Grading & Slope Calculator

Calculate cut/fill quantities, slope percentages, slope ratios, and grade break locations for site grading projects.

Inputs

Existing Elevation

Proposed Elevation

Horizontal Run

Desired Slope

Tab to move between fields

Results

Cut (-) / Fill (+)

2 ft

≈ 7 credit cards

Actual Slope

Slope Ratio (Run:Rise)50:1

Estimated Volume185.19 cu yd

Grade Break Distance100 ft

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the Existing Elevation and Design Elevation at each end of the slope in feet.
Set the Horizontal Run Distance in feet.
Read Actual Slope (%) — compare against project specs (roads typically 1–5%, parking lots 1–2%).
Check Cut (-) / Fill (+) to know whether material must be removed or imported.
Use Estimated Volume in cu yd to budget earthmoving equipment and material costs.

How the result changes with Proposed Elevation

Proposed Elevation	Cut (-) / Fill (+)	Actual Slope
910	810 ft	810%
3,435	3,335 ft	3,335%
6,465	6,365 ft	6,365%
8,990	8,890 ft	8,890%

What each input means

Existing Elevation: Current ground elevation at the starting point.
Proposed Elevation: Target finished grade elevation.
Horizontal Run: Horizontal distance over which the grade changes.
Desired Slope: Target slope percentage (e.g. 2% for drainage, 33% for steep embankment).

How this is calculated

Worked example, using the default values

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Existing Elevation = 100, Proposed Elevation = 102, Horizontal Run = 100, Desired Slope = 2 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Cut (-) / Fill
Cut (-) / Fill
2 = 2
Calculate Actual Slope
Actual Slope
2 = 2
Calculate Slope Ratio
Slope Ratio
50 = 50
Calculate Estimated Volume
Estimated Volume
185.19 = 185.19

Engine last updated July 28, 2026. Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.

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