Population reference
What is an average vertical jump?
An “average vertical” only means something when the population and test protocol are named. These reference values come from a nationally representative Canadian survey using the best of three two-leg countermovement jumps with arm swing on a force plate.
| Age | Male median | Female median |
|---|---|---|
| 8–9 | 29.2 cm / 11.5 in | 27.9 cm / 11.0 in |
| 12–13 | 39.9 cm / 15.7 in | 34.9 cm / 13.7 in |
| 16–17 | 46.9 cm / 18.5 in | 33.7 cm / 13.3 in |
| 20–24 | 49.4 cm / 19.4 in | 31.8 cm / 12.5 in |
| 30–34 | 45.8 cm / 18.0 in | 30.9 cm / 12.2 in |
| 40–44 | 41.1 cm / 16.2 in | 29.1 cm / 11.5 in |
| 50–54 | 36.4 cm / 14.3 in | 26.1 cm / 10.3 in |
| 60–64 | 31.3 cm / 12.3 in | 22.7 cm / 8.9 in |
| 65–69 | 28.5 cm / 11.2 in | 21.1 cm / 8.3 in |
Why these numbers differ from combine or Vertec results
A standing force-plate countermovement jump is not the same test as an approach jump, a jump-and-reach test, or a reported professional combine result. Arm rules, footwear, surface, approach, landing technique, and the measurement device all change the number. Compare progress using the same protocol and device.
How to use the table
The median is the 50th percentile, not a health threshold or talent grade. Statistics Canada published percentiles from P5 through P95 for ages 8–69. VertChecker uses those published points for optional in-product context and does not extrapolate outside them.