Vertical Jump Calculator
Estimate peak power from vertical jump height and body weight using the Lewis and Sayers formulas.
Quick Answer
The Lewis formula estimates peak power from jump height and body weight. A 180 lb person with a 24-inch vertical generates roughly 4,500-5,000 watts of peak power. Average vertical jump is 16-20 inches for men, 12-16 inches for women.
Your Data
Results
1384W
Lewis Power
5344W
Sayers Power
17.0
W/kg
Good
Rating
About This Tool
The Vertical Jump Calculator estimates your lower-body peak power output using two established formulas: the Lewis (Nomogram) formula and the Sayers equation. Vertical jump height is one of the most common field tests in sports science because it requires minimal equipment, is easy to measure, and correlates strongly with explosive athletic performance in sports like basketball, volleyball, football, and track and field.
Lewis vs. Sayers Formula
The Lewis formula, developed in 1974, uses the square root of jump height and was the standard for decades. The Sayers formula, published in 1999, is a regression equation that was validated against force plate measurements and is considered more accurate for most populations. Both formulas give similar results but may diverge for very light or very heavy athletes. When in doubt, use the Sayers number as it was derived from direct mechanical power measurements.
What Affects Vertical Jump
Vertical jump height depends on several factors: fast-twitch muscle fiber composition, leg strength relative to body weight, the stretch-shortening cycle efficiency of your tendons and muscles, and technique. Genetics play a significant role in determining your ceiling, but most people are well below their genetic potential. Targeted training can improve vertical jump by 3-6 inches for most recreational athletes and even more for beginners.
Improving Your Vertical
The most effective methods for improving vertical jump are heavy squats and deadlifts for maximal strength, plyometric exercises like depth jumps and box jumps for rate of force development, and Olympic lifts like power cleans for explosive power. A comprehensive program addresses all three qualities. Losing body fat without losing muscle also directly improves jump height since you are launching less weight. Most athletes see the best results from 8-12 week focused training blocks.