What is the standard IFR climb gradient?

The standard IFR climb gradient is 200 feet per nautical mile. This climb gradient represents the minimum ascent required during instrument flight rules operations to ensure safe clearance over obstacles and maintain a safe climb rate during departure. It provides pilots with a predictable and standardized expectation of how their aircraft will perform during the initial climb phase. The requirement is established to enhance safety by ensuring that aircraft have adequate terrain clearance and obstacle avoidance capabilities during IFR departures.

While there are specific areas or circumstances that may require different climb gradients, such as noise abatement procedures or obstacle limitations, the baseline standard is set at 200 feet per nautical mile for most situations, making this the correct and widely recognized answer.