Dunk Calculator
Find Your Required Vertical Jump
How High Do You Need to Jump?
The dream of every basketball player is to throw down a rim-rocking slam dunk. But how high do you actually need to jump? It isn\'t just about your height; it\'s about your standing reach. A standard basketball hoop is 10 feet high, and to dunk, you need to clear that height by several inches to ensure the ball goes through successfully.
Standing Reach: The Real Secret
Two players who are both 6\'0\" tall might have very different standing reaches due to wingspan. A player with long arms might only need a 28-inch vertical to dunk, while a player with short arms might need 34 inches. This is why we use Standing Reach as our baseline.
(Rim Height + Ball Clearance) - Standing Reach = Vertical Needed
Note: Standard clearance is usually 6 inches over the rim.
Vertical Jump Standards
What is considered a "good" vertical? Depending on your age and athleticism, here are the benchmarks for most hoopers:
- 24 - 28 Inches (Rim Grazer): You can likely touch the rim or "dunk" a tennis ball.
- 30 - 34 Inches (Standard Dunker): You can dunk a full-sized basketball with control.
- 35 - 40 Inches (Elite Athlete): You are in the top tier of college and pro-level athletes.
- 40+ Inches (Pro Dunker): Reserved for NBA dunk contest winners and world-class athletes.
Can I Dunk? Height Table
Here is an estimate of the vertical jump needed based on height, assuming average arm length:
| Height | Est. Reach | Vert Needed | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5\'10\" | 7\'9\" | 33\" | Hard |
| 6\'0\" | 8\'0\" | 30\" | Athletic |
| 6\'2\" | 8\'2\" | 28\" | Good |
| 6\'4\" | 8\'5\" | 25\" | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is a standard basketball rim?
A standard basketball hoop is exactly 10 feet (120 inches or 305 cm) above the floor. This height is used in the NBA, NCAA, and high schools worldwide.
How much higher than the rim do you need to reach to dunk?
To dunk a basketball (9.4-inch diameter), your hand needs to reach at least 6 inches above the rim to clear the ball and snap it down. Power dunkers often reach 10-12 inches above the rim.
What is "Standing Reach" and why does it matter?
Standing reach is how high you can reach with one arm extended while standing flat-footed. It is more important than height for dunking because it takes arm length into account.
Can a short person dunk?
Yes. While harder, short players like Spud Webb (5'7') and Nate Robinson (5'9') have won NBA dunk contests with vertical jumps exceeding 40 inches.