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Hiking Calculators

Elevation Gain Calculator

Total elevation gain and loss from a list of waypoint elevations, with average gradient.

Enter values

Separate values with commas, spaces or new lines.

Results update as you type.

Result

Total ascent

530 m

Total descent
60 m
Net change
470 m
Highest point
720 m
Average gradient
5.89%

About the Elevation Gain Calculator

Total elevation gain and loss from a list of waypoint elevations, with average gradient.

Also known as: total ascent, vertical gain, climbing metres, elevation profile.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter elevations along the route (m), route distance (km).
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

Gain = sum of all positive elevation changes

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Elevations along the route (m): 250, 380, 420, 390, 610, 580, 720
  • Route distance (km) = 9

the calculator returns:

  • Total ascent: 530 m
  • Total descent: 60 m
  • Net change: 470 m
  • Highest point: 720 m