Originally Posted by Elbeinlaw

I'm confused about the connection between degrees of slope and percentages of slope. I want to be real clear up front: I've looked at the detailed sciento-mathematical descriptions on the internet, and they don't give me what I want. I don't want another definition of how each is figured. That won't help.

What I want is to be able to translate--approximately, and in very broad strokes--percentages to degrees, or degrees to percentages as I'm riding and looking at maps and tour guides. As an example of what I'm looking for: I know that a 5 degree slope is going to be hard for me; but what's its equivalent in %s? Yes, the answer to that question will help me, but what I really need ... I need to have a rule of thumb to work with. Anybody willing to give me information that will get me 80% of the way to an accurate translation of degrees to percentages and vice-versa?