Slope Calculator
Calculate the slope of a line given two points. Find the equation of the line, y-intercept, and angle of inclination.
Enter Two Points
Slope Results
0
rise over run
0
where line crosses Y axis
y = 0x + 0
slope-intercept form
0°
degrees from X axis
0
units
-
classification
💡 Remember: Slope is often described as "Rise over Run". A positive slope goes up from left to right, while a negative slope goes down.
What is Slope?
In mathematics, the slope or gradient of a line is a number that describes both the direction and the steepness of the line. It is usually denoted by the letter m.
The Slope Formula
m = (y₂ - y₁) / (x₂ - x₁)
Where:
(x₁, y₁) = Coordinates of the first point
(x₂, y₂) = Coordinates of the second point
Where:
(x₁, y₁) = Coordinates of the first point
(x₂, y₂) = Coordinates of the second point
Types of Slopes
| Type | Value of m | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Slope | m > 0 | Line rises from left to right (uphill) |
| Negative Slope | m < 0 | Line falls from left to right (downhill) |
| Zero Slope | m = 0 | Horizontal line (flat) |
| Undefined Slope | Division by 0 | Vertical line (straight up and down) |
Slope-Intercept Form
Once you know the slope (m), you can find the y-intercept (b) using the formula:
b = y₁ - m × x₁
The final equation of the line is written as: y = mx + b
The final equation of the line is written as: y = mx + b
Real-World Applications
- Construction: Calculating the grade of a road or the pitch of a roof.
- Economics: Determining the rate of change in cost or revenue.
- Physics: Calculating velocity (slope of a distance-time graph) or acceleration.
- Geography: Measuring the steepness of a hill or mountain.
References
- Khan Academy. "Slope of a Line." 2026.
- Purplemath. "Finding the Slope of a Line." 2026.