# Do all treadmills have an incline

Source: https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/do-all-treadmills-have-incline
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Deck and Stride

**In short:** No. Many walking pads and some compact folding treadmills are flat. Others have manual incline, set with a lever or fold-out feet before you start, and many mid-range and running treadmills have powered incline that you change while walking. Check the listing for a maximum incline figure. Do not prop a flat treadmill on blocks to add incline.

Incline is a common feature on home treadmills, but it is far from universal. Some machines have no incline at all, some tilt to a fixed angle, and others raise the deck with a motor at the press of a button. If incline matters to you, it is worth understanding the differences before you buy, and knowing why adding your own incline with blocks is not a good idea. This explainer covers the types, how incline is described on listings and what it changes about the machine.

## The three types of treadmill incline

Home treadmills fall into three groups. The listing usually makes the type clear in the title or the specs, under a heading such as maximum incline percentage.

Flat machines are the simplest and lightest. Manual incline adds little weight but means stopping to change the angle. Powered incline is the most flexible, at the cost of an extra motor, more weight and a higher price class.

| Type | How it works | Typical machines |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Flat | Fixed level deck | Most simple walking pads, some compact folding treadmills |
| Manual incline | Lever, pin or fold-out feet set before you start | Some walking pads and budget folding treadmills |
| Powered incline | Motor raises the deck while you walk | Many mid-range and running treadmills, some incline pads |

Incline types on home treadmills

## How incline is described on listings

Incline is usually given as a percentage grade, such as 10 percent or 15 percent. A 10 percent grade means the deck rises 10 cm for every 100 cm of length, which is about 5.7 degrees. Some consoles show incline as levels rather than percentages, and the manual explains what each level means. Our [incline converter](https://deckandstride.co.uk/tools/incline-converter) converts between percentages and degrees.

As examples from listings: the TREAFLOW walking pad states a 0 to 8 percent manual incline, the Urevo CyberPad states 14 percent automatic incline, and the Urevo SpaceWalk Lite has no incline. Some pads advertise much higher figures for a manual mode, so read how each figure is achieved.

## What incline does to the machine

Raising the front changes the walking surface from level to uphill, which many people use for hill walking at home. It also changes the machine. Powered incline adds a second motor, more weight and more parts to maintain. The front of the deck sits higher, which matters for ceiling height and, on desk pads, for desk height. Our [desk set-up guide](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/walking-pad-under-standing-desk-setup) explains how to allow for it.

If you are deciding between types, read [manual vs auto incline treadmill](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/manual-vs-auto-incline-treadmill) and [walking pad with incline vs flat](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/walking-pad-with-incline-vs-flat). For guidance on choosing settings, see [what incline should I use on a treadmill](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/what-incline-should-i-use-on-a-treadmill).

## Why DIY riser blocks are a bad idea

Searches for treadmill incline riser blocks are common, and some people prop the front of a flat walking pad on books or blocks. This is not a safe way to add incline. The pad was designed to sit level on its feet, and a raised front can slide or tip, especially as you push the belt backwards with each step. It can also affect belt tracking and motor load, and may void the warranty.

If you want incline, buy a treadmill or walking pad designed for it. Our [walking pads with incline guide](https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-walking-pads-with-incline) and [incline treadmill guide](https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-incline-treadmills-for-home) compare models by maximum incline.

Note: Do not raise a treadmill or walking pad on blocks, books or wedges. Use only the incline settings and accessories provided by the maker.

## If your incline stops working

Powered incline motors can lose calibration or develop faults. If yours sticks, will not move or shows an incline error, our [incline troubleshooting article](https://deckandstride.co.uk/blog/treadmill-incline-not-working) goes through the checks in order. Manual incline mechanisms rarely fail, but locking pins and feet should be checked for wear.

Whichever type you have, lower the incline to zero before folding, moving or storing the machine, unless the manual says otherwise.

Ceiling height is worth a thought too. On a powered incline treadmill, the front of the deck can rise noticeably at full incline, and you stand higher than on a flat pad. In loft rooms and garages with low beams, measure before you buy.

[Compare incline treadmills](https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-incline-treadmills-for-home)

## Frequently asked questions

**Does every treadmill have an incline?** No. Many walking pads and some compact treadmills are flat. Check the listing for a maximum incline figure.

**What does incline on a treadmill do?** It raises the front of the deck so you walk uphill instead of on the level. Powered incline lets you change it while walking.

**Can I add incline to a walking pad?** Not safely with blocks or books. Choose a pad with built-in incline instead.

**Is incline measured in percent or degrees?** Usually percent grade. 10 percent is about 5.7 degrees. Some consoles use levels; check the manual.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-incline-treadmills-for-home
- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-walking-pads-with-incline
- https://deckandstride.co.uk/best/best-folding-treadmills-with-incline