Elevation Gain and Grade Calculator
Adds up the climbing along a route from its spot heights, and works out how steep it is on average.
Share sends a link that reopens these numbers. Copy details pastes the full breakdown as a list.
The formula
gain = sum of every rise between points grade = net change ÷ horizontal distance × 100 angle = arctan(net change ÷ horizontal distance)
A 100% grade is a 45° slope, not a vertical one.
What to watch out for
Take the heights from a map at the start, the finish, and each main top and dip. GPS tracks tend to overstate total gain because of noise in the height readings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I work out percent grade?
Divide the rise by the horizontal distance and multiply by 100. A 200 m rise over 8 km is 2.5%.
What angle is a 10% grade?
5.7°. Grade and angle are not the same scale: 100% is 45°.
Why is elevation gain more than the difference in height?
Gain counts every climb along the way, including height you later lose and have to regain. Net change only compares the two ends.