How to Measure Your Vertical Jump

Vertical jump testing is a key measure of explosive power used in basketball, volleyball, track and field, and general athletic assessment. The measurement compares your standing reach to your jumping reach.

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Measure Standing Reach: Stand flat-footed against a wall with one arm raised as high as possible. Mark the highest point you can touch. This is your standing reach.
Measure Jump Reach: From the same position, jump as high as you can and touch the wall at your peak. Mark this highest point. This is your jump reach.
Calculate: Subtract your standing reach from your jump reach. The difference is your vertical jump height.

General Vertical Jump Standards (Men)

Rating	Jump Height (inches)	Jump Height (cm)
Elite (Pro Athlete)	32+ inches	81+ cm
Excellent	26-32 inches	66-81 cm
Good	21-25 inches	53-66 cm
Average	16-20 inches	41-51 cm
Below Average	Under 16 inches	Under 41 cm

General Vertical Jump Standards (Women)

Rating	Jump Height (inches)	Jump Height (cm)
Elite (Pro Athlete)	24+ inches	61+ cm
Excellent	20-24 inches	51-61 cm
Good	16-19 inches	41-48 cm
Average	12-15 inches	30-38 cm
Below Average	Under 12 inches	Under 30 cm

Tips for Accurate Measurement

Warm up properly before testing to maximize jump performance
Use chalk or a marker on your fingertips for clear marking on the wall
Keep your feet flat when measuring standing reach
Use a proper vertical jump approach—no running start or step
Take multiple attempts and record your best jump
Measure on a firm, non-slippery surface

Common Measurement Mistakes

Not fully extending arm during standing reach measurement
Lifting heels during standing reach measurement
Taking a running start instead of a standing vertical jump
Measuring different arms for standing vs. jump reach
Not accounting for finger length differences

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good vertical jump height?

For adult men, 20-24 inches is considered good, while 16-20 inches is good for adult women. Elite athletes often exceed 30 inches (men) and 24 inches (women). Performance varies by age, training level, and sport.

Can vertical jump be improved?

Yes, vertical jump can be significantly improved through plyometric training, strength training (especially squats and deadlifts), and proper jump technique. Improvements of 4-8 inches are realistic with dedicated training over several months.

What's the difference between standing and running vertical jump?

A standing vertical jump is measured from a stationary position with no steps. A running vertical (approach jump) allows a few steps before takeoff and is typically 4-8 inches higher due to momentum.

How do I measure standing reach accurately?

Stand with your side against a wall, feet completely flat, and reach up with the arm closest to the wall. Fully extend your shoulder and arm. Have someone mark the highest point your fingers reach, or use a measuring tape affixed to the wall.

Why is vertical jump important?

Vertical jump measures lower body explosive power, which is critical for basketball, volleyball, football, track and field, and many other sports. It's also used to assess athletic development and training effectiveness.

Should I use inches or centimeters?

Either works—use whichever unit you're comfortable with. In the US, inches are more common, while most other countries use centimeters. This calculator supports both units for your convenience.