Examples/ADA ramp example – 30 in rise, 48 in clear width, switchback

Exterior entry ramp • Switchback layout

ADA ramp example – 30 in rise, 48 in clear width

Use case: Typical building entryLocation: Exterior storefrontLayout: Switchback, 2 landings
  • A switchback layout for a 30 in grade change at a building entry, sized at 48 in clear width for comfortable two-way travel.
  • Designed as an exterior ramp with full handrails, guards, and generous turning landings to satisfy ADA 2010 and IBC 2021.

Key stats:30 intotal rise•48 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.

Use this layout in the calculator

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

Layout summary

Ramp summary

Total rise
30 in
Clear width
48 in
Required run
480 in
Slope ratio
1:12
Handrails required?
Required
Guards required?
Not required
Cross slope
2% max

Segments

#Rise (in)Run (in)Slope %Slope ratio
1303608.331:12

Landings

#TypeLength (in)Width (in)
1bottom6048
2top6048

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

Checklist

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.

General notes

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 30 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 30 in, run 360 in (slope 8.33% ~ 1:12).
  • 3. Landings provided at top, bottom, and transitions. Minimum landing length 60 in, width equals clear ramp width 48 in. Turning landings sized 60 in x 60 in minimum.
  • 4. Maintain clear width between handrails of at least 48 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: oval. 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.

Questions about this sample layout

Short answers to common questions about this ramp layout.

QWhy use a switchback for 30 in of rise?

A switchback keeps each run within the 30 in rise limit and creates a centered 60 in landing for reversing direction without exceeding the 1:12 slope.

QDo I need guards as well as handrails here?

Yes. With a 30 in drop you should provide both handrails (ADA 505) and guards (IBC 1015) at the outer edges of the ramp and landings.

QCan this layout be narrowed below 48 in clear width?

You can go down to 36 in clear width, but 48 in supports two-way passage and reduces rail conflicts at the switchback landing.

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

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