How long does an ADA ramp need to be for a 18 in rise?

At a 1:12 slope, you need about 216 in of ramp run plus intermediate landings every 30 inches of rise.

When are handrails required on an ADA ramp?

Handrails are required when the ramp rise exceeds 6 inches or the horizontal run exceeds 72 inches, and they must be on both sides with 12 inch extensions at top and bottom.

What size landings do ADA ramps require?

Provide 60 in long landings at the top, bottom, and any change in direction. Turning landings must be at least 60 by 60 inches clear.

Do I need guards or edge protection on this ramp?

Edge protection at 2 inches high is required where drops exceed 4 inches, but full height guards are not triggered by this configuration.

How do I document ADA ramp compliance?

Use the generated notes and checklist to document slope, segment rises, landings, handrail details, and guard requirements for plan review or field verification.

ADA ramp calculator example

Accurate ADA ramp calculator: compute slope, run, landings, and handrail/guard triggers to ADA 2010 & IBC 2021 -- download PDFs and DOCX exports.

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Result summary

Total rise: 18 in
Required horizontal length: 336 in
Slope ratio: 1:12
Segments: 1
Landings: 2
Clear width: 36 in
Handrails: Required
Guards: Not required
Cross slope: 2% max

Ramp segments

#	Rise (in)	Run (in)	Slope %	Slope ratio
1	18	216	8.33	1:12

Landings

#	Type	Length (in)	Width (in)
1	bottom	60	36
2	top	60	36

Checklist

Ramp slope does not exceed 1:12 (8.33%)
ADA 405.2
PASSPass
Individual ramp run rise does not exceed 30 in
ADA 405.6
PASSPass
Top, bottom, and transition landings provided (>= 60 in length)
ADA 405.7 / 405.8
PASSPass
Handrails provided when required (both sides, 34-38 in high, 12 in extensions)
ADA 505
Provided per design; confirm detailing (34-38 in height, 12 in extensions, returns).
PASSPass
Guards provided at drops > 30 in (IBC 1015)
IBC 1015
Not required because adjacent drop <= 30 in.
NAN/A
Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) provided
ADA 405.9
NAN/A
Ramp surface is stable, firm, slip resistant; cross slope <= 1:48
ADA 302 / 405.3
NAN/A
Drainage provided to prevent pooling (for exterior ramps)
Best practice
NAN/A

General notes

GENERAL NOTES (ADA 2010 & IBC 2021)
1. Overall rise 18 in; ramp segmented to maintain max slope 1:12 (<=8.33%). Cross slope limited to 2%.
2. Each ramp run limited to 30 in rise. Segment 1: rise 18 in, run 216 in (slope 8.33% ~ 1:12).
3. Landings provided at top, bottom, and transitions. Minimum landing length 60 in, width equals clear ramp width 36 in. Turning landings sized 60 in x 60 in minimum.
4. Maintain clear width between handrails of at least 36 in. Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) required where adjacent drop exceeds 4 in.
5. Handrails required where rise exceeds 6 in or horizontal run exceeds 72 in. Provide both sides, height 34-38 in, extend 12 in beyond top and bottom run, return to guard/wall. Handrail profile selected: round. Maintain 1.5 in min clearance from adjacent surfaces.
6. If drop-off exceeds 30 in, provide guards per IBC 1015 (42 in min height; opening limits).
7. Surface to be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Exterior ramps to provide drainage. Maintain maximum cross slope 2%.