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Ramp length

4.4 ft

Dog Ramp Calculator

Ramps help dogs reach beds, cars and steps. Enter the height to climb and an angle, and this page gives the length the ramp needs along its slope.

How it works

The ramp length is the height divided by the sine of the angle. A gentler angle makes a longer ramp. A steeper angle makes a shorter one that is harder to climb.

The length is measured along the ramp surface, so it is always longer than the height.

Worked example

A 18 in rise at a 20 degree angle needs a ramp about 4.4 ft long.

Questions

Which angle is right?

There is no single right angle. A gentler slope is easier to climb but takes more floor space. Try a few angles on paper first.

Is the length the same as the distance from the floor to the top?

No. The length runs along the ramp itself, which is longer than the height it covers.

Does the surface matter?

Yes. A surface with grip helps paws, and footing can matter as much as the angle.

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