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Dunk Calculator

Enter your standing reach and current vertical jump to find out whether your reach is high enough to dunk, the jump height required, and how far you are from your target.

A dunk calculator subtracts your standing reach from the rim height plus your selected dunk clearance to estimate the vertical jump you need.

Step 1 of 3

Your Reach

Choose a unit system and enter your measured reach or height.

Standing reachinches

Measure flat-footed to your highest fingertip using the same footwear as your jump test.

The calculation

How high do you need to jump?

Add your target clearance to the rim height, then subtract your standing reach.

Required vertical = rim height + clearance − standing reach

Set the target

Rim plus clearance: 10′ 6″

Subtract standing reach

Your reach: 7′ 10″

Compare your jump

Required vertical: 32.0 in

Physics outputs are theoretical equivalents and not measured biomechanical values.

How to Use the Dunk Calculator

Build a reach profile in three short steps, then compare your current jump with the vertical needed for your selected finish.

Choose US or metric units and enter a measured standing reach—or use height for a rough estimate.

Enter the vertical jump that matches your goal: standing or approach.

Confirm the rim height and choose how far above the rim your fingertips should reach.

Review the required vertical, maximum reach, rim clearance, and remaining jump gap.

Why Use Standing Reach?

Height alone misses differences in arm length and shoulder reach. Measuring from the floor to your highest flat-footed fingertip gives the calculator the right starting point. NBA Draft Combine anthropometric measurements also track standing reach separately from height.

Personalized target: Based on your actual reach, not height alone.
Useful tracking: Shows the vertical gap you need to close.

Touching the Rim vs Dunking

Touching the rim needs zero extra clearance. A basic one-hand dunk commonly uses about 6 inches (15.2 cm) as a practical planning target.

Touch rim0 in above

One hand target~6 in above

Controlled finish8–10 in

Estimated Vertical Needed by Height

Rough examples for a 10-foot rim and 6-inch target clearance.

Estimated vertical jump requirements by player height
Height	Est. Reach	Touch Rim	Dunk Target
5′ 6″	~88.1 in	~31.9 in	~37.9 in
5′ 8″	~90.8 in	~29.2 in	~35.2 in
5′ 10″	~93.5 in	~26.5 in	~32.5 in
6′ 0″	~96.1 in	~23.9 in	~29.9 in
6′ 2″	~98.8 in	~21.2 in	~27.2 in
6′ 4″	~101.5 in	~18.5 in	~24.5 in
6′ 6″	~104.1 in	~15.9 in	~21.9 in

Height-based reach is only a rough estimate. Individual proportions vary, so use your measured standing reach whenever possible.

Measurement & Methodology

The calculator models fingertip reach. Clearance is a practical planning target—not an official threshold or a guarantee that you can control the ball. Consistent testing matters because research on standardizing standing-reach measurement shows that testing procedures can affect calculated jump height.

Consistency Tip

Use the same footwear, jump style, arm technique, and measuring setup for standing reach and jump reach.

Measure Your Reach

Follow the same protocol each time so progress reflects your jump—not a change in technique.

Stand flat-footed beside a wall on a level floor.

Reach with one arm and mark your highest fingertip point.

Jump using the same style you plan to use for the dunk.

Subtract standing reach from highest jump touch.

Dunk Calculator FAQ

Essential answers about standing reach, vertical jump, and dunk targets.

How tall is a regulation basketball rim?

The top of a regulation rim is 10 feet (120 inches or 3.048 meters) above the playing floor.

How much of my hand should clear the rim to dunk?

About 6 inches is a useful one-hand dunk target. Some players need less or more depending on hand size, ball control, approach, and technique.

Why is standing reach more important than height?

Two players of the same height can have different arm lengths and shoulder reach. The calculation begins at your fingertips, so a direct standing-reach measurement is the more reliable input.

Does the calculator guarantee I can dunk?

No. It calculates the reach requirement. Palming the ball, timing, strength, coordination, fatigue, and jump technique also affect whether you can finish a dunk.

Should I enter my standing or approach vertical?

Enter the jump type you plan to use. Most dunks use an approach, so an approach vertical is usually relevant; use a standing vertical for standing-dunk goals.

Does wingspan affect dunking?

Yes. A longer wingspan can increase standing reach and reduce the vertical jump required. Measure standing reach directly whenever possible because height alone cannot capture individual proportions.