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Route Gradient Calculator — Gradient from Elevation Data
Calculate gradient percentage from elevation and distance data.
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
Use a cycling GPS, mapping app such as Komoot or Strava, or an Ordnance Survey map. Most cycling computers record elevation data automatically.
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.
Enter the distance along the road (as you would ride it). For gradients under 15%, the difference between horizontal and road distance is negligible.
Related Calculators
Route Difficulty Calculator
Rate route difficulty from distance, elevation and gradient data.
Elevation Gain Calculator
Calculate total elevation gain from gradient and distance.
Ascent Time Calculator
Estimate climbing time from power, weight and gradient.
Climbing Category Calculator
Classify a climb by its category based on length and gradient.
Descent Speed Calculator
Estimate safe descent speed based on gradient and conditions.
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.