Vertical Jump Calculator – Measure Height & Estimate Power
Calculate your vertical jump height from reach difference or flight time, convert between cm and inches, and estimate leg power with a science-based vertical jump test.
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Vertical Jump Calculator – Measure Height & Estimate Power
Use this vertical jump calculator to measure jump height from reach difference or flight time, convert between centimetres and inches, and estimate peak leg power using a science-based equation.
Vertical Jump Test – Calculator
Method 1 – Wall or Vertec measurement
Enter your standing reach and your best jump reach. The calculator will output your vertical jump height.
Method 2 – Flight time (jump mat, app, or timer)
If you know your jump flight time, the calculator can estimate jump height using basic physics.
Method 3 – Estimate peak power (Sayers equation)
Combine your vertical jump height with body mass to estimate peak anaerobic power. Use your best jump height from Method 1 or 2.
Equation used (Sayers et al.): Peak Power (W) = 60.7 × jump height (cm) + 45.3 × body mass (kg) − 2055. Best used to monitor trends over time, not as a replacement for lab testing.
Always warm up properly and avoid maximal jump testing if you have pain, injury or medical conditions that affect your ability to jump safely. When in doubt, consult a health or sports professional.
What is a vertical jump?
A vertical jump (or vertical leap) is a straight-up jump from the ground. In sports science and strength and conditioning, the vertical jump test is a standard way to assess lower-body power and explosive strength. It is commonly used in basketball, volleyball, football codes and many talent identification programs.
Types of vertical jump tests
- Standing vertical jump (countermovement jump): jump from a standing position with a quick dip or countermovement.
- Squat jump: jump starting from a static semi-squat without a prior countermovement.
- Running or approach jump: jump performed after a run-up; useful in sport practice, but less standardised for testing.
For most testing protocols and comparison with published norms, the standing vertical jump or a standardised countermovement jump is used.
How vertical jump height is measured
1. Wall or Vertec reach method
- Measure your standing reach by standing side-on to a wall or device and reaching as high as possible with your arm.
- Mark this point (chalk on the fingers or a measuring device).
- Jump as high as you can and touch the highest possible point.
- The difference between jump reach and standing reach is your vertical jump height.
This is the most accessible method and is the basis for many field tests and normative tables.
2. Flight time method
If you have a jump mat, force plate, infrared system or a reliable high-speed video/app, you can measure the time in the air (flight time). From basic physics, jump height \(h\) can be estimated as:
Jump height from flight time
\( h = \dfrac{g \cdot t^2}{8} \)
where:
- \(h\) = jump height (metres)
- \(t\) = flight time (seconds)
- \(g\) ≈ 9.81 m/s² (acceleration due to gravity)
The calculator uses this equation, then converts the result into centimetres and inches for practical use.
Estimating power from your vertical jump
Several research groups have proposed equations to estimate peak power output from vertical jump height and body mass. One widely used option is the Sayers equation for peak anaerobic power.
Sayers peak power equation
Peak Power (W) = 60.7 × jump height (cm) + 45.3 × body mass (kg) − 2055
This equation was developed and cross-validated in groups of trained and untrained athletes and has become a common field estimate of lower-limb power. Remember that it is still an estimate: use it to track progression across repeated tests rather than as an absolute laboratory value.
Best practices for a reliable vertical jump test
- Warm up with light cardio and dynamic movements for 5–10 minutes.
- Practice the technique with a few submaximal jumps before testing.
- Keep technique consistent between trials (same arm swing, foot position and depth of countermovement).
- Take several maximal attempts (for example 3–5) and record the best result.
- Rest 30–60 seconds between jumps to minimise fatigue effects.
- Use the same method, surface and equipment each time you re-test.
Safety and limitations
Maximal jumping loads the ankles, knees, hips and lower back. If you are recovering from injury, have joint pain, or live with medical conditions that limit vigorous exercise, consult a qualified professional before performing a vertical jump test.
This calculator is intended for athletes, coaches and fitness enthusiasts who want to better understand their performance. It does not replace a full clinical or performance assessment.
Formula (LaTeX) + variables + units
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Jump height from flight time \( h = \dfrac{g \cdot t^2}{8} \) where: \(h\) = jump height (metres) \(t\) = flight time (seconds) \(g\) ≈ 9.81 m/s² (acceleration due to gravity)
Sayers peak power equation Peak Power (W) = 60.7 × jump height (cm) + 45.3 × body mass (kg) − 2055
- No variables provided in audit spec.
- NIST — Weights and measures — nist.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures - FTC — Consumer advice — consumer.ftc.gov · Accessed 2026-01-19
https://consumer.ftc.gov/
Last code update: 2026-01-19
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