The question of how high the average person can jump is common, but the answer is complex because jumping is measured in several different ways. Jumping ability is a direct reflection of lower-body explosive power, which varies widely based on biological makeup and physical condition. Defining an average requires understanding the specific test being performed, as different techniques fundamentally alter the resulting measurement. The height an individual achieves results from a combination of muscular, neurological, and biomechanical factors.
Differentiating Jump Measurement Types
The measurements used to quantify jumping ability fall into two main categories: vertical and horizontal. The Standing Vertical Jump, often called the Sargent Jump, measures the difference between an individual’s standing reach height and the highest point they can touch after a maximal jump. This test assesses explosive leg power, relying heavily on the concentric (shortening) phase of muscle contraction.
Another common vertical assessment is the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), which involves a quick dip or squat just before the upward propulsion. This preparatory downward movement, the eccentric phase, allows muscles and tendons to store elastic energy. Because the CMJ utilizes this “stretch-shortening cycle,” it typically yields a greater jump height than a jump without the preceding countermovement.
The third standard assessment is the Standing Broad Jump, which measures horizontal distance rather than vertical height. This test demands a different application of force, requiring a synchronized blend of both vertical and horizontal momentum. Unlike the CMJ, which is primarily vertical, the Standing Broad Jump requires biaxial force to propel the body forward.
The Average Vertical Jump Metric
The most frequently cited metric for the average person’s jumping ability is the Standing Vertical Jump height. This measurement provides a reliable benchmark of lower-body power. For an average, untrained adult male, the typical vertical jump range is between 16 and 20 inches (approximately 40 to 50 centimeters).
In contrast, the average, untrained adult female generally achieves a vertical jump height between 12 and 16 inches (about 30 to 40 centimeters). This difference is largely attributed to natural variations in body composition, including muscle mass and overall strength relative to body weight.
To place the average person’s performance in context, highly trained athletes achieve significantly greater heights. Elite athletes, such as professional basketball players, often average vertical jumps between 28 and 32 inches. Exceptional performers can exceed 35 inches, showcasing the impact of specialized training and genetic predisposition on explosive power.
Key Biological and Physical Determinants
An individual’s ability to jump is determined by their power-to-weight ratio—the amount of force a person can generate relative to their total body mass. Since the jump must overcome gravity, a lower percentage of non-muscular body mass, such as body fat, is advantageous for maximizing jump height.
Muscle fiber composition is important in explosive movements like jumping. Individuals with a higher proportion of fast-twitch (Type II) muscle fibers are naturally better equipped for generating the rapid, powerful contractions necessary for a high jump. These fibers contract quickly and fatigue rapidly, making them ideal for short bursts of maximal effort.
Age is another determinant, as peak explosive power typically occurs in the late teens and early twenties. Following age 30, a gradual decline in jump height is observed, associated with the natural loss of muscle mass and a reduction in anaerobic power output. Biomechanical factors, such as limb length, influence leverage and the efficiency of force transfer from the ground.