How Long Should A Wheelchair Ramp Be? 3 Easy Steps

Buying a ramp can be overwhelming.  The first thing you need to figure out is how long your ramp should be.  In this short article we will teach you how to find your ramp length in just 3 steps.

 

In this article:

  • Step 1: Measure the rise
  • Step 2: Choose your slope based on use
  • Step 3: Find your ramp length using our easy guide

 

FIRST, CALCULATE YOUR RISE USING THE DIAGRAM BELOW AS A GUIDE

Measure the rise from the door threshold or from the landing outside the door to the flat area that the other end of the ramp will rest on. Keep in mind that the ground may slope away from the bottom of the steps. (see diagram)  

 

NEXT, USING THE RISE, CALCULATE THE LENGTH OF RAMP NEEDED BASED ON HOW YOU WILL USE THE RAMP:

Slope Best Used For... Calculate Ramp Length
4.8 Degree This is Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant  Rise distance divided by 1
7-degree Manual wheelchair users who are independent or who have an attendant with limited strength Rise distance divided by 1.5
10-degree Manual wheelchairs with a reasonably strong attendant Rise distance divided by 2
12-degree Power wheelchairs or scooters and manual chairs with a strong attendant Rise distance divided by 2.5
15-degree Restricted space, unoccupied loading/unloading  Rise distance divided by 3

LAST, USING YOUR RISE AND YOUR CHOSEN SLOPE FROM ABOVE, USE THE TABLE BELOW TO FIND YOUR RAMP LENGTH:

Ramp Slope Calculator easy
Now that you know the right length for your ramp.  Check out our best selling Pathway 3G Ramp systems where you can build your own ramp system, ask for a quote, and see all the ways to customize your perfect entry ramp. 
Want to see more resources?  Check out our other blog posts

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Great price

Caught while it was on sale for only $13,000

Very Reliable

very reliable and safe

Highly recommended

We needed a 12' ramp that was sturdy and could be moved from the garage to the door by one person to accommodate regular visits from a wheelchair-bound relative,. Others I looked at (despite their advertising claims) were not rigid enough to accommodate the 550# combined weight of powered wheelchair and occupant. The folding mechanism on this ramp is well engineered and the wheels allow me to roll it from the door to the garage with only moderate effort despite its weight. I can install it in minutes and once installed it is perfectly rigid, comparable to a permanently installed ramp. I recommend it highly. It is more than worth the price difference between it and lower priced alternatives.

Can’t get lift into my car, so basically both lift and Solax are useless until I find another solution.