Vertical Jump Power Calculator
Estimate peak lower-body power from your vertical jump height.
Vertical Jump Power Calculator
Estimates peak lower-body power from your vertical jump height using Lewis, Sayer, and Harman formulas.
Sayer and Harman equations (1991–1999) are more accurate for trained athletes; the original Lewis formula tends to underestimate peak power. For a lab-grade measurement, a force plate countermovement jump test is the gold standard.
About this calculator
Vertical jump height is a widely used field test of lower-body explosive power, strongly correlated with sprint speed, athletic performance, and fast-twitch muscle fibre proportion. Peak power output (in watts) can be estimated from jump height and body mass using validated equations: Lewis (1974), Harman (1991), and Sayer (1999). The Sayer equation is considered most accurate for athletic populations. Power-to-weight ratio (W/kg) normalises for body mass, enabling comparison across different body sizes. Vertical jump is used in NBA draft combine testing, NFL Combine, and Olympic athlete talent identification programmes.
How to interpret your results
The calculator returns power estimates from three formulas — they will differ by 5–15%. The Sayer equation is typically most accurate for athletes; Lewis tends to underestimate for tall or very explosive athletes. Use the average or the Sayer value for training decisions. W/kg is the most useful metric for comparing yourself across body weight changes or against athletes of different sizes. Track your vertical jump height monthly alongside your training to confirm that plyometric and strength work is translating to measurable power improvements.
The science and formula
The relationship between jump height and power is derived from physics: at takeoff, peak power = force × velocity. Since jump height reflects takeoff velocity (h = v²/2g, so v = √(2gh)), peak power can be estimated without force plates. Lewis formula (1974): P = √(4.9 × mass × jump height). Harman formula (1991): P = (61.9 × jump height in cm) + (36.0 × body mass) − 1822. Sayer formula (1999): P = (60.7 × jump height in cm) + (45.3 × body mass) − 2055. All formulas estimate peak power at the moment of takeoff — actual peak power during the jump's propulsive phase may be slightly different, which is why force plates remain the gold standard.
Important limitations
Estimation formulas produce peak power approximations with ±10–15% error compared to force plate measurements. Jump height measurement method significantly affects accuracy — the chalk-on-wall standing reach method introduces human error; contact mat or force plate measurement is more reliable. The formulas assume a countermovement jump (CMJ) technique; squat jump or drop jump results are not interchangeable. Additionally, peak power in a vertical jump does not necessarily generalise to horizontal power (relevant for sprinting) or rotational power — these are partially independent athletic qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good vertical jump height?
Average vertical jump for untrained adult men is approximately 40–50 cm (16–20 inches); for women it is 30–40 cm (12–16 inches). Competitive college athletes typically jump 60–75 cm (24–30 inches). NBA players average around 70–80 cm (27–31 inches), with elite jumpers exceeding 90 cm (36 inches).
Can vertical jump be improved with training?
Yes, significantly. Plyometric training, heavy squats, and power-focused strength work have all been shown to improve vertical jump height. Research suggests 4–12 cm of improvement is achievable within 8–12 weeks of structured training. Olympic weightlifting movements (clean, snatch) are particularly effective.
How do I measure vertical jump without equipment?
The standing reach method: stand flat-footed and reach as high as possible, marking the height. Then jump and touch the highest point. The difference is your vertical jump height. You can use chalk on your fingertips to mark a wall, or a commercial jump measurement system like a vertec.
Does strength training directly improve vertical jump?
Yes. Squats, Romanian deadlifts, and hip thrusts directly develop the force-generating muscles used in jumping (quads, glutes, hamstrings). Research shows heavy strength training (1–5 rep range) combined with plyometrics ("contrast training") produces the largest vertical jump improvements — greater than either approach alone.
How does body weight affect vertical jump power?
Heavier athletes generate more absolute power (watts) but often have similar or lower jump heights because they must overcome greater gravitational force. The ratio of power-to-bodyweight (W/kg) captures this relationship — a lighter athlete with a high vertical jump often has impressive W/kg even if absolute watts are lower than a heavy athlete.
What is the difference between a countermovement jump and a squat jump?
A countermovement jump (CMJ) starts from standing and uses a quick bend-and-jump motion that stores elastic energy in tendons and muscles. A squat jump starts from a static bent-knee position with no countermovement. CMJ produces 5–15% greater height due to the stretch-shortening cycle. Most sports-specific vertical jump testing uses CMJ.
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