ADA ramp example – 18 in rise, 36 in clear width

Use case: Typical building entryLocation: Exterior storefrontLayout: Switchback, 2 landings

This layout is typical for a small retail entry ramp where the finished floor is 18 in above sidewalk grade. The design uses two balanced runs with a 60 in landing in between, keeping a comfortable 1:12 slope.
Clear width is kept at 36 in with round handrails and exterior drainage assumptions so it can be dropped directly into drawings or a field report.

Key stats:18 intotal rise•36 inclear width•1:12slope•2landings

Use this layout when you need a compact switchback ramp with full handrails and enough landing space for two-way traffic.

Prefill the calculator with these settings, then tweak dimensions for your project.

Layout summary

#	Rise (in)	Run (in)	Slope %	Slope ratio
1	18	216	8.33	1:12

#	Type	Length (in)	Width (in)
1	bottom	60	36
2	top	60	36

Best for: narrow storefronts where a straight 1:12 ramp would extend too far into public sidewalk.

Accessibility checklist for this layout.

Slope & geometry

Ramp slope does not exceed 1:12 (8.33%)
ADA 405.2
PASS
Individual ramp run rise does not exceed 30 in
ADA 405.6
PASS
Top, bottom, and transition landings provided (>= 60 in length)
ADA 405.7 / 405.8
PASS

Handrails & guards

Handrails provided when required (both sides, 34-38 in high, 12 in extensions)
ADA 505
Provided per design; confirm detailing (34-38 in height, 12 in extensions, returns).
PASS
Guards provided at drops > 30 in (IBC 1015)
IBC 1015
Not required because adjacent drop <= 30 in.
NA

Surfaces & drainage

Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) provided
ADA 405.9
NA
Ramp surface is stable, firm, slip resistant; cross slope <= 1:48
ADA 302 / 405.3
NA
Drainage provided to prevent pooling (for exterior ramps)
Best practice
Exterior condition flagged.
NA

This checklist is based on generic ADA and IBC provisions. Always verify against your local code and project requirements.

Generated notes for this layout based on ADA 2010 and IBC 2021 model provisions.

These notes are included in the exported PDF and DOCX.

GENERAL NOTES (ADA 2010 & IBC 2021)
1. Overall rise 18 in; ramp segmented to maintain max slope 1:12 (<=8.33%). Cross slope limited to 2%.
2. Each ramp run limited to 30 in rise. Segment 1: rise 18 in, run 216 in (slope 8.33% ~ 1:12).
3. Landings provided at top, bottom, and transitions. Minimum landing length 60 in, width equals clear ramp width 36 in. Turning landings sized 60 in x 60 in minimum.
4. Maintain clear width between handrails of at least 36 in. Edge protection (2 in curb or equivalent) required where adjacent drop exceeds 4 in.
5. Handrails required where rise exceeds 6 in or horizontal run exceeds 72 in. Provide both sides, height 34-38 in, extend 12 in beyond top and bottom run, return to guard/wall. Handrail profile selected: round. Maintain 1.5 in min clearance from adjacent surfaces.
6. If drop-off exceeds 30 in, provide guards per IBC 1015 (42 in min height; opening limits).
7. Surface to be stable, firm, and slip-resistant. Exterior ramps to provide drainage. Maintain maximum cross slope 2%.
8. Coordinate with local authority for additional requirements. Notes for reference only; not a signed/sealed submittal.
Generated 2026-01-14 10:36 GMT+0 using ADA Ramp & Handrail Generator.

Short answers to common questions about this ramp layout.

Breaking the 18 in rise into two runs keeps each rise under 30 in and provides a 60 in rest/turning space for easier maneuvering.

Yes. Slopes are held to 1:12 with a 60 in intermediate landing; handrail and guard triggers follow ADA 505 and IBC 1015.

No. For an 18 in rise you would need a variance; ADA 405 caps slope at 1:12 except for very short rises at 1:8 or 1:10 in limited cases.

For general questions about the tool, please visit the main FAQ page.

Prefer to start from scratch? Use the calculator to explore your own rise, run, and layout constraints.