How do I find the elevation of a point?

Use a cycling GPS, mapping app such as Komoot or Strava, or an Ordnance Survey map. Most cycling computers record elevation data automatically.

What gradient is considered steep?

Under 3% is gentle, 3-6% is moderate, 6-10% is steep, and above 10% is very steep. Most UK road passes are 6-12% average.

Is the distance horizontal or along the road?

Enter the distance along the road (as you would ride it). For gradients under 15%, the difference between horizontal and road distance is negligible.

BikeCalcs

Route Gradient Calculator — Gradient from Elevation Data

Calculate gradient percentage from elevation and distance data.

Start Elevation

Elevation at the bottom of the section (metres above sea level)

End Elevation

Elevation at the top of the section (metres above sea level)

Distance

Length ridden along the road for this section

How We Calculate This

Gradient Calculation

Elevation Change = End Elevation − Start Elevation
Gradient (%) = (Elevation Change ÷ Distance) × 100, with distance in the same units (metres)
Angle = arctan(Elevation Change ÷ Distance), the standard cycling gradient-to-angle conversion

Distance is entered along the road (the route you actually ride). Below about 15% the difference between road distance and true horizontal run is under a tenth of a degree, so the angle shown is accurate for any real road climb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Climbing Category Calculator

Classify a climb by its category based on length and gradient.

Elevation Gain Calculator

Calculate total elevation gain from gradient and distance.

Ascent Time Calculator

Estimate climbing time from power, weight and gradient.

Descent Speed Calculator

Estimate safe descent speed based on gradient and conditions.

Wind Effect Calculator

Calculate the impact of wind on speed and power requirements.

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.