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How to Convert Slope to Grade

Slope is used to define the rise and run of a line. Mathematically, the slope of a line is the rise in vertical units divided by the run of horizontal units. Lines can have positive or negative slopes. Vertical lines have a slope of infinity, while parallel lines have a slope of zero. Grades are used most often in topography. A percentage of grade is the amount of inclination from one point to another. Grade signs are commonly seen on mountainous roads. Both values measure the same concept, so they can be converted from one form to the other.

Instructions

- 1
  Calculate the change in height from one point to another. For example, if the height at the first point is y1, and the height at the second point is y2, then the change in height is y2-y1.
- 2
  Calculate the change in distance from one point to the other. For example, if the distance at the first point is x1, and the distance at the second point is x2, then the change in distance is x2-x1.
- 3
  Divide the result from step 1 by the result from step 2. This yields (y2-y1)/(x2-x1). This is the formal equation for the slope between two points.
- 4
  Multiply the results from step 3 by 100 to yield the percent grade. The final equation is "% grade = 100*(y2-y1)/(x2-x1)."

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