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ADA Ramp Requirements — Slope, Width, Landings & Handrails

Ramps on accessible routes are governed by Chapter 4 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The controlling numbers: 1:12 maximum running slope, 36 inches minimum clear width, and a level landing at top and bottom of every run.

Requirement	2010 ADA Standard	Section
Maximum running slope	1:12 (8.33%) — one inch of rise per 12 inches of run	§405.2
Maximum cross slope	1:48 (about 2%)	§405.3
Minimum clear width	36 in. between handrails	§405.5
Maximum rise per run	30 in. — then a landing is required	§405.6
Landing size	60 in. minimum length, at least as wide as the ramp; 60 × 60 in. where the ramp changes direction	§405.7
Handrails	Required on both sides when rise exceeds 6 in.; gripping surface 34–38 in. above the ramp	§405.8, §505
Edge protection	Required at drop-offs: curb, barrier, or 12-in. extended surface	§405.9

Worth knowing

Existing sites with space constraints may use steeper slopes only within tight limits: 1:10 for a max 6-inch rise, 1:8 for a max 3-inch rise (§405.2 Exception, existing conditions only).
A walking surface steeper than 1:20 (5%) is legally a ramp and must meet all ramp requirements.
Outdoor ramps must be designed so water does not accumulate (§405.10).
For dwellings under the IRC, local codes may differ — check your jurisdiction page.

Source: 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (U.S. Department of Justice, public domain) — read the full standard at ada.gov. Your local building code (and ICC A117.1 where adopted) applies in addition — find it on your jurisdiction page.

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