Vertical Jump Conversion Calculator

Understanding Vertical Jump Conversions

Vertical jump test results and norm tables are not always in your preferred units, particularly when we are dealing with results from around the world. Our calculator provides instant conversion between centimeters and inches, the two most common units for measuring vertical jump height in sports performance testing. Whether you're comparing your results to NBA combine standards (measured in inches) or international athletic norms (typically in centimeters), accurate conversion is essential for proper assessment.

The vertical jump test is a crucial measure of lower body explosive power used across numerous sports. Basketball players, volleyball athletes, and football players all rely on vertical jump measurements to assess their athletic ability and track training progress. This calculator not only converts your measurements but also provides sport-specific context to help you understand where you stand among athletes in your sport.

If you are looking to convert these vertical jump scores to units of power, see the web page on Vertical Jump Power.

How to Use This Vertical Jump Conversion Calculator

Follow these simple steps to convert your vertical jump measurement and understand your athletic performance level:

1. Enter Your Jump Height: Input your vertical jump measurement in the calculator above. You can enter any value between 10-150cm (4-60 inches), which covers the full range from beginner to elite athletic performance.
2. Select Your Unit: Choose whether your original measurement is in centimeters or inches. The calculator automatically detects the most appropriate conversions based on your selection.
3. View Instant Results: The calculator immediately displays your jump height in multiple units: centimeters, inches (rounded to nearest half-inch for practical use), feet and inches, and meters.
4. Check Your Athletic Category: Based on established athletic norms, you'll see your performance category (Elite, Excellent, Good, Average, etc.) and percentile ranking among athletes.
5. Review Sport-Specific Analysis: Get tailored feedback for basketball, volleyball, and football based on your jump height, including comparisons to professional standards.

Pro Tip: For the most accurate vertical jump measurement, perform multiple attempts and use your best result. Test at the same time of day for consistent results, preferably when you're fresh and properly warmed up.

Vertical Jump Conversion Table

Below is our comprehensive conversion table for quick reference. The table shows conversions from centimeters to the nearest half-inch (commonly used in athletic testing) and from inches to the nearest centimeter:

Sport-Specific Applications of Vertical Jump Testing

The vertical jump test is widely used across different sports to assess explosive power and athletic potential. Understanding how your vertical jump compares to sport-specific standards helps you set realistic training goals and track your progress effectively.

Basketball Vertical Jump Standards

In basketball, vertical jump ability directly correlates with rebounding, shot-blocking, and dunking capability. NBA draft combines measure standing vertical jump and maximum vertical jump (with a run-up). Elite NBA players typically have standing verticals of 70-80cm (28-32 inches) and maximum verticals exceeding 90cm (35+ inches). Guards often display higher vertical jumps than centers, with point guards averaging 75cm (29.5 inches) and centers averaging 68cm (27 inches) at the NBA combine.

For high school basketball players, a vertical jump of 50-60cm (20-24 inches) is considered good, while college players should aim for 60-70cm (24-28 inches). Female basketball players at the WNBA level typically jump 50-60cm (20-24 inches), with elite players reaching 65cm (25+ inches).

Volleyball Vertical Jump Requirements

Volleyball players rely heavily on vertical jump for spiking, blocking, and serving. Elite male volleyball players often have vertical jumps exceeding 80cm (31 inches), with some Olympic-level players reaching 100cm (39+ inches). Middle blockers and outside hitters typically have the highest verticals, as these positions require frequent jumping at the net.

Female volleyball players at the college level average 50-60cm (20-24 inches), with elite players reaching 65-75cm (26-30 inches). Beach volleyball players often display higher vertical jumps than indoor players due to the sand training effect and the demands of covering more court space.

Football (American) Vertical Jump Testing

The NFL Combine uses vertical jump as a key metric for evaluating explosive power, particularly important for skill position players. Wide receivers and defensive backs typically post the highest verticals, averaging 85-90cm (33-35 inches) at the combine. Running backs and linebackers average 80-85cm (31-33 inches), while offensive and defensive linemen typically jump 60-70cm (24-28 inches).

The vertical jump correlates strongly with 40-yard dash times and overall athleticism in football. Players who can jump over 100cm (40 inches) are considered exceptional athletes and often become impact players at the professional level.

Understanding Your Results and Athletic Categories

Our calculator provides athletic categories based on extensive normative data from sports science research. These categories help you understand where you stand relative to other athletes and the general population. The percentile rankings are adjusted for gender, as research consistently shows that males typically jump 25-30% higher than females due to differences in muscle mass and power output.

How to Improve Your Vertical Jump

Improving your vertical jump requires a combination of strength training, plyometric exercises, and proper technique development. Based on your calculated results, here are evidence-based strategies to increase your jumping ability:

Strength Training Foundation

Build a solid strength base with exercises targeting the posterior chain and quadriceps. Squats, deadlifts, and lunges should form the foundation of your program. Research shows that athletes who can squat 1.5-2 times their body weight typically have superior vertical jumps. Focus on both bilateral and unilateral exercises to address muscle imbalances that may limit your jumping ability.

Plyometric Training

Once you have adequate strength (can squat at least body weight), incorporate plyometric exercises. Start with low-intensity exercises like pogo jumps and progress to depth jumps and reactive jumps. Perform plyometrics 2-3 times per week with full recovery between sessions. Studies show that 8-12 weeks of consistent plyometric training can improve vertical jump by 10-20%.

Technical Optimization

Proper jumping technique can add 5-10cm to your vertical immediately. Focus on arm swing timing, which contributes up to 20% of jump height. Practice the countermovement, ensuring you achieve optimal knee bend (approximately 90 degrees) before exploding upward. Video analysis can help identify technical flaws that limit your jumping potential.

The Science Behind Vertical Jump Measurement

Vertical jump testing measures the difference between standing reach height and maximum jump reach height. This simple measurement provides valuable insights into lower body power production, which is calculated using the formula: Power = Force × Velocity. Elite athletes generate forces exceeding 3-4 times body weight during the propulsion phase of a vertical jump.

The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) plays a crucial role in vertical jump performance. During the countermovement phase, elastic energy is stored in the tendons and muscles, contributing up to 20-30% of total jump height. This is why countermovement jumps typically exceed squat jumps by 3-6cm. Athletes with superior SSC function, developed through plyometric training, display greater differences between these two jump types.

According to research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, vertical jump performance correlates strongly (r = 0.75-0.85) with sprint speed and change of direction ability, making it an excellent predictor of overall athletic performance.