Elevation Gain Calculator

Calculate total elevation gain, loss, and average grade from waypoint data. Enter start, high, low, and end elevations for a trail segment.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Elevation gain is cumulative ascent, not just the difference between start and end. A hike that goes up 2,000 ft, down 500 ft, then up 1,000 ft has 3,000 ft of gain. Average trail grades: easy <8%, moderate 8-15%, steep 15%+. For every 1,000 ft of gain, add about 30 minutes to your hiking time (Naismith's Rule).