Calculate how high you need to jump to dunk a basketball.
Enter your height and standing reach, or let the Dunk Calculator estimate your standing reach based on your height. You can also set your desired rim height for your dunk.
Choose how many inches above the rim you want to reach for your dunk. The Dunk Calculator helps calculate whether you can touch the rim, dunk normally, or attempt a high-flying Vince Carter-style 360° windmill dunk.
Click the calculate button, and the Dunk Calculator will instantly compute your required vertical jump height, hang time, take-off velocity, and other key dunk metrics.
The Dunk Calculator shows detailed results, including how high you need to jump to dunk a basketball, plus insights on hang time, dunk speed, and whether your current jump is enough for different dunk styles.
Our Dunk Calculator gives you instant answers based on your height and reach.
From 5'7" to 6'5", get accurate vertical targets — plus expert tips to improve your performance.
Use the dunk calculator first, then explore our full guide on vertical jump training, benchmarks by age, and more.
The Dunk Calculator shows exactly how high you need to dunk — based on your height and standing reach.
Get accurate vertical jump targets in seconds, with no guesswork.
To dunk cleanly, your fingers typically need to reach about 6 inches above the rim — that's a total reach of 10'6" (3.2 m).
Required Vertical Jump = Target Dunk Height – Your Standing Reach
If your standing reach is 7'5", you'll need a vertical jump of approximately 37 inches to dunk.
Not sure what your standing reach is? Don't worry — the Dunk Calculator can estimate it for you based on your height, or you can scroll down to learn how to measure it manually.
Use the calculator now to get your personalized dunk target.
Use this quick reference table to estimate your required vertical based on your height:
| Height | Avg Standing Reach | Vertical Needed to Dunk |
|---|---|---|
| 5'7" (170 cm) | 7'2" (218 cm) | ~40–44 inches (102–112 cm) |
| 5'9" (175 cm) | 7'4" (223 cm) | ~38 inches (96 cm) |
| 5'10" (178 cm) | 7'5" (226 cm) | ~36 inches (91 cm) |
| 6'0" (183 cm) | 7'7" (231 cm) | ~33 inches (84 cm) |
| 6'2" (188 cm) | 7'9" (236 cm) | ~31 inches (79 cm) |
| 6'5" (196 cm) | 8'0" (244 cm) | ~28 inches (71 cm) |
Tip: Use the Dunk Calculator for more accurate results based on your actual standing reach.
Stand flat against a wall, raise one arm fully overhead, and mark the highest point your fingertips can reach — without jumping. This is your standing reach.
Knowing your standing reach is essential, as your ability to dunk depends more on how high you can reach than just your height.
If you're unsure how to measure it, the Dunk Calculator can automatically estimate your standing reach based on your height. You can also use our default values to get started with the Dunk Calculator right away.
Ever wondered how your vertical compares to others your age?
| Age | Average Vertical Jump |
|---|---|
| 13 years | 15–20 inches (38–51 cm) |
| 14 years | 16–22 inches (41–56 cm) |
| 15 years | 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) |
| 16–17 years | 20–26 inches (51–66 cm) |
| Adult (avg) | 20–30 inches (51–76 cm) |
| Trained athletes | 30–40+ inches (76–102+ cm) |
Goal: Most people need 28–34 inches to dunk. Are you close?
Here are some of the most asked height-specific dunk questions — all of which can be answered precisely with the Dunk Calculator:
It's tough — you'll need at least a 42–44 inch vertical, but Spud Webb (5'7") did it and won an NBA dunk contest.
Yes. A 38-inch vertical is usually enough, and it's achievable with training.
Read our full breakdown in Can You Dunk at 5'9"? Vertical Jump Requirements Explained,or test your own jump with the Dunk Calculator .
You're in a strong position — a 33–34 inch vertical should get you there.
| Player | Estimated Vertical |
|---|---|
| Michael Jordan | 48 inches (122 cm) |
| Vince Carter | 43 inches (109 cm) |
| Spud Webb (5'7") | 46 inches (117 cm) |
| Zion Williamson | 45 inches (114 cm) |
| LeBron James | 40+ inches (102+ cm) |
| Kobe Bryant | 38–40 inches (96–102 cm) |
| Steph Curry | ~35 inches (89 cm) |
| Nikola Jokic | ~27 inches (69 cm) |
Curious how your jump stacks up? Use the Dunk Calculator to compare your vertical with athletes at your height.
Want to dunk faster? These 5 science-backed strategies help:
Pro Tip: Consistency matters more than intensity — stick with it for 8–12 weeks to see real gains.
Want to track your progress or set realistic jump goals? The Dunk Calculator helps estimate how much vertical you need to reach the rim or throw down a dunk.
You can even revisit the Dunk Calculator as your training improves to update your targets based on your new standing reach or jump height.
Don't just train harder — train smarter.
Use the Dunk Calculator Now
Enter your height and reach. Get your vertical target in seconds.
This content was compiled by sports performance editors and basketball coaches at DunkCalculator.com,the creators of the trusted Dunk Calculator,with references from:
Note: This guide is for educational use and not a substitute for in-person coaching.
To dunk on a standard 10-foot rim, most players need a vertical jump of 28 to 34 inches. The exact number depends on your height and standing reach. Use the Dunk Calculator to enter your specific measurements and find out the precise vertical jump required to dunk.
Yes! Many 6-foot players can dunk, especially if they have decent athleticism. A vertical of around 30 inches is typically enough for a 6-foot player to dunk. You can check your exact numbers using the Dunk Calculator to see how high you'd need to jump.
There's no minimum height to dunk—a shorter player just needs a higher vertical jump. Players around 5'7" to 5'9" often need 35 inches or more of vertical leap. The Dunk Calculator can help you determine if your height and jump are enough to dunk.
It's possible! A 5'7" player generally needs a vertical jump of around 35-40 inches to dunk on a 10-foot rim. Enter your data into the Dunk Calculator to see the exact vertical jump you'd need.
For someone 5'9", the average standing reach is around 7'5" to 7'7". However, arm length varies by individual. The Dunk Calculator can estimate your standing reach if you only know your height, helping you determine your dunk potential.
Dunking definitely requires skill—timing, ball control, and technique matter as much as vertical jump. Even with enough height, poor technique can prevent a dunk. The Dunk Calculator shows how high you need to jump, but practicing technique is key.
Improving your vertical involves strength training, plyometrics, and proper jumping technique. Exercises like squats, calf raises, and box jumps help. Use the Dunk Calculator to set a vertical jump goal, then train to reach it.
Average vertical jump varies by age. Teenagers (13–18) often average 16–22 inches, while adult males average around 20–24 inches. Elite athletes can exceed 35 inches. Use our Dunk Calculator to see how your jump compares by age group.
A "good" vertical jump for basketball is usually 28–34 inches for recreational players and 35+ inches for elite athletes. Guards tend to have higher verticals for explosiveness. Check how you compare using our Dunk Calculator.
NBA players often have vertical jumps between 35 and 45 inches. Some stars like Zion Williamson and Ja Morant have recorded verticals over 45 inches. Use the Dunk Calculator to see how your jump stacks up against the pros.
On average, standing reach is about 1.33x your height. For example, a 5'9" (175cm) person may have a reach of ~7'5" (226cm). Our Dunk Calculator includes a built-in standing reach estimator for better accuracy.
It's rare but possible. A 13-year-old would need a vertical jump of 30+ inches and enough strength to control the ball. Genetics, training, and body development all play a role. Try the Dunk Calculator to find out what it would take.
With consistent training (strength + plyometrics), athletes can gain 4–8 inches in 8–12 weeks. Results vary by baseline ability, age, and recovery. Set your target in the Dunk Calculator, then track weekly progress.
Yes, but it's extremely rare. A 5'6" player would usually need a 40"+ vertical to dunk on a 10-foot rim. It's possible with elite athleticism and technique. Try entering your height in our calculator to see how close you are.
Key muscles for vertical jump include glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves, and core. Strengthening these with squats, deadlifts, and plyometrics can help. Use our Dunk Calculator to find your target vertical and build a plan from there.
Standing reach usually equals about 1.33x your height. For example, if you're 5'9", your estimated standing reach is around 7'5" to 7'7". Our Dunk Calculator includes a built-in reach estimator to give you personalized values.
Yes! Use our free Dunk Calculator to input your height, standing reach, and rim height. It instantly shows how high you need to jump to dunk. Try it now to see your vertical target and start training with a goal.
Absolutely. Squats strengthen your quads, glutes, and hamstrings—key muscles for explosive jumping. Combine squats with plyometrics for best results. After setting your vertical jump goal in the Dunk Calculator, build a squat routine to match.
Learn how the Dunk Calculator helps you find the vertical jump needed to touch the rim, dunk, or do advanced moves based on height and reach.
If you're 5'9", dunking is possible with a vertical leap of 34–38 inches. Learn how your measurements affect your jump and get inspired by athletes like Spud Webb.
See how NBA legends rank in vertical jump, and compare your own leap using the Dunk Calculator to see if you're ready to dunk.
Learn proven exercises and tips to increase your vertical jump. Track progress with the Dunk Calculator and train smarter for results.