Vertical Jump Calculator
Measure jump height from flight time or standing reach, estimate explosive peak power, and see how your jump compares to sport standards.
Measurement Method
Units
Vertical Jump Standards
| Level | Men (cm) | Women (cm) | Sport Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Average | < 40 | < 30 | — |
| Average | 40–50 | 30–40 | Recreational athlete |
| Above Average | 50–60 | 40–50 | College athlete |
| Very Good | 60–70 | 50–60 | Semi-pro |
| Elite | > 70 | > 60 | NBA / Olympic |
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the formula: h = g × t² ÷ 8, where g = 9.81 m/s² and t is total flight time in seconds (both up and down). For example, if flight time is 0.5 s: h = 9.81 × 0.25 ÷ 8 = 0.307 m = 30.7 cm. This works because time up equals time down.
The Lewis formula estimates peak power: P = √(4.9 × body mass (kg) × jump height (m)) × 9.81. It is a simple estimate used in sports science. The Sayers formula (P = 60.7 × jump height (cm) + 45.3 × body mass (kg) − 2055) is more accurate for athletes.
General benchmarks for men: below 40 cm = below average; 40–50 cm = average; 50–60 cm = above average; 60–70 cm = very good; above 70 cm = elite. For women: below 30 cm = below average; 30–40 cm = average; 40–50 cm = above average; above 50 cm = elite. NBA players average around 70–80 cm.
Stand flat-footed, reach up as high as possible — that is your standing reach. Then jump and touch the highest point. Vertical jump height = jump reach height − standing reach height. This method directly measures athletic jump performance and is used in the NFL Combine and NBA Draft Combine.
How to Measure Your Vertical Jump
There are two main methods: the flight time method uses a jump mat or high-speed camera to record how long you are airborne. The formula h = g×t²/8 converts flight time to jump height. The standing reach method uses a Vertec device or wall marks to compare your standing reach to your jump reach.
Lewis vs Sayers Power Formulas
The Lewis formula (also called the Harman formula) gives a quick estimate of average power: P = √(4.9 × m × h) × 9.81 watts. The Sayers formula is a regression equation developed from force-plate data and provides a better estimate of peak power for trained athletes: P = 60.7 × h(cm) + 45.3 × m(kg) − 2055.
- Flight time is the most objective and repeatable method
- Both power formulas assume a countermovement jump (CMJ)
- Warm up properly before measuring — jump height increases 5–10% with warm-up
- Take 3 attempts and record the best jump