Wheelchair Ramp Learning Center
Free, plain-English wheelchair ramp guides from Express Ramps, in business since 1999: ramp length, ADA vs residential code, cost, installation and care.
Quick answer: Measure your total rise first. At the ADA slope of 1:12, you need 1 foot of ramp for every 1 inch of rise, so a 24 inch rise needs at least 24 feet of ramp plus level landings. Rises under 6 inches usually need only a threshold ramp. Rises over 30 inches need more than one ramp run with a landing between them.
Key takeaways
- A 1:12 slope is the ADA maximum and the safest choice for independent wheelchair use.
- Portable ramps run about 2 to 10 feet, so most rises over 10 inches at 1:12 need a modular ramp.
- The ADA does not apply to private homes, but local building codes do.
- Threshold ramps start at $63, portable ramps at $153 and modular home ramp kits at $1,000.
- Most portable and modular aluminum ramps can be set up without a contractor.
Ramp length by rise and slope
| Total rise | 1:12 (8.33 percent) independent use | 2:12 (16.7 percent) assisted use | 3:12 (25 percent) unoccupied loading | Typical ramp type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 in | 6 ft | 3 ft | 2 ft | Threshold ramp rated for the height |
| 10 in | 10 ft | 5 ft | 3 ft 4 in | Portable ramp |
| 12 in | 12 ft | 6 ft | 4 ft | Modular for independent use; portable for assisted use |
| 18 in | 18 ft | 9 ft | 6 ft | Modular for independent use; portable for assisted use |
| 24 in | 24 ft | 12 ft | 8 ft | Modular; portable only for loading an empty scooter |
| 30 in | 30 ft (maximum single run) | 15 ft | 10 ft | Modular with landings; portable only for loading |
| 36 in | 36 ft in two runs | 18 ft | Not advised | Modular with a landing between runs |
Lengths are minimums and do not include landings. Use 2:12 only when a caregiver assists and your equipment manual allows it, and 3:12 only for loading empty equipment. These steeper slopes are for portable ramps: a permanent home ramp steeper than 1:8 generally will not meet residential code. Use the Ramp Wizard to calculate your exact length.
Where to start
- New to ramps? Start with the Wheelchair Ramp Sizing Guide .
- Building at home? Read the Residential Ramp Code Guide .
- Business, church or school? See ADA Ramp Slope Requirements and our ADA compliant commercial ramps .
- Doorway or single step? The Threshold Ramp Guide takes about five minutes.
ADA vs residential ramp rules
| Rule | ADA (businesses and public buildings) | Private homes (IRC Section R311.8, where adopted) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum slope | 1:12. Existing buildings short on space may use 1:10 for a rise up to 6 in, or 1:8 for a rise up to 3 in | 1:12 for the ramp serving the required exit door; 1:8 for other ramps or where the site makes 1:12 infeasible |
| Rise per run | 30 in maximum | Check local code; 30 in is the common target |
| Clear width | 36 in minimum between handrails | Check local code; 36 in is the common target |
| Landings | At least 60 in long at the top and bottom of each run; 60 x 60 in at turns | At the top and bottom, at doors and at turns; at least 36 in wide |
| Handrails | Both sides when the rise is over 6 in; 34 to 38 in high | At least one side when steeper than 1:12; 34 to 38 in high |
Code editions and local amendments vary, so your building department has final say. Many builders use the ADA specs on home ramps as the safety target. See the codes and requirements guides .
What a wheelchair ramp costs
| Option | Best for | Price | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Threshold ramp | Door sills and single steps up to 6 in | From $63 | Minutes; little or no assembly |
| Portable folding ramp | Travel, temporary needs and short rises | From $153 | None; set it in place |
| PATHWAY 3G modular kit | Porches and daily home access | From $1,000; a 20 ft straight run is about $3,200 | Do it yourself with hand tools |
| PATHWAY HD ADA ramp | Businesses and public buildings | From $1,890 | Bolt-together modular system |
| Contractor-built wood ramp | Curved designs or a match to an existing deck | About $2,000 to $10,000 or more | Contractor, several days on site |
| Rental ramp | Needs of less than a week | One dealer publishes about $1,272 setup plus $331 per month for 30 ft | Local dealer |
Express Ramps prices checked November 2, 2026, and subject to change. Free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Wood and rental figures are typical market examples and vary by region.
Find a guide by question
Sizing
- Wheelchair Ramp Sizing Guide : Plan 1 foot of ramp for every 1 inch of rise at 1:12, then add landings.
- Ramp Wizard : Enter your measurements to calculate slope and get a ramp recommendation.
Codes
- ADA Ramp Requirements : Commercial and public ramps need a 1:12 slope, 36 inch clear width and 60 inch landings.
- Residential Wheelchair Ramp Code : Private homes are not covered by the ADA, but local building codes still apply.
Choosing
- How to Choose the Right Wheelchair Ramp : Measure your rise first, then match the ramp type to who will use it and how often.
- Threshold Ramp Selection Guide : Angled plates handle up to 2 inches, rubber ramps up to 4.75 inches and adjustable aluminum ramps up to 6 inches.
- How to Choose a Portable Wheelchair Ramp : Divide your rise by the slope to get minimum length, then confirm weight rating and width.
- Aluminum Wheelchair Ramps : Aluminum is rust-resistant and weighs about one-third as much as steel.
- Portable Loading and Curb Ramp Guide : Measure the rise and match the ramp to the load. Curb ramps cover rises up to 5.75 inches.
- Home Accessibility Products Guide : Ramps, handrails, accessible steps and bathroom safety aids, chosen by barrier, device and how long you need them.
Installation
- Wheelchair Ramp Installation Guides : Most wheelchair ramps are designed for do-it-yourself installation with common hand tools.
- Installing Portable vs Permanent Ramps : Portable ramps are placed, not installed. Permanent ramps follow a 7 step plan.
Cost
- Planning Costs and Financing : Cost rises with height: threshold ramps cost least and modular systems cost most.
- Wood vs Aluminum Ramps : Over 10 years, modular aluminum is usually the lower total cost.
- Ramp Rental vs Buying : Renting usually costs close to buying and makes sense only for under a week.
- Ramp Financing Options : Split a purchase into 4 interest-free payments or pay over time with PayPal Credit.
Care
- Ramp Care and Maintenance : Step-by-step guides for inspecting, cleaning and maintaining ramps.
- Winter Care for Aluminum Ramps : Shovel promptly, sweep the tread and use magnesium chloride ice melt.
- EZ-ACCESS Warranty Information : Coverage is 1, 2, 3 or 5 years or lifetime residential, depending on the product.
- Ramp Instructions and Brochures : Download manuals and brochures for PATHWAY, SUITCASE, TRANSITIONS, GATEWAY and FORTRESS products.
Wheelchair ramp terms
- Rise: The total vertical height from the ground to the top surface the ramp must reach. Every sizing decision starts with it.
- Run: The horizontal length of a ramp section. At 1:12, each inch of rise needs 12 inches of run.
- Slope: The ratio of rise to run. 1:12 means 1 inch of rise per 12 inches of run, which is 8.33 percent or about 4.8 degrees.
- Landing: A level platform at the top and bottom of a ramp run and at any turn. It gives users room to rest, turn and open doors.
- Clear width: The usable width between handrails, or between edge protection if there are no handrails.
- Edge protection: A curb, barrier or extended surface along a ramp edge that keeps wheels from rolling off.
- Threshold ramp: A compact ramp for door sills and single steps up to 6 inches. It is chosen by rated height, not by the 1:12 rule.
- Portable ramp: A folding ramp, typically 2 to 10 feet long, that you can carry and set up without tools.
- Modular ramp: A ramp built from pre-engineered aluminum sections, platforms and handrails. It can reach any length and turn corners.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a wheelchair ramp need to be?
At a 1:12 slope, plan 1 foot of ramp for every 1 inch of rise, plus level landings. A 20 inch rise needs 20 feet of ramp. The sizing guide has the full chart.
How long should a ramp be for 3 steps?
Three standard steps total about 21 to 22 inches of rise, so independent use at 1:12 needs a 21 to 22 foot ramp, which is a job for a modular system. With a caregiver assisting a portable ramp at 2:12, about 11 feet is the minimum, which is longer than most portable ramps. Measure your actual rise, since step heights vary.
How do I measure the rise for a ramp?
Hold a tape measure level and measure straight up from the ground to the top surface the ramp must reach. If the ground slopes away from the house, measure from the point where the ramp will end, not from the base of the steps.
What is the maximum slope for an ADA wheelchair ramp?
The 2010 ADA Standards set a maximum running slope of 1:12 (8.33 percent), a maximum rise of 30 inches per ramp run, a minimum clear width of 36 inches between handrails, level landings at least 60 inches long at each end of a run, and handrails when the rise exceeds 6 inches. See ADA ramp requirements .
Do residential wheelchair ramps have to meet ADA?
No. The ADA Standards apply to public accommodations, commercial facilities and state and local government buildings, not private single-family homes. Home ramps follow local building code, which often references the International Residential Code. Check with your local building department before you build. See the residential ramp code guide .
Do I need a permit for a wheelchair ramp?
Portable ramps typically do not need a permit. Many towns require one for a permanent ramp, and some HOAs must approve it. Rules vary by city and county, so check with your local building department before you order. See installing portable vs permanent ramps .
How much does a wheelchair ramp cost?
At Express Ramps, threshold ramps start at $63, portable folding ramps at $153 and PATHWAY 3G modular kits at $1,000. A 20 foot straight PATHWAY 3G run is about $3,200. A contractor-built wooden ramp usually runs $2,000 to $10,000. See ramp costs and financing .
Is it cheaper to rent or buy a wheelchair ramp?
For most people, buying. Rental setup fees plus monthly payments usually come close to the purchase price within a few months, and you own nothing at the end. Renting makes sense only if you need the ramp for less than a week. See rental vs buying .
Does Medicare pay for a wheelchair ramp?
Original Medicare generally does not cover wheelchair ramps because it treats them as home modifications, not medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans and state Medicaid programs may help, and veterans can ask the VA about home modification grants. Check with your plan or program.
Can I finance a wheelchair ramp?
Yes. Choose PayPal Pay Later at checkout to split your purchase into 4 interest-free payments or pay over time with PayPal Credit. Financing is subject to an eligibility check. See ramp financing options .
Can I install a wheelchair ramp myself?
Usually, yes. Portable ramps need no installation, only firm, level ground and a fully seated top lip. Modular aluminum ramps bolt together with hand tools, often in an afternoon, and most need no concrete. Wood and concrete ramps are usually built by a contractor. See the installation guides .
How much weight can a wheelchair ramp hold?
Add the user, the wheelchair or scooter and any attendant, then choose a ramp rated above that total. Most portable ramps are rated for 800 lbs and PATHWAY 3G modular ramps for 1,000 lbs. Power chairs alone can exceed 350 lbs, so confirm the rating for your exact model.
What warranty comes with an aluminum ramp?
EZ-ACCESS warranties run 1, 2, 3 or 5 years or lifetime residential, depending on the product. PATHWAY 3G aluminum residential ramps carry a lifetime residential warranty for the original purchaser. The powder-coat finish and applied non-skid tread are excluded. See warranty information .
How these guides are written
Express Ramps has sold and helped size wheelchair ramps since 1999. Code summaries are based on Section 405 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and Section R311.8 of the International Residential Code. Prices come from our own product pages. We sell many of the products these guides mention, and we operate separately from EZ-ACCESS, the manufacturer.
Written and reviewed by Eric Jungersen , President of Express Ramps. Last updated November 2, 2026. Code summaries are for planning only; your local building department has final say.
Not sure which ramp fits? Call a ramp specialist at 866-491-1110 for free sizing help, or try the Ramp Wizard .
