Vertical Jump Calculator
Calculate vertical jump from standing and peak reach in inches or cm.
Includes performance ratings for basketball, volleyball, and track and field.
Vertical jump height is one of the most widely tested athletic performance metrics in sports science. It measures explosive lower-body power and is a key evaluation criterion in basketball, volleyball, football, and track and field.
Measurement formula:
Vertical Jump = Jump Reach − Standing Reach
Both measurements are taken at the same wall or Vertec device, with the athlete’s dominant hand extended overhead.
Unit conversions:
Inches to centimeters: × 2.54Centimeters to inches: ÷ 2.54
Physics of the vertical jump: The height a person can jump is directly related to the takeoff velocity they generate:
Jump Height = v² / (2 × g)
Where v = takeoff velocity (m/s) and g = 9.81 m/s² (gravity).
A jump of 24 inches (61 cm) requires a takeoff velocity of approximately 3.46 m/s (7.7 mph).
Athletic benchmarks — Males:
| Vertical Jump | Rating |
|---|---|
| 32"+ (81+ cm) | Elite / NBA prospect |
| 28–32" (71–81 cm) | Excellent |
| 24–28" (61–71 cm) | Very Good / College level |
| 20–24" (51–61 cm) | Above Average |
| 16–20" (41–51 cm) | Average |
| Under 16" (41 cm) | Below Average |
Athletic benchmarks — Females:
| Vertical Jump | Rating |
|---|---|
| 26"+ (66+ cm) | Elite / collegiate prospect |
| 22–26" (56–66 cm) | Excellent |
| 18–22" (46–56 cm) | Very Good |
| 14–18" (36–46 cm) | Above Average |
| 10–14" (25–36 cm) | Average |
| Under 10" (25 cm) | Below Average |
Notable vertical leap records:
- NBA combine record: 46 inches (117 cm) — Kenny Gregory, 2001
- NFL combine record: 46 inches — Gerald Sensabaugh, 2005
- Average NBA player: ~28 inches (71 cm)
- Average college basketball player: ~24–26 inches
Training tip: Plyometric training (box jumps, depth jumps, squat jumps) and heavy lower-body strength training (squats, deadlifts) are the most effective approaches to improving vertical jump height. Most athletes can add 4–6 inches in 8–12 weeks with a dedicated program.