How High Can a Normal Person Jump? Avg & Max Explained

By Sarah Miller · June 9, 2040

On average, a normal adult can vertically jump between 16 to 20 inches (40 to 50 cm), with variations based on age, gender, fitness level, and technique. This vertical leap measures how high someone can raise their center of mass from a standing start, typically tested using a wall touch or Vertec device.

Understanding the Average Vertical Jump

The vertical jump is a common measure of lower-body power and explosiveness. For untrained individuals, jumping ability reflects general leg strength, neuromuscular coordination, and body composition. Most healthy adults without athletic training achieve a standing vertical jump in the 12–20 inch range.

What Influences Jump Height?

Leg Strength: Strong quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and calves generate more force during takeoff.
Muscle Fiber Type: Individuals with higher fast-twitch fiber density tend to jump higher.
Body Weight and Composition: Excess body fat reduces power-to-weight ratio, lowering jump efficiency.
Age: Peak jumping performance typically occurs between ages 18–30.
Technique: Proper arm swing and countermovement improve jump height by up to 20%.

Vertical Jump Benchmarks by Group

Different populations show varying average jump heights due to training, physiology, and lifestyle factors. The table below outlines typical vertical jump performance across demographics.

Group	Average Vertical Jump (inches)	Average Vertical Jump (cm)	Sample Size / Source
Untrained Adult Men	16–20	40–50	N=500, National Health Survey Data 1
Untrained Adult Women	12–16	30–40	N=480, Same Source 1
High School Athletes (Male)	24–28	60–70	N=1,200, SPARQ Rating Database 2
College-Level Male Athletes	28–32	70–80	N=950, NCAA Testing 3
NBA Players (Average)	28–30	70–76	Official NBA Combine Data 4
Elite Track & Field Athletes	30–36+	76–90+	Olympic Trials Data 5

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The data shows a clear performance gap between trained and untrained individuals. Even elite basketball players don’t always exceed 30 inches, debunking myths about extremely high jumps. However, specialized athletes like volleyball players or high jumpers often surpass 35 inches through sport-specific training.

How to Accurately Measure Your Vertical Jump

To assess your personal jump height:

Stand flat-footed against a wall, reach as high as possible, and mark your standing reach.
From the same position, perform a maximal jump using natural arm swing, and mark the highest point touched.
Measure the distance between the two marks — this is your vertical jump height.

Devices like the Vertec or Just Jump Mat provide lab-grade accuracy and are used in professional testing environments.

Can You Improve Your Vertical Jump?

Yes — most people can increase their vertical jump by 2 to 6 inches within 8–12 weeks through targeted training. Key methods include:

Plyometrics: Box jumps, depth jumps, and jump squats enhance explosive power.
Resistance Training: Squats, deadlifts, and lunges build foundational strength.
Speed and Sprint Drills: Improve neuromuscular activation and stride efficiency.
Flexibility and Mobility Work: Optimize joint range of motion for better takeoff mechanics.

Consistency and proper recovery are critical for progress.

Frequently Asked Questions About How High a Normal Person Can Jump

What is the average vertical jump for a non-athlete?

The average vertical jump for a non-athlete adult ranges from 12 to 20 inches, depending on gender and physical condition. Men typically jump slightly higher than women due to greater muscle mass and strength.

Is a 24-inch vertical jump good?

Yes, a 24-inch vertical jump is above average for the general population and indicates solid lower-body power. It’s comparable to high school-level athlete performance in many sports.

Can everyone jump at least 2 feet?

No, not everyone can jump 24 inches (2 feet). While trained individuals often achieve this, many untrained adults max out below 20 inches, especially those with low fitness levels or higher body weight.

Does height affect how high you can jump?

Height itself doesn't directly determine jump height. Taller individuals may have longer levers but often carry more mass, which can reduce power-to-weight ratio. Technique and strength matter more than stature.

Who holds the record for the highest vertical jump?

Evan Ungar from Canada holds the Guinness World Record for the highest vertical jump at 63.5 inches (161.8 cm), set in 2016. Among professional athletes, NFL player Kadarius Toney recorded a 48-inch max vertical at the 2021 Combine.