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How Do You Convert Slope Distance to Horizontal Distance?

Published in Distance Calculation 2 mins read

While converting slope distance directly often involves trigonometry or the Pythagorean theorem, the provided reference details a method for calculating horizontal distance using the vertical rise and the slope percentage.

Based on the reference, horizontal distance can be derived from the slope percent equation.

Calculating Horizontal Distance Using Slope Percent (Based on Reference)

The reference explains how the standard slope percent equation can be rearranged to solve for the horizontal distance, often referred to as the 'run'. The slope percentage is typically calculated as (rise / run) * 100.

To isolate the 'run' (horizontal distance) in this equation, the reference outlines the following steps:

  1. Rearrange the terms: Start with the slope percent relationship.
  2. Multiply both sides by run: This moves 'run' from the denominator.
  3. Divide both sides by slope percent: This isolates 'run' on one side of the equation.

Following this rearrangement process, the equation provided in the reference for calculating horizontal distance is:

run = (rise × 100 ) / slope %

This formula allows you to determine the horizontal distance (run) when you know the vertical change (rise) and the slope expressed as a percentage.

Understanding the Components

  • run: Represents the horizontal distance. This is the value you calculate.
  • rise: Represents the vertical distance or elevation change over the horizontal distance.
  • slope %: Represents the steepness of the slope, expressed as a percentage.

This method is particularly useful in fields like surveying, construction, and engineering when horizontal distances need to be determined based on vertical changes and known slope percentages.