Ramp Length Calculator

Height of Step to Length of Ramp

Ramp Calculator for a self propelled wheelchair on a temporary ramp

If Height of Step Is:
1 inch Step – 1 foot Ramp
2 inch Step – 2 foot Ramp
4 inch Step – 4 foot Ramp
6 inch Step – 6 foot Ramp

Eg. If you have a step that is 4 inches high the ideal ramp would be 4ft long (1:12 gradient ratio)

Guide for an assisted / pushed wheelchair on a temporary ramp

Eg. If you have a step that is 4 inches high the ideal ramp would be 2ft long (1:6 gradient ratio)

Gradient Ratio Guidelines

(Complying with UK Building Regulations and DDA Guidelines)

For every inch in step height you need inches of ramp length
in the following ratios -
1:6 ratio - for assisted wheelchair
1:12 ratio - for self propelled wheelchair user on temporary ramp
1:15 ratio - for all permanently fixed ramps

For All Permanently Fixed Ramps

Height of Step
1 inch Step – 1 foot 3 inch Ramp
2 inch Step – 2 foot 6 inch Ramp
4 inch Step – 5 foot Ramp
6 inch Step – 7 foot 6 inch Ramp

Quick Glance Guide to Building Regulations In Respect Of When

It Is Necessary to Use A Landing Platform

If Step Height Is More Than 166mm (6.5 inches) - 1:12 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 2 Metre Intervals.

If Step Height Is More Than 333mm (13 inches) - 1:15 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 5 Metre Intervals.

If Step Height Is More Than 500mm (19.7 inches) - 1:20 Gradient Ratio, Landing Platform Required at 10 Metre Intervals.

Wheelchair Ramps & Part M: Building Regulations

Information on disabled wheelchair access ramps including recommendations from BS 8300:2001 and Part M of current UK building regulations

Disclaimer: The information and advice given on this website is to the best of our knowledge, but we accept no responsibility if acted upon, and advise you contact your architect, building control, planning department, highways department and local fire authority if in any doubt.

Although not necessarily so with existing premises, it is advised that you try to adhere to these recommendations whenever possible.

Part M: Access & Facilities For The Disabled

Current UK Building Regulations are slightly different with regard Dwellings and other building, these recommendations are for "Buildings Other Than Dwellings".

A wheelchair ramp will comply with Part M if it;

Has a non-slip surface.
Is 1.5m wide with a minimum unobstructed width of 1.5m.
Has a maximum individual flight of 10m and maximum 
gradients of 1:20 if longer than 5m, 1:15 if longer than 2m
or 1:12 if shorter than 2m.
Has a top and bottom landing no less than 1.2m and intermediate
Landings of 1.5m every 10m.
Has 100mm high raised kerbs to any open side of ramp or landings
Has a continuous suitable handrail on each open side when
the ramp exceeds 2m

Information Re. Document BS 8300:2001

A more recent document BS 8300:2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people. Code of practice
has been produced by the British Standards Institution
BS 8300:2001, is a source of best practice for architects, builders, and facilities managers. It encourages innovative design solutions for different types of building, including homes, shops and theatres.
A number of sections provide guidelines and recommendations in relation to disabled access and ramps in particular and it tends to offers a more detailed version than the building regulations document Part M.

For further information on BS8300

Portable Wheelchair Ramps

There are recommendations concerning portable ramps in BS8300:2001, but in a number of circumstances, primarily with existing premises they can be difficult to adhere to.
A key point to bear in mind is the DDA's phrase:

"Where a physical feature (for example, one arising from the design or construction of a building or the approach or access to premises) makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled persons to make use of such a service, it is the duty of the provider of that service to take such steps as it is reasonable"

"Reasonable adjustments" is a phrase that if you have not heard yet, you more than likely will do other the coming months. It is the so called "grey area" of the Act which will surely be a key point for the courts to decide.
What constitutes a "reasonable adjustment"? – Being a “grey area” each property would need to be assessed individually and council planning officers views may vary from council to council.

For instance
A new, or an existing high value property would reasonably be expected to comply with all recommendations under BS8300 and Part M. 
Where as, a small local village shop, salon etc. would reasonably be expected to make minor alterations and provide auxiliary aids, such as clipboards, audio aids, trained assistance, portable wheelchair access ramps etc.

We can provide Part M of Building Regulations as a PDF in 3 sections.

Please request by choosing a PDF:

1.   Access Requirements

2.   Inside & Outside Facilities

3.   Ergonomics / Signage

Then Email Your Choice To:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it