Jump Height Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the jump height calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Use the Jump Height Calculator

Formulas Used

Vertical Jump Height

jump_height = jump_reach_in - standing_reach_in

Jump Height (cm)

jump_cm = round((jump_reach_in - standing_reach_in) * 2.54)

Estimated Hang Time

hang_time = round(2 * sqrt(2 * (jump_reach_in - standing_reach_in) * 0.0254 / 9.81) * 1000) / 1000

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
standing_reach_inStanding Reach(in)96
jump_reach_inJump Reach(in)120

How It Works

How Vertical Jump Is Measured

Formula

Vertical Jump = Jump Reach - Standing Reach

Hang Time = 2 x sqrt(2 x Height(m) / 9.81)

Benchmarks

| Rating | Men | Women | |--------|-----|-------| | Below average | <16 in | <10 in | | Average | 16-20 in | 10-14 in | | Good | 20-24 in | 14-18 in | | Very good | 24-28 in | 18-22 in | | Excellent | 28-32 in | 22-26 in | | Elite | 32+ in | 26+ in |

NBA combine average is about 28-35 inches.

Worked Example

A player with a 96-inch standing reach and 120-inch jump reach.

standing_reach_in = 96jump_reach_in = 120
  1. 01Vertical jump = 120 - 96 = 24 inches.
  2. 02In cm = 24 x 2.54 = 61 cm.
  3. 03Height in meters = 24 x 0.0254 = 0.610 m.
  4. 04Hang time = 2 x sqrt(2 x 0.610 / 9.81) = 2 x 0.353 = 0.705 seconds.

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