Work out gradient of a hill instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Gradient is vertical rise over horizontal run: 120 m over 1600 m is 7.5%, or 4.29 degrees, or 1 in 13.3. The slope distance is slightly longer than the horizontal run - 1604.5 m here - which is why map distances understate walked distance in hilly ground.
Gradient
gradient = rise / horizontal run
Slope distance
slope = sqrt(rise^2 + run^2)
Because it reads directly as the distance needed per unit of climb, which is what matters for locomotive haulage capacity.
Gradient conventionally uses horizontal run. On slopes under about 15% the difference from slope distance is under 1%.