1. What is Treadmill Incline?

Treadmill incline represents the slope or gradient of the running surface, expressed as a percentage. It simulates running or walking uphill and increases workout intensity.

2. How the Calculation Works

The incline is calculated using the tangent of the angle:

Where:

• \( \theta \) — Angle of elevation in degrees
• \( \tan \) — Trigonometric tangent function

Explanation: The tangent of an angle in a right triangle equals the ratio of the opposite side (height gain) to the adjacent side (horizontal distance). Multiplying by 100 converts this ratio to a percentage.

3. Practical Applications

Details: Understanding incline percentage helps athletes match outdoor hill training intensity and allows precise workout programming.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the treadmill angle in degrees (typically between 0° and 15° for most treadmills). The calculator will output the equivalent percentage grade.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between angle and percentage incline?
A: Angle is measured in degrees, while percentage is the ratio of vertical rise to horizontal run × 100. A 45° angle equals 100% grade.

Q2: What's a typical maximum treadmill incline?
A: Most commercial treadmills go up to 12-15% incline, though some specialty models may reach 30-40%.

Q3: How does incline affect calorie burn?
A: Each 1% increase in incline typically increases calorie expenditure by about 3-5% at the same speed.

Q4: Is 10% incline considered steep?
A: Yes, a 10% incline (≈5.7°) is quite challenging for most people and simulates a significant hill.

Q5: Why do treadmills use percentage instead of degrees?
A: Percentage grade is more intuitive for exercise intensity and matches how road grades are typically described.