Enter the total Elevation Gain and total Distance covered into the calculator to determine the Elevation Gain Per Mile. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

Elevation Gain Per Mile Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Elevation Gain Per Mile.

EGPM = EG / D

Variables:

  • EGPM is the Elevation Gain Per Mile (feet/mile or meters/kilometer)
  • EG is the total Elevation Gain (feet or meters)
  • D is the total Distance covered (miles or kilometers)

To calculate the Elevation Gain Per Mile, divide the total Elevation Gain by the total Distance covered. This will give you the average increase in altitude per unit of distance, which can be used to assess the difficulty level of a trail or route. A higher Elevation Gain Per Mile indicates a steeper and potentially more challenging climb.

What is an Elevation Gain Per Mile?

Elevation Gain Per Mile is a measurement used by hikers, runners, and cyclists to determine the amount of uphill climb in a particular route or trail. It is calculated by dividing the total elevation gain (the cumulative increase in altitude) by the total distance covered. This measurement helps to assess the difficulty level of a trail or route, with a higher elevation gain per mile indicating a steeper and potentially more challenging climb.

How to Calculate Elevation Gain Per Mile?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Elevation Gain Per Mile.


  1. First, determine the total Elevation Gain (EG) in feet or meters.
  2. Next, determine the total Distance covered (D) in miles or kilometers.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = EGPM = EG / D.
  4. Finally, calculate the Elevation Gain Per Mile.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Total Elevation Gain (EG) = 500 feet

Total Distance covered (D) = 10 miles