Work out glide slope angle instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Glide slope angle is the arctangent of height divided by horizontal distance in the same units. A standard 3 degree ILS path passes 1,000 ft above the threshold elevation at 3.2 nautical miles, or about 318 ft per nautical mile — the check most pilots use to confirm they are on profile.
Glide slope
angle = atan(height / (distance x 6076.12)); ROD = ft per nm x GS / 60
Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.
About 318 ft per nautical mile, so at 10 nm a 3 degree path is roughly 3,200 ft above threshold elevation.
Terrain or noise constraints force 3.5-5.5 degree profiles at some airports, and those require specific aircraft and crew approval.