Inclines (Hills!!!)

[Leshoops]

UK Ord Servey maps show steep hills in a ratio of 1:5 or 1:7. All well and good, either steep or damn steep!
However, I frequently see references in the cycling articles of hills show as a %.
Being new to the sport I am confused as to how the % measurement stands up against the ratio.

Help, is a 10% hill steeper than a 1:7 etc!!!!!!!

 

[iliveonnitro]

uk ord servey maps show steep hills in a ratio of 1:5 or 1:7. All well and good, either steep or damn steep!
However, i frequently see references in the cycling articles of hills show as a %.
Being new to the sport i am confused as to how the % measurement stands up against the ratio.

Help, is a 10% hill steeper than a 1:7 etc!!!!!!!

1/10=10%
1/7=14.3%
1/5=20%

 

[krebs303]

A 10% climb would be 1:10
Percentage is figured for example 8ft climbing over 100ft distance is 8%

 

[pedaling squares]

Incline percentage is measured as percent of grade, ie the percentage that one moves vertically as one moves laterally. If you move one metre laterally and rise one metre vertically, a 45 degree angle, you have climbed 100% of grade.
As others have written, 20% grade is climbing 1/5 of the lateral progression, also described as a 1:5 ratio. Pretty darn steep for cycling!

 

[Leshoops]

TY, clear as the air this morning at 5:45!
Just what I needed, I understand now.