The Elevation Gain Per Mile Calculator is a useful tool for hikers, runners, cyclists, and landscape planners who want to understand how steep a route is. It calculates how much vertical elevation is gained for every mile of horizontal distance traveled. This information helps estimate route difficulty, compare different trails, and prepare for changes in altitude during outdoor activities.
Understanding the elevation gain per mile gives context to the steepness of a climb. Higher values typically indicate a more strenuous workout, while lower values may be more accessible or suitable for beginners. This metric is widely used in trail guides, athletic training, and route planning.
Formula of Elevation Gain Per Mile Calculator
The formula to calculate elevation gain per mile is:
Where:
- Total Elevation Gain is the cumulative vertical rise during the trip (commonly measured in feet)
- Distance in Miles is the total horizontal distance traveled in miles
Ensure the elevation gain is in feet when using miles, or convert both values to compatible units before calculating.
Unit Consistency Note:
If your elevation data is in meters, convert it to feet using: 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
Or if using kilometers for distance: 1 kilometer = 0.621371 miles
Common Reference Table
Here is a helpful reference table showing various total elevation gains and distances with the corresponding elevation gain per mile. These help users quickly assess trail difficulty.
| Total Elevation Gain (ft) | Distance (miles) | Elevation Gain per Mile (ft/mi) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | 2 | 250 |
| 1000 | 4 | 250 |
| 1500 | 5 | 300 |
| 2000 | 6.2 | 322.58 |
| 3000 | 10 | 300 |
| 4000 | 12 | 333.33 |
| 5000 | 15 | 333.33 |
This table can help estimate terrain steepness even without doing the math manually.
Example of Elevation Gain Per Mile Calculator
Let’s say you hiked a mountain trail with:
- Total Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet
- Distance: 6 miles
Using the formula: Elevation Gain per Mile = 1800 / 6 = 300 ft/mi
This means you gain 300 feet of elevation for every mile, which is a moderately steep hike and should be approached with good physical preparation.
Most Common FAQs
It gives a clear idea of how steep or challenging a trail is, helping users plan their pace, gear, and water needs.
Typically, anything above 400 feet per mile is considered steep. Trails over 500 feet per mile are often labeled as difficult or advanced.
Yes, but make sure to convert elevation gain to meters as well. Alternatively, convert kilometers to miles first to keep the output in feet per mile.