This vertical jump calculator turns your jump height and bodyweight into the numbers coaches actually track: peak and average power output, plus flight time and takeoff velocity from pure physics.
Benchmarks for context: ~40 cm is a decent recreational jump, 60 cm is strong, 70+ cm is elite team-sport territory, and the best combine-tested athletes exceed 90 cm. In inches: 60 cm ≈ 23.6″.
Two Kinds of Power, One Honest Physics Core
The physics is exact: leaving the ground at velocity v = √(2gh) buys hang time 2v/g. The power numbers are regression estimates validated against force plates: Sayers (peak power = 60.7 × jump cm + 45.3 × body mass kg − 2055) is the standard for countermovement jumps; Lewis (√4.9 × mass × √height × 9.81) estimates average power. Neither replaces a force plate; both rank athletes consistently, which is what testing is for. Part of our Sports Calculators collection.
Worked Example (Verified)
An 80 kg athlete jumping 60 cm:
- Peak power (Sayers): 60.7 × 60 + 45.3 × 80 − 2055 = 3642 + 3624 − 2055 = 5,211 W — briefly, five kilowatts: seven horsepower, in a quarter-second
- Average power (Lewis): ≈ 1,346 W
- Takeoff velocity: √(2 × 9.81 × 0.6) = 3.43 m/s; hang time 0.70 s — gravity charges the same regardless of athleticism
Measure the Jump Right
- Chalk/vertee method: standing reach flat-footed against a wall, then jump reach; the difference is the jump. Reach honestly in both — a lazy standing reach is the oldest trick in combine history.
- Jump-mat and phone apps infer height from flight time (h = g·t²/8) — valid physics, but landing with bent knees “buys” fake hang time; land tall for true numbers.
- Countermovement jumps (dip first) read 3–5 cm higher than squat jumps (paused) — compare like with like across tests.
- Retest under the same protocol every 6–8 weeks; power responds to strength and plyometric blocks on that timescale, not overnight.
Related Tools
- DOTS Calculator — barbell power, scored
- Sports Calculators — the full collection
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good vertical jump?
For adult men: ~40 cm (16″) is a respectable recreational mark, 50–60 cm is strong, 70+ cm is elite. For women, subtract roughly 10 cm at each band. NBA combine leaders exceed 90 cm — with approach steps, which add several cm over the standing version.
How is jump power calculated without a force plate?
By validated regressions: Sayers’ formula (60.7 × jump height in cm + 45.3 × bodyweight in kg − 2055) predicts force-plate peak power closely for countermovement jumps. Lewis estimates average power. Both are estimates — excellent for tracking, approximate in absolute terms.
Does bodyweight help or hurt jump power?
Both: heavier athletes generate more absolute power (bands above show mass in the formula) but must lift that mass against gravity, so height favors the light and strong while watts favor the big and explosive. Power-to-weight (W/kg) is the tiebreaker coaches watch.
How can I increase my vertical?
The evidence-backed stack: get stronger in squats and hinges (force), practice jumping itself (skill/rate of force), add plyometrics progressively, and lose non-functional mass if carrying it. Most trained athletes gain 5–10 cm in a focused off-season.
Standing vs approach vertical — which is this?
These formulas were validated on standing countermovement jumps. Approach jumps (basketball/volleyball style) run higher — measure them for the highlight reel, but log standing jumps for consistent training data.
Is this vertical jump calculator free?
Yes — free, instant, no sign-up.