Ramp Angle Calculator for Dogs
Find the most suitable Dog Mom Ramp for your vehicle and your dog.
This dog ramp angle calculator helps you compare incline angles for different ramp lengths based on the height of your vehicle’s back bumper.Use the Ramp Angle Calculator below to see the approximate incline angle you would get with each Dog Mom vehicle ramp, based on the height of your vehicle’s back bumper. Simply measure the height of your back bumper in centimetres, enter it below, and compare the angles for each ramp length. Lower angles create a gentler incline, which is generally easier and more comfortable for most dogs.
Vehicle Dog Ramp Angle Calculator
How to interpret dog ramp angles
The angles shown above are an estimate of how steep each ramp would be for your vehicle height. As a general guide:
- Lower angles feel gentler and more confident for most dogs
- Longer ramps reduce the incline for the same height
- Steeper angles may be manageable for young, agile dogs but can feel challenging for others
Many dog parents choose a longer ramp not because their dog “can’t” use a shorter one, but because a gentler incline puts less strain on joints over time.
Dogs who often benefit from gentler angles
- Older dogs
- Large or giant breeds
- Dogs recovering from surgery or injury
- Dogs with joint, spine, or mobility concerns
- Dogs who feel unsure or hesitant on steeper ramps
If you’re unsure, choosing the gentlest practical incline for your setup is usually the safest option.
Choosing the right Dog Mom ramp for your setup
The calculator compares all Dog Mom vehicle ramps using the same bumper height, so you can clearly see how ramp length affects the incline.
When choosing your ramp, consider all three factors together:
1. Incline angle
The gentlest option will always be the ramp that produces the lowest angle for your vehicle height.
2. Ramp weight
Dog Mom vehicle ramps are solid, handcrafted ramps designed for stability. Weight can affect how easy the ramp is to lift, carry, and position.
- Folding Dog Car Ramp: approx 7 kg
- XL Folding Dog Ramp: approx 10 kg
- Giant Breed Folding Dog Ramp: weight to be confirmed
Make sure you’re comfortable handling the ramp weight, especially if you’ll be lifting it in and out of your car regularly.
3. Folded size and vehicle fit
All Dog Mom vehicle ramps fold in half for easier handling, storage, and transport. When folded, the ramps can be stored in a variety of positions depending on your vehicle, including the boot, back seat area, or behind the front seats.
Folded ramp sizes:
- Folding Dog Car Ramp: folds to 80 cm
- XL Folding Dog Ramp: folds to 95 cm
- Giant Breed Folding Dog Ramp: folds to 105 cm
When choosing your ramp, consider:
- Where you plan to store the ramp while travelling
- Whether you are comfortable lifting and positioning the ramp when folded
- How easily the ramp can be secured to prevent movement during transport
Recommended Dog Ramp Angles for Comfort and Safety
This calculator is designed as a practical guide to help you compare ramp inclines.
Angles shown are approximate and based on measurements provided. Every dog is different, and comfort levels can vary depending on confidence, age, health, and past injuries.
If your dog has a medical condition or is recovering from surgery, always follow the guidance of your vet or veterinary physio.
These ranges are intended as general comfort guidelines. While some dogs may manage steeper inclines, angles above 25° are generally considered steep and are not recommended for regular use, particularly when long-term joint health is a priority.
| Dog type / situation | Ideal angle range | Comfortable angle range | Not recommended (steeper than) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Dogs with joint or mobility concerns (e.g. arthritis, IVDD, previous CCL surgery) |
0° – 12° | 12° – 18° | Over 20° |
| Senior dogs | 10° – 15° | 15° – 20° | Over 22° |
| Large and giant breed dogs | 10° – 15° | 15° – 22° | Over 25° |
| Adult dogs (generally healthy) | 15° – 20° | 20° – 22° | Over 25° |
| Young, healthy dogs | 15° – 20° | 20° – 22° | Over 25° |
A note on real-world conditions
The angles shown are based on the height you enter and the ramp length. In real use, the effective incline can vary slightly depending on factors such as the slope of the ground, whether your vehicle is facing uphill or downhill, and how the ramp is positioned.
For this reason, choosing a gentler incline where possible allows more flexibility across different parking conditions.
