USLE/RUSLE Soil erosion (simple calc)

Q: What is the difference between USLE and RUSLE?

RUSLE is a later empirical refinement of USLE with updated factor handling and datasets. This page keeps the shared multiplicative structure so you can compare factor sensitivity without claiming a full engineering-grade implementation.

Q: What units should I use?

The correct units depend on how your reference defines the rainfall erosivity factor R and soil erodibility factor K. Enter values that already match the same convention instead of mixing sources with different unit systems.

Q: Can I use this for design approval?

No. Use it for education, screening, and rough comparisons only. Detailed erosion design work needs local standards, calibrated factors, and site-specific professional review.

Example preset

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Inputs

Output unit label

R (rainfall erosion force)

K (soil erosion coefficient)

How to input LS

Enter LS directly Calculate LS from slope length and slope (reference)

LS (slope length/slope coefficient)

C (covering/control coefficient)

P (maintenance measure coefficient)

Results

Soil runoff A

—

*The unit depends on the definition of the input coefficient (this tool does not convert).

R	—
K	—
LS	—
C	—
P	—
Calculation details	—

—

*The back calculation result also depends on the input coefficient definition and unit system.

R	—
K	—
LS	—
C	—
P	—

Relative scale of coefficients (log10)

Assumptions and calculation formula

Basic formula

A = R × K × LS × C × P Estimate the average amount of erosion using

Units must be matched by the user (this tool does not automatically convert).

LS simple helper (reference)

theta = atan(slopePct / 100)
S = 65.41×sin(theta)^2 + 4.56×sin(theta) + 0.065
m is a simple stepwise formula (gradient <1%: 0.2, <3%: 0.3, <5%: 0.4, 5% or more: 0.5)
L_factor = (L / 22.13)^m, LS = L_factor × S

This LS helper is a simple approximation for learning. It may not match the continuous expression used in RUSLE.

Since formulas and coefficients vary by region and literature, please give priority to official guidelines for important applications.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between USLE and RUSLE?

RUSLE is a later empirical refinement of USLE with updated factor handling and datasets. This page keeps the shared multiplicative structure so you can compare factor sensitivity without claiming a full engineering-grade implementation.

What units should I use?

The correct units depend on how your reference defines the rainfall erosivity factor R and soil erodibility factor K. Enter values that already match the same convention instead of mixing sources with different unit systems.

Can I use this for design approval?