Slope Distance Calculator
Calculate horizontal distance from slope distance and vertical angle with precision
Calculation Results
Horizontal Distance (H):
0
Vertical Distance (V):
0
Unit:
feet
About the Slope Distance Calculator
This calculator converts slope distance to horizontal distance, which is essential for accurate measurements in surveying, construction, and engineering projects. Slope distance is the actual distance measured along the slope, while horizontal distance is the planimetric (map) distance between points.
The calculation uses trigonometric functions to determine the horizontal distance (H) from the slope distance (S) and vertical angle (θ) using the formula: H = S × cos(θ)
For percent grade measurements, the calculator first converts the percentage to degrees before performing the calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is slope distance in surveying?
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Slope distance is the actual distance measured along the slope between two points, as opposed to the horizontal distance which would be the distance if the ground were perfectly level. It’s always longer than or equal to the horizontal distance.
When should I use this calculator?
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Use this calculator when you have measurements taken with instruments that record slope distance (like total stations or laser distance meters) and you need to convert them to horizontal distances for mapping, construction layout, or other planimetric purposes.
How accurate is this calculator?
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The calculator provides mathematically precise results based on your input values. The actual accuracy depends on the precision of your measurements. For professional surveying work, always use properly calibrated equipment and consider atmospheric corrections for critical measurements.
Can I use percent grade instead of degrees?
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Yes! Simply select “Percent Grade” from the Angle Type dropdown. The calculator will automatically convert the percentage to degrees before performing the calculation. Percent grade is calculated as (rise/run) × 100.