What is the standard IFR climb gradient?

• A. 3.3% (200 ft per NM)
• B. 3.0% (150 ft per NM)
• C. 2.5% (125 ft per NM)
• D. 4.0% (240 ft per NM)

Answer: (A)

The standard IFR climb gradient is the minimum altitude gain per horizontal distance pilots must achieve when climbing under instrument flight rules. It is defined as gaining 200 feet of altitude for every nautical mile traveled, which works out to a gradient of about 3.3%. This baseline is used in IFR procedures and obstacle clearance criteria. For context, 150 feet per NM is about 2.5%, 125 feet per NM is about 2.0%, and 240 feet per NM is about 4.0%; the 200 feet per NM (3.3%) value is the widely accepted standard.