Flexibility Score Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the flexibility score calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Your Reach

your_reach = reach_cm

Reach (inches)

reach_in = round(reach_cm / 2.54 * 10) / 10

Excellent Threshold

excellent_mark = excellent_threshold

Average Threshold

average_mark = average_threshold

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
reach_cmSit-and-Reach Distance(cm)25
genderGender1
age_groupAge Group1
excellent_thresholdDerived value= (gender == 1) * (34 - (age_group - 1) * 4) + (gender == 2) * (37 - (age_group - 1) * 4)calculated
average_thresholdDerived value= (gender == 1) * (25 - (age_group - 1) * 4) + (gender == 2) * (29 - (age_group - 1) * 4)calculated

How It Works

How the Sit-and-Reach Test Works

Procedure

1. Sit on the floor with legs straight and feet flat against a sit-and-reach box. 2. Reach forward as far as possible, keeping knees straight. 3. The box is set so that the feet are at the 26 cm mark. Reaching the toes = 26 cm.

Benchmarks (Male 18-30)

| Rating | Distance | |--------|----------| | Excellent | >34 cm | | Good | 28-34 cm | | Average | 20-27 cm | | Below avg | 15-19 cm | | Poor | <15 cm |

Why Flexibility Matters

Good hamstring and lower-back flexibility reduces injury risk, improves posture, and enhances athletic performance. It tends to decrease with age without regular stretching.

Worked Example

A 25-year-old male scores 25 cm on the sit-and-reach test.

reach_cm = 25gender = 1age_group = 1
  1. 01Reach = 25 cm (9.8 inches).
  2. 02Excellent threshold for male 18-30 = 34 cm.
  3. 03Average threshold for male 18-30 = 25 cm.
  4. 04The score of 25 cm is at the average threshold.
  5. 05Rating: Average.

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Flexibility Score Calculator