What Ramp Do I Need?

Choose the Correct Wheelchair Ramp Length

Measuring threshold height and ground slope

Step 1- Measure how high the ramp needs to go

Using a tape measure, simple measure the height of the step or door way threshold (the raised section you walk over when entering) from ground level.

Write down this measurement in centimetres or inches.
If the area outside your home has limited space, check the approximate size of the area available to place a ramp or step, to make sure it will fit leave room at the bottom for a wheelchair. If in doubt contact us to discuss the alternatives (a digital picture emailed to us of the location may be helpful)

Step 2- Take Account of Sloping Ground

If the ground is mostly flat, it is a simple matter to multiply the total threshold height by the preferred gradient to decide the length of ramp needed.

For normal home use – a gradient of 1 in 12 is normal;
For commercial or public use – a gradient of 1:15 is normal;
If the ground slopes away from the door, then the overall vertical rise from the end of the ramp to the threshold height will increase, so it is important to add an extra few cm (or inches) to the rise before multiplying for the total ramp length needed.
If the ramp will run parallel to a wall as in the illustration (right), it is possible to follow the mortar line from the door to the area that the ramp will run, and by doing so estimate to extra rise resulting. In this example, the rise directly outside the door is 200mm, but a few metres away the ground is now 300mm lower than the threshold. In this case we need a 3.6m ramp for a 1:12 gradient (300mm x 12), and not a 2.4m ramp (200mm x 12).

Step 2- Continued

If the ramp will not follow a wall then the best way to check the overall rise from the end of the proposed ramp to the threshold is with a laser level. If this is not possible then measure the rise at the door and add a little based on how steep the slope is and how long the ramp is likely to be.
If the ground slopes towards the door then you are in luck as this means the ramp can be shorter than on flat ground. Alternatively leave the same length as needed based on the rise at the door and the ramp will be less steep than if it were on flat ground. This is a good thing!

The photo on the right shows the finished ramp in place.

Ramp Length

Most private wheelchair ramps should be no steeper than 1 in 12 gradient;
Most public wheelchair ramps should be no steeper than 1 in 15 gradient.
Multiply the overall height of the threshold by 12 ( for 1 in 12 gradient), or 15 (for a 1:15 gradient), to arrive at the ramp length;
Its OK if the ramp is longer than needed, not OK if its shorter.