Design Rules Ramps & Accessibility

Accessible Ramp — Max Slope

Maximum slope for wheelchair accessibility
See also📖 NBC 2016 + IS 4963🔗 IS 4963🧮 RCC Design📒 Handbook
1:12
(8.33%)
1:128.33%RUNRISEWHEELCHAIR MAX — RAMP PROFILE
Primary value1:12 (8.33%)
Applies toWheelchair-accessible ramps · Building entrance ramps · Public building accessibility ramps
ExceptionsPreferred slope (better UX)1:20 (5%)
Curb ramps (short)1:10 allowed
Measured asVertical rise per unit horizontal run. 1:12 means 1 m rise for every 12 m of run.
SourceNBC 2016 + IS 4963Part 4 + IS 4963 Section 5
✓ Verified
Why this matters

1:12 is the steepest slope that an unassisted wheelchair user can self-propel up. Anything steeper requires assistance and effectively excludes independent mobility-aid users from the building.

Typical practice

Most public buildings provide 1:14 to 1:16 for comfort. New BIS-compliant projects target 1:18 to 1:20 where space allows.

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