Vertical Jump Calculator
Calculate your vertical jump height from standing and jump reach measurements. Get performance ratings, estimated power output (Lewis & Harman formulas), sport-specific comparisons, and personalized training tips.
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About Vertical Jump Calculator
What Is a Vertical Jump Test?
The vertical jump test (also called the Sargent Jump Test) is one of the most widely used assessments of lower-body explosive power in sports science. It measures the difference between an athlete's standing reach height and the maximum height they can touch during a jump. This simple test has been a staple of athletic evaluations since the early 1920s and remains a key metric at the NFL Combine, NBA Draft Combine, and college athletic programs worldwide.
Vertical jump height is a direct indicator of your ability to produce force quickly — a quality essential in sports like basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, and martial arts. It reflects the combined power of your quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves working in an explosive triple extension (ankle, knee, and hip).
How to Measure Your Vertical Jump
Wall-and-Chalk Method (Most Accessible)
- Standing Reach: Stand flat-footed next to a wall with your dominant arm extended overhead. Mark the highest point you can touch with chalk or tape. This is your standing reach.
- Jump Reach: From a standing position (no running start), jump as high as possible and touch the wall at your peak. Mark this point.
- Calculate: Measure the difference between the two marks. This is your vertical jump height.
Vertec Device
A Vertec is the standard tool used at professional combines. It has adjustable plastic vanes that you swat at the peak of your jump. The device directly measures the difference between your standing reach and jump reach.
Jump Mat / Force Plate
Electronic jump mats calculate vertical jump from flight time. Force plates provide even more data, including takeoff velocity, rate of force development, and landing impact.
Power Output Formulas
This calculator estimates your peak anaerobic power using three validated formulas. Power output is a key performance indicator because it reflects how quickly you can produce force — critical for sprinting, jumping, and changing direction.
Lewis (Fox-Mathews) Formula
Peak Power (W) = \(\sqrt{4.9}\) × body mass (kg) × \(\sqrt{\text{jump height (m)}}\) × 9.81
The Lewis formula provides a quick estimate of peak anaerobic power. It is widely used due to its simplicity but may slightly underestimate power compared to more modern equations.
Harman et al. Formula
Peak Power (W) = 61.9 × jump height (cm) + 36.0 × body mass (kg) + 1822
Developed by Harman et al. (1991), this regression equation was derived from force plate data and tends to provide slightly higher estimates than the Lewis formula.
Sayers et al. Formula
Peak Power (W) = 60.7 × jump height (cm) + 45.3 × body mass (kg) − 2055
The Sayers equation (1999) is the most commonly cited formula in modern sports science research and is considered the most accurate predictor of peak power from vertical jump data.
Vertical Jump Norms
Male Vertical Jump Standards
| Rating | Jump Height (inches) | Jump Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | ≥ 28 | ≥ 71 |
| Very Good | 24 – 27.9 | 61 – 70.9 |
| Above Average | 20 – 23.9 | 51 – 60.9 |
| Average | 16 – 19.9 | 41 – 50.9 |
| Below Average | 12 – 15.9 | 30.5 – 40.9 |
| Poor | < 12 | < 30.5 |
Female Vertical Jump Standards
| Rating | Jump Height (inches) | Jump Height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | ≥ 24 | ≥ 61 |
| Very Good | 20 – 23.9 | 51 – 60.9 |
| Above Average | 16 – 19.9 | 41 – 50.9 |
| Average | 12 – 15.9 | 30.5 – 40.9 |
| Below Average | 8 – 11.9 | 20 – 30.4 |
| Poor | < 8 | < 20 |
How to Increase Your Vertical Jump
Improving your vertical jump requires a combination of strength training, plyometric exercises, and technique refinement. Here is a proven approach:
- Build Leg Strength: Focus on squats (back squat, front squat), deadlifts, and lunges. Aim to squat at least 1.5× your bodyweight before emphasizing plyometrics.
- Plyometric Training: Box jumps, depth jumps, tuck jumps, and bounding drills develop the stretch-shortening cycle that powers explosive jumps.
- Olympic Lifts: Power cleans, hang cleans, and snatches develop rate of force development — how quickly you can produce maximum force.
- Technique: Practice arm swing timing, hip hinge depth, and takeoff angle. Proper arm drive alone can add 1-2 inches.
- Flexibility: Hip flexor and ankle mobility directly affect jump mechanics. Tight hip flexors limit hip extension power.
- Recovery: Allow 48-72 hours between plyometric sessions. Quality over quantity — 3 sets of 5 depth jumps beats 10 sets of sloppy jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good vertical jump height?
For adult males, the average vertical jump is about 16-20 inches (40-50 cm). A jump of 24 inches or more is considered very good, and 28+ inches is excellent, on par with many college athletes. For adult females, the average is 12-16 inches, with 20+ inches being very good and 24+ inches considered excellent.
How do you measure vertical jump height?
The most common method is the reach test: Stand flat-footed next to a wall and reach up as high as you can to mark your standing reach. Then jump as high as possible and touch the wall at the peak. The difference between your jump reach and standing reach is your vertical jump height. You can also use a Vertec device or a jump mat for more precise measurements.
How can I increase my vertical jump?
To increase your vertical jump, combine strength training (squats, deadlifts, lunges) with plyometric exercises (box jumps, depth jumps, tuck jumps). Train 2-3 times per week with adequate recovery. Most athletes see 2-4 inch improvements within 8-12 weeks. Also focus on flexibility, core strength, and proper jumping technique.
What is the Lewis formula for power output?
The Lewis (Fox-Mathews) formula estimates peak anaerobic power from a vertical jump: Power (W) = sqrt(4.9) × body mass (kg) × sqrt(jump height in meters) × 9.81. It is commonly used in sports science to assess an athlete's lower-body explosive power without specialized equipment.
What vertical jump do you need for the NBA?
The average vertical jump at the NBA Draft Combine is around 28 inches for the standing vertical and 34-35 inches for the max (running) vertical. Top performers can exceed 40 inches. However, there is no official minimum requirement; basketball skills, height, and overall athleticism are equally important.
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"Vertical Jump Calculator" at https://MiniWebtool.com/vertical-jump-calculator/ from MiniWebtool, https://MiniWebtool.com/
by miniwebtool team. Updated: 2026-03-04