Wheelchair Ramp Slope & Length Calculator

Find out exactly how long your ramp needs to be — and how it fits in your yard. Enter your step or porch height to get the recommended ADA-friendly 1:12 slope, a section-by-section layout, and your approximate footprint in seconds.

EZ-ACCESS Ramp Slope & Layout Calculator

Enter the rise and total length to build a layout from actual 2-foot through 8-foot EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY sections — then flip to the top view to see how the ramp fits in your yard, including turns and platforms.

For a 24-inch rise, 24 feet is the 1:12 planning target.

Recommended PATHWAY 3G slope

Approximately 1:12, the ideal slope identified by EZ-ACCESS.

Layout style:

Top-view planning schematic. 90° turns use approximately 5' × 5' platforms; switchbacks use the 8' × 5' turn-back platform. Actual turn direction, platform placement, and ramp width are chosen on site to fit your door swing, walkways, and yard.

EZ-ACCESS ramp section Level landing / platform Support location Existing site-level area

Incline angle

4.8°

Slope ratio

1:12

Total ramp

24 ft

Ramp sections

3

Intermediate platforms

0

Approx. footprint

View ramp sections, landing details, and planning notes

This calculator is a preliminary residential planning tool for the EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G modular system. It uses nominal whole-foot ramp section lengths and the manufacturer slope range of approximately 1:14 through 1:8, with 1:12 as the ideal target. The top-view schematic assumes a nominal 4-foot overall lane width and standard platform sizes for illustration only. The top and bottom level areas are site conditions, not automatically assumed to be new platforms. Door swing, porch dimensions, available yard space, turn direction, ramp width, supports, braces, handrails, anchoring, drainage, mobility-device limits, local code, and the final component list must be verified before ordering or installation.

Are you a Veteran? VA benefits — including HISA grants — can help pay for a home access ramp. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Altamira works with these programs regularly and can help point you in the right direction during your free assessment.

  • Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned
  • EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY Specialists
  • Free In-Home Assessments
  • Serving PA · IN · KY · NJ · OH

How the Ramp Calculator Works

A safe wheelchair ramp starts with the right slope. The ADA guideline of 1:12 means one foot of ramp for every inch of rise — so a 24-inch porch needs about 24 feet of ramp. Our calculator does that math for you using real EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G section sizes, then shows how the layout fits your property.

1

Measure Your Rise

Measure straight down from the top of your porch, landing, or door threshold to level ground. That single number — the rise in inches — is all the calculator needs to get started.

2

Review Your Layout

See your recommended ramp length, incline angle, section-by-section plan, and platforms. Flip to the Top View to compare straight, 90° turn, and switchback layouts and check the footprint against your yard.

3

Get It Verified Free

Our local team confirms measurements, turn direction, handrails, and the exact parts list during a free in-home assessment — so nothing is guessed and nothing is ordered wrong.

Ramps for Every Rise

From a one-inch door threshold to a full front-porch climb, Altamira installs the right EZ-ACCESS solution for your home — professionally measured, delivered, and assembled by our local team.

EZ-ACCESS PATHWAY 3G modular wheelchair ramp system with handrails and platform

PATHWAY 3G Modular Ramps

The system this calculator plans with. Aluminum sections, platforms, and handrails configured to your exact rise — ideal for porches, decks, and multi-step entries, and reconfigurable if your needs change.

Explore Modular Ramps →
EZ-ACCESS TRANSITIONS modular entry threshold ramp at a doorway

Threshold Ramps

For rises under a few inches — doorways, raised thresholds, and single small steps — a compact threshold ramp is often the better answer than a full modular system. Quick to place, easy to use daily.

See Threshold Options →
EZ-ACCESS SUITCASE trifold portable wheelchair ramp

Portable & Suitcase Ramps

Fold-and-go ramps for travel, vehicles, and visiting family. When a permanent ramp isn't practical — or you need access in more than one place — a portable ramp keeps you moving.

View Portable Ramps →

Ramp Length & Slope Questions

How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?

The ADA guideline is a 1:12 slope — one foot of ramp for every inch of rise. A 24-inch porch needs about 24 feet of ramp, and a 30-inch rise needs about 30 feet. Steeper slopes down to roughly 1:8 are possible in some residential situations, but 1:12 is the safest planning target for most wheelchair and scooter users.

How do I measure the rise for my ramp?

Measure straight down from the top surface of your porch, landing, or door threshold to the level ground where the ramp will end. Measure in inches, and if the ground slopes, measure at the spot where the bottom of the ramp will actually sit. Our team re-measures everything during your free assessment, so a close estimate is fine to start.

What if I don't have enough yard space for a straight ramp?

Longer ramps can be configured with 90-degree turns or a switchback using level platforms, which shortens the footprint dramatically. Use the calculator's Top View to compare layouts. Our assessors regularly fit 30-plus-foot ramp systems into compact yards and around walkways using turn platforms.

Will the VA or insurance help pay for my ramp?

Often, yes. Veterans may qualify for VA programs including HISA grants that help cover home access improvements like ramps. As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, Altamira works with these programs regularly and can point you in the right direction during your free assessment. Some state and local programs may also assist non-veterans.

Do you install the ramp, or is it DIY?

We handle it start to finish: a free in-home assessment to confirm measurements and layout, then professional delivery and installation of your EZ-ACCESS ramp system by our local team, including platforms and handrails. If your needs change later, modular systems can be reconfigured or removed.

Your Calculator Results Are the Starting Point

Bring your numbers to a free in-home assessment. We'll confirm the measurements, walk the yard, pick the right layout, and give you an exact quote — with no obligation and no pressure. Veteran-owned, and proud to serve Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Ohio.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business · Free In-Home Assessments · Professional Installation