The height difference along the north ramp of the canal—from the Main at Bamberg to the crest elevation—is 175 metres (574 ft), with 11 locks. From the crest elevation down to the Altmühl at Dietfurt is a drop of 51 metres (167 ft) through three locks. The further difference in elevation of 17 metres (56 ft) along the Altmühl, with two more locks, makes a total of 68 metres (223 ft) for the south ramp.