Dunk Calculator

Dunk Calculator: Can you dunk at your height?

Enter your current vertical jump and your standing reach (or let us estimate it from height). This dunk calculator shows whether you can dunk on a standard 10-foot rim, how many inches you are from dunking, and the vertical jump you need to dunk a basketball.

Your info

Used only if you don’t know your standing reach.
Standing vert or approach vert — just be consistent with your goal.
If you know this, enter it. It makes the result much more accurate.
Standard basketball rim = 120 inches (10 ft).
Ball
Grip / style

Accuracy note: standing reach varies a lot by wingspan. If you don’t know yours, we estimate it from height — good enough - but measuring reach will always be better.

Ready Using: —

Enter your numbers and hit Calculate.

We’ll show if you can dunk, how far you are from a dunk, and the vertical you need.

Max reach
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Vertical needed
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% toward dunk
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How High Do You Need to Jump to Dunk?

To dunk a basketball, most players need to reach about 6 inches above the rim. Depending on height, wingspan, and dunk style, this usually requires a vertical jump between 24 and 36 inches.

What Vertical Jump Is Needed to Dunk?

Shorter players generally need a higher vertical jump to dunk, while taller players with longer standing reach can dunk with less. This calculator estimates your standing reach and shows the exact vertical jump you need based on your body measurements.

How the Dunk Calculator works

Your max reach = standing reach + vertical jump. To dunk, you generally need to reach the rim plus a little extra clearance depending on ball size and dunk style.

  • Men’s ball needs slightly more clearance than women’s.
  • Two-hand dunks usually need more clearance than one-hand.
  • These are estimates—real dunking depends on grip, hand size, timing, and approach mechanics.
How to measure standing reach for Dunking

Stand flat-footed next to a wall, reach as high as you can with one hand, and mark the highest point you can touch. Measure from the floor to that mark (in inches).

How to Increase Vertical Jump to Dunk

Increasing your vertical jump comes down to a mix of strength, explosiveness, and technique. You don’t need fancy equipment, but you do need consistency.

  • Build lower-body strength: Squats, trap bar deadlifts, split squats, and step-ups improve force production.
  • Add plyometrics: Jumps, bounds, and hops train your nervous system to apply force quickly.
  • Jump fresh: Practice max-effort jumps early in workouts, not when you’re exhausted.
  • Improve technique: Arm swing, timing, and takeoff mechanics can add inches without getting stronger.
  • Recover well: Sleep, calories, and rest days matter more than doing more jumps.

Most people gain their first few inches quickly by fixing technique and strength. The closer you get to dunking, the more important recovery and jump quality become.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 30 inch vertical enough to dunk?

A 30-inch vertical jump is enough for many players to dunk, especially if they are 6 feet tall or taller with average standing reach. Shorter players may need a higher vertical jump.

Can you dunk with a 24 inch vertical?

Some taller players with long arms can dunk with a 24-inch vertical. Most average-height players need closer to 28–32 inches.

Does standing reach matter more than height?

Yes. Standing reach often matters more than height because wingspan varies widely between athletes.