Dunk Height Calculator — How High Do You Need to Jump to Dunk?
Use the Dunk Height Calculator to quickly find the vertical jump required to touch or dunk a basketball at any rim height. Enter your standing reach (or let the tool estimate it from your height), choose rim height and clearance, and get instant, actionable results in both imperial and metric units.
Why Use a Dunk Height Calculator?
A dunk is more than just touching the rim — it requires sufficient clearance, control and power. This calculator combines standing reach, rim height and extra clearance to give realistic dunk targets for training and goal-setting.
How the Calculator Works
- Standing Reach: Measured fingertip height while standing flat-footed with an arm fully extended.
- Rim Height: Standard is 10 ft (305 cm), but you can test lower or custom rims for training.
- Extra Clearance: Amount of space above the rim you want to clear for a successful dunk (default ~15 cm / 6 in).
- The tool subtracts standing reach from (rim height + clearance) to compute the required vertical jump.
What You’ll Learn
- Vertical needed to touch the rim
- Vertical needed to clear the rim by your defined clearance (basic dunk)
- Guidance for advanced dunk thresholds (for flashy dunks)
Practical Tips for Accurate Results
- Measure standing reach with a partner or on a wall for best accuracy.
- If you don't know reach, enter your height and use the standing reach estimator.
- Include realistic clearance (6 in / 15 cm typical) to account for ball control during a dunk.
Training Recommendations
If your calculated vertical is below the dunk threshold, focus on progressive strength and power work: heavy compound lifts (squats, deadlifts), targeted plyometrics (box jumps, depth jumps), and approach/run technique. Track progress with repeated tests and the Vertical Jump Calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much vertical do I need to dunk on a 10 ft rim?
Typical requirement: touch rim + ~15 cm (6 in) clearance. Example: a player with 250 cm standing reach needs ~305 + 15 - 250 = 70 cm vertical (~27.5 in).
Can the calculator estimate standing reach from height?
Yes — when reach is unknown the calculator uses common anthropometric ratios to estimate standing reach from height. Measured reach is more accurate.
Related Tools
Standing Reach Calculator
Estimate reach from height and wingspan for more accurate dunk math.
Vertical Jump Calculator
Convert test results and track vertical jump progress over time.
Vertical → Dunk Calculator
Enter your standing reach + vertical to check dunk eligibility directly.
Ready to test? Enter your numbers in the calculator above — get the exact vertical target, set training goals, and track improvements. For best results, measure standing reach and re-test frequently as you train.