirement:

  • Extended surface: The ramp surface extends at least 12 inches beyond the handrail on each side
  • Curb, wall, or barrier: A raised edge (curb) or a wall that prevents a 4-inch sphere from passing through

Official Standard

2010 ADA Standards §405.9 — Edge Protection

"Edge protection complying with 405.9.1 or 405.9.2 shall be provided on each side of ramp runs and at each side of ramp landings." Options include: (1) extended floor or ground surface 12 inches minimum beyond the inside face of the handrail, or (2) a curb or barrier that prevents the passage of a 4-inch diameter sphere.

Cross Slope and Surface

In addition to the running slope (the main slope of the ramp), the cross slope and surface material matter:

  • Cross slope: Maximum of 1:48 (about 2%). This is the sideways tilt. Too much cross slope causes a wheelchair to veer to one side.
  • Surface: Must be firm, stable, and slip-resistant. Concrete, asphalt, and non-slip metal grating comply. Loose gravel, wood chips, and deep-pile carpet do not.
  • Wet conditions: Outdoor ramps should be designed to minimize water accumulation and remain safe when wet

Important Note

This guide covers the most common ramp requirements from the 2010 ADA Standards. Curb ramps (§406) have additional requirements not covered here. For advice about your specific project, consult an experienced ADA attorney or certified access specialist.

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