10 percent: a 1 in 10 slope
10% is 5.71°, 1 up for every 10 along, and the steep end of the 5 to 10% that most driveways sit in. It rises 1.2 inches per foot and 10 feet over 100 feet.
It is steeper than the 1:12 (8.33%) limit for an accessible ramp: to rise 24 inches it uses 20 feet of run where the ramp limit needs 24 feet.
A 40 foot driveway at 10% climbs 4 feet, and a 60 foot one 6 feet.
10% slope: rise over a distance
A 10% slope rises 10 feet in every 100 feet of level distance.
| Run (level distance) | Rise in inches | Rise in feet | Length along the slope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 ft | 1.2 in | 0.1 ft | 1.00 ft |
| 10 ft | 12 in | 1 ft | 10.05 ft |
| 20 ft | 24 in | 2 ft | 20.10 ft |
| 50 ft | 60 in | 5 ft | 50.25 ft |
| 100 ft | 120 in | 10 ft | 100.50 ft |
Worked example
10 ÷ 100 = 0.1. The angle is the arctangent of that: arctan(0.1) = 5.71°. As a ratio, 100 ÷ 10 = 10, so the slope is 1 in 10. Per foot, 0.1 × 12 = 1.2 inches.
Nearby grades in degrees
| Grade | Angle | Ratio | Rise per foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2% | 1.15° | 1 in 50 | 0.24 in |
| 5% | 2.86° | 1 in 20 | 0.6 in |
| 8.33% | 4.76° | 1 in 12 | 1 in |
| 10% | 5.71° | 1 in 10 | 1.2 in |
| 12% | 6.84° | 1 in 8.33 | 1.44 in |
| 15% | 8.53° | 1 in 6.67 | 1.8 in |
| 20% | 11.31° | 1 in 5 | 2.4 in |
For any other rise, run or grade use the slope and grade calculator. The guide slope and grade for drainage and ramps covers how much fall each job needs.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Slope and Grade Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
Affiliate links As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 10 percent slope in degrees?
5.71 degrees. Divide the percent by 100 and take the arctangent: arctan(0.1) = 5.71°.
Is a 10 percent slope steep for a driveway?
It is the top of the 5 to 10% that most driveways sit in: 5.71°, or 1.2 inches of rise per foot.
How much does a 10% slope rise per foot?
1.2 inches for every foot of run, which is 12 inches over 10 feet and 10 feet over 100 feet.
Related sizes and guides
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.