Zip Line Calculator - Measure Cable Slope, Sag and Elevation Change

ZiplineStop developed a slope and elevation calculator for your backyard zip line needs. This calculator is to help determine all the necessary anchor points and measurements. 

In the first box, enter the distance between your two trees or your two anchors.

In the second box, enter in the cable slope. We recommend a 3 percent slope for mild speed, and a 6 percent slope as a maximum recommendation. In translation, for every 100 feet of zip line cable, we recommend a maximum 6 feet of drop. 

Now, your end level mark and start sight height are used to calculate elevation change between the start and end of your zip line run. Elevation can be calculated by first entering your height. Then looking out directly straight towards your end anchor, find the equivalent end level mark, measuring from the ground up.

From here, we add 7 feet to the cable sag for our ending anchor height. 

This is a great way to calculate zip line slope and sag. Check out our other blogs for more information.

I've created an easy to use calculator to help you calculate cable slope, sag, starting and ending anchor height.