@MainStreeter1967 posted:I was reading this post today and went looking for an online grade/rise/run calculator to determine if I want to hold onto my dream of an interconnected multilevel layout. The calculators I found weren't very helpful, but this page was:
https://www.thesprucecrafts.co...model-trains-2382062
Maybe it's helpful to you too.
Per Cent grade(%) = Rise divided by Run X 100.
Example: All measurements in inches.
7"(Rise) divided by 15ft (180" Run) = .0388 X 100 = 3.88%, 2% max, may be best grade.
Note: Small layout, including all curves, it is difficult to get a grade less than 3%, IMO.
Times 2. (a loop layout) (1.) Distance for the up grade, (2.) Distance for the down grade. Example above needs 30 ft of track for up and down. Or you could use the same grade for both up and down, would have to add a reversing loop. Or back down the grade. "Grades are a lot of work" Have fun, 
Mike CT.
