Quote Originally Posted by natheless
Until then, there is math.
Be aware that you are calculating the AVERAGE grade of each segment (or the entire ride). And a low average grade does not necessarily mean that there is no climbing.

Example:
1 mile ride with 10 feet of elevation gain.
Distance in feet is 5,280.
Start at sea level. End at 20 feet above sea level.
Elevation gain is 20 feet.
20 feet / 5,280 feet = 3.8% grade.

But that 1 mile segment could have a half mile climb of 15% (ouch), then a big descent. The average elevation gain of the segment would still be 3.8% grade.