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Ken gave you a method of measuring the grade. Are you asking what the optimum grade for a layout is? That requires a lot more info up front and will result in a wide range of answers. A common, generic response is 2% with 2 to 4% being to be the general range but any answer requires knowing what type of trains & locos you are running. Are you using helper locos or multi-units motive power? Are you running long freights or short passenger trains. Particular locos have limiting tractive qualities. My N scale layout has grades up to over 5% but those will only see short, unloaded logging cars being pushed up the grade and loaded cars coming down. Wayne
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