Basketball Dunk Calculator
Basic One-Hand Dunk
Standard dunk requiring minimal clearance above the rim.
Two-Hand Dunk
Requires more height and strength than a one-hand dunk.
Alley-Oop
Catching and dunking in midair requires timing and extra height.
Windmill Dunk
Advanced dunk requiring significant height and coordination.
How to Measure Your Body for Dunking
Pro Tip: For most accurate results in the dunk calculator, measure all values precisely rather than using estimates.
Wingspan Measurement
- Stand with your back against a wall with arms stretched out horizontally (like a T-pose)
- Have someone mark the wall at the tip of each middle finger
- Measure the distance between these two marks in inches
Wingspan = distance from fingertip to fingertip with arms fully outstretched
Quick Estimate: Your wingspan is typically similar to your height (average ratio is 1:1)
Example: If you're 6'0" (72"), your wingspan is likely around 72"
However, many basketball players have longer wingspans relative to their height, which is advantageous for dunking!
Standing Reach Measurement
- Stand flat-footed (no shoes) against a wall
- Reach up as high as possible with both feet remaining flat on the floor
- Have someone mark or measure the highest point your fingertips reach
- Measure from the floor to this mark in inches
Standing reach = height from floor to fingertips with arm fully extended upward
Quick Estimate: For most people, standing reach is approximately 1.33 times their height
Example: If you're 6'0" (72"), your standing reach is likely around 96" (8'0")
Vertical Jump Measurement
Method 1: Mark and Jump
- First measure your standing reach as described above
- Next, jump as high as you can and touch the wall at your maximum height
- Measure the distance from the floor to your jump touch point
- Subtract your standing reach from this jump touch measurement
- Example: If your standing reach is 96" and your jump touch is 112", your vertical jump is 16"
Method 2: Vertical Jump Device
- Use a Vertec or similar vertical jump measuring device at a gym
- These devices have horizontal vanes that move when touched
- First, reach up and touch the highest vane you can while standing flat-footed
- Then jump and hit the highest vane possible
- The difference between these two measurements is your vertical jump
Method 3: Chalk or Tape Method
- Put chalk on your fingertips
- Stand next to a wall and make a mark at your standing reach
- Jump and make another mark at the highest point
- Measure the distance between the two marks
Height Conversion Table (Feet/Inches to Inches)
| Height | Inches | Height | Inches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'6" | 66" | 6'2" | 74" |
| 5'8" | 68" | 6'4" | 76" |
| 5'10" | 70" | 6'6" | 78" |
| 6'0" | 72" | 6'8" | 80" |
Average Numbers for Reference:
• Average Male Standing Reach: 8'0" to 8'4" (96"-100")
• Average NBA Player Standing Reach: 8'4" to 9'2" (100"-110")
• Average Untrained Male Vertical Jump: 16"-20"
• Good Vertical Jump: 24"-28"
• Excellent Vertical Jump: 30"+ (NBA average)