How to Use a Clinometer for Slope

A clinometer, also called an inclinometer or slope meter, is used to measure the gradient of a slope and can also be used to measure the height of objects like trees. Clinometers are commonly used by forestry rangers to take measurements of the forests and by back-country skiers who want to check the slope angle to see if it is likely to avalanche. Clinometers vary in price from $15 to more than $100. The more expensive ones work over greater distances.

Things You'll Need

  • Clinometer
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the clinometer eyepiece up to one eye.

    • 2

      Use the other eye to sight on an object on the slope you want to measure.

    • 3

      Check the scale in that appears in the viewfinder. There will be two scales displayed: the one on the right measures slope angle in a percentage grade, while the the one on the left will measure the angle in degrees.

    • 4

      Use a formula to understand the measurement. Slope angle measures vertical movement against horizontal movement. A 45-degree slope is one where one foot of horizontal movement equals one foot of vertical movement.