Wheelchair Ramp Calculator

See how long your ramp needs to be in about two minutes.

Thinking about a ramp for your home? Start here. Answer a few questions using a tape measure. We'll show you how long your ramp needs to be, how many platforms it needs, and which slope fits the way you'll use it.

You'll see your results right away. No email required.

Before you start: Grab a tape measure. You'll measure the height of your porch, the height of your door threshold, and how deep your porch is.

Start here

Enter a few measurements. We'll show how long a ramp you'd need, what comes with it, and how much room it takes.

Three measurements. The numbers match questions 1, 2 and 3 below.

1Height from the ground to the porch floor

Measure straight down from the porch floor to the ground where the ramp would start. No porch? Measure from the top step.

feet inches

2Height of the door threshold above the porch floor

The lip or step you cross to get through the door. Enter 0 if it's flat.

inches

3Porch depth, from the door to the porch edge

How far you can roll straight out the door before the porch ends. No porch? Enter the depth of the top step. Enter 0 if there's nothing there.

feet inches

4Which way does the door open?

Stand outside and pull or push. Which way does it swing?

Into the house Out onto the porch Not sure

5How will the ramp be used?

This sets the slope we recommend.

Wheelchair, pushes self Wheelchair, pushed by someone Power chair or scooter Walker or cane Not sure yet

6Your ZIP code

Last one. This tells us if your home is in our service area.

Frequently asked questions

How accurate is this calculator?

It gives you a solid starting point. It assumes your yard is level, and it doesn't plan how the ramp fits your space. We confirm exact measurements and layout when we visit.

What does 1:12 mean?

It means 1 inch of height for every 12 inches (1 foot) of ramp. So a porch that's 24 inches high needs about 24 feet of ramp at 1:12. That's the steepest slope allowed by ADA standards. Many people find a gentler slope, like 1:16 or 1:20, easier to use.

Which slope should I choose?

It depends on who's using the ramp. If you push your own wheelchair, a gentler slope saves energy. If someone pushes the chair, or you use a power chair or scooter, 1:12 usually works well. The calculator recommends a slope based on your answer, and you can compare all three.

Why does my ramp need platforms?

Platforms are flat resting spots. You need one at the door so you can stop and open it. You need one for every 30 inches of height, so you can rest on longer ramps. You also need one anywhere the ramp turns.

Can my porch work as the top platform?

Often, yes. If your porch is deep enough and your door threshold is low, the porch can serve as your top platform. If the threshold is high, we build a platform level with it so you roll out onto a flat surface with no step down.

What if the ramp is too long for my yard?

Ramps can turn. An L-shape or switchback fits a long ramp into a smaller space. For taller entries, a vertical platform lift or an outdoor stairlift can take up much less room than a ramp. We'll walk you through the options.

Do I need handrails?

If the ramp rises more than 6 inches, plan on handrails on both sides.

My yard isn't flat. Does that matter?

Yes. Ground that slopes up or down can make the ramp longer or shorter. We measure it when we visit.

Aluminum or wood?

Aluminum ramps can be moved, changed, or taken down later if your needs change. Wood and composite ramps are permanent. The length is the same either way.

How much does a ramp cost?

It depends on the length, the number of platforms, and the material. Once we measure, we'll give you a quote.

What areas do you serve?

We serve Mecklenburg, Union, and Gaston counties in North Carolina, and York and Lancaster counties in South Carolina.

What happens after I schedule a call?

We talk for about 15 minutes to go over your numbers. Then we set up a visit, measure your entry, talk through your options, and send you a quote.