Vertical Jump Power Calculator
Peak lower body power is one of the most important physical qualities in sport, underpinning sprinting, jumping, change of direction, and throwing velocity. While force plates provide the most accurate power measurement, the vertical jump test combined with the Sayers peak power equation offers an accessible and validated field estimate. Published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research in 1999, the Sayers equation was cross-validated against force plate data in a large sample and has been widely adopted in sport science research and practice. This calculator uses your vertical jump height in centimetres and your body mass in kilograms to estimate peak power output in watts. It also converts jump height from inches if needed and provides a power-to-weight ratio for athlete comparison.
Sayers peak power formula
Peak Power (W) = 60.7 x Jump Height(cm) + 45.3 x Body Mass(kg) - 2055
Power-to-Weight (W/kg) = Peak Power / Body Mass
Source: Sayers SP et al. (1999). Cross-validation of three jump power equations. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 31(4), 572-577.
Typical peak power benchmarks
- Recreational adult male: 3,500 to 4,500 W
- Competitive athlete male: 4,500 to 6,000 W
- Elite sprinter/jumper male: 6,000 W and above
- Recreational adult female: 2,500 to 3,500 W
- Elite female athlete: 4,000 W and above
Frequently asked questions
How is peak power calculated from a vertical jump?
The Sayers equation (1999) estimates peak power: Peak Power (W) = 60.7 x (jump height in cm) + 45.3 x (body mass in kg) - 2055. This formula was validated against force plate measurements and is widely used in sport science.
What is a good vertical jump?
Average vertical jump for untrained adult males is around 40 to 50 cm (16 to 20 inches). College athletes average 55 to 65 cm. Elite NBA players average 70 to 80 cm. For women, averages are typically 20 to 30% lower.
How do I measure my vertical jump accurately?
Stand flat-footed and reach as high as possible on a wall or Vertec device (standing reach). Then jump and touch as high as possible. The difference between your standing reach and your jump reach is your vertical jump height.
What does peak power mean in athletics?
Peak power is the maximum rate of force development during a brief explosive movement. It is a key indicator of athletic performance in sprinting, jumping, throwing, and cutting. High peak power correlates with sprint speed, acceleration, and agility.
How can I improve my vertical jump?
Plyometric training (box jumps, depth jumps, broad jumps), heavy strength training (squats, deadlifts, hip hinges), and sprint work all improve vertical jump. The NSCA recommends 2 to 3 plyometric sessions per week with adequate rest between sessions.
Official sources
- National Strength and Conditioning Association: NSCA Plyometric Training Guidelines.
- American College of Sports Medicine: ACSM Physical Activity Guidelines.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.