Vertical Jump Calculator
Measure your vertical jump height and estimate explosive power output from standing reach and jump reach heights. Used by athletes and coaches to assess lower-body power and track training progress.
About this calculator
Vertical jump height is simply the difference between your jump reach and your standing reach: jump height (inches) = jumpReach − standingReach. Converting to meters (× 0.0254) allows use of the kinematic equation for free-fall time: v = √(2 × g × h), where g = 9.81 m/s². Peak power output is then estimated using the Lewis formula variant: Power (W) = jump height (cm) × √(2 × 9.81 × jump height (m)) × body mass (kg). The calculator converts the imperial inputs — reach heights in inches and weight in pounds — to metric units before applying the formula, then rounds to one decimal place. Higher jump heights produce disproportionately larger power outputs because both the height and the velocity term scale upward together. This makes vertical jump an effective proxy for overall lower-body explosive strength in sports science testing.
How to use
Example: Standing reach = 90 inches, jump reach = 114 inches, body weight = 180 lbs. Step 1: Jump height = 114 − 90 = 24 inches = 24 × 0.0254 = 0.6096 m. Step 2: Convert weight: 180 × 0.453592 = 81.65 kg. Step 3: Velocity = √(2 × 9.81 × 0.6096) = √(11.964) ≈ 3.459 m/s. Step 4: Height in cm = 0.6096 × 100 = 60.96 cm. Step 5: Power = 60.96 × 3.459 × 81.65 ÷ 100 ≈ wait — per formula: (24 × 2.54 × √(2 × 9.81 × 24 × 0.0254) × 81.65) / 100 = (60.96 × 3.459 × 81.65) / 100 ≈ 1722 W. A 24-inch vertical with 180 lb body weight yields roughly 1722 watts of peak lower-body power.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good vertical jump height for basketball or volleyball athletes?
For male basketball players, a vertical jump of 24–28 inches is considered average at the collegiate level, while NBA combine averages typically fall between 28–32 inches standing vertical. Elite jumpers exceed 36 inches. Female volleyball players average 16–20 inches at the collegiate level, with elite players reaching 22–26 inches. These benchmarks vary by position — guards and outside hitters generally jump higher than centers and middle blockers due to training demands and body composition.
How does body weight affect vertical jump power output calculations?
Power output combines jump height and body mass, so a heavier athlete jumping the same height as a lighter one produces more absolute power in watts. However, jump height itself is limited by the power-to-weight ratio: carrying excess non-functional mass reduces acceleration during the push-off phase. This is why power-to-weight ratio, rather than absolute power, better predicts athletic jumping performance. Strength training that increases lean mass while improving rate of force development tends to raise both jump height and absolute power simultaneously.
How can I improve my vertical jump height for sports performance?
The most evidence-supported training methods for vertical jump improvement are plyometrics (box jumps, depth jumps, broad jumps) and heavy compound lifts (squats, trap-bar deadlifts) performed at high intent. Studies show combining strength and plyometric training produces greater gains than either alone, often increasing vertical jump by 3–6 inches over 8–12 weeks in untrained individuals. Adequate recovery, sleep, and sprint mechanics training complement the gym work. Testing every 4–6 weeks tracks progress and guides program adjustments.