Name: Real grade datafield: Rgrade
Rating: 3.6 (5 reviews)
Author: DeanKarlen

This datafield gives a more accurate estimate of the grade (how steep a hill is) than provided by the default grade datafield from Garmin.  The Garmin grade datafield requires GPS positioning and as a result can fail in mountainous or heavily treed areas, common when climbing steep hills. This datafield only uses the speed and altitude measurements to determine the grade and works in such conditions. This datafield provides more precision than the Garmin datafield and gives an indication of the uncertainty of the grade estimate.

This datafield shows the result of a parabolic fit to the previous 7 measurements of altitude and position, giving the best estimate of the grade 3 seconds ago. Due to the nature of the barometric altimeter measurements, the grade cannot be accurately estimated with a shorter delay than 3 seconds. Sometimes at the beginning of a ride, the altimeter measurements can be unreliable, perhaps due to the device temperature changing quickly. You may find the grade to be unreliable during the first few minutes.

For more information, watch the linked video.