Average Vertical Jump by Age: What's Normal?

What's a Normal Vertical Jump?

Vertical jump ability varies significantly by age due to changes in muscle development, coordination, and training status. Here's what research tells us about average values.

Youth (10-14 years): Average vertical jumps range from 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). At this age, coordination and technique are still developing.

Teenagers (15-19 years): Males typically jump 16-22 inches (40-56 cm), while females average 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). This is when many athletes see rapid improvement.

Adults (20-29 years): Peak jumping ability usually occurs in this range. Average untrained males jump 16-20 inches (40-51 cm), while trained athletes can exceed 24 inches (61 cm).

30s and beyond: Vertical jump typically declines 1-2 inches per decade without training, primarily due to muscle mass loss and reduced power output.

Key Factors Beyond Age

Age is just one factor. Training status, body composition, and genetics all influence vertical jump. Research in the European Journal of Applied Physiology shows that trained older adults can maintain jump heights comparable to untrained younger individuals.

The good news: vertical jump is highly trainable at any age. Consistent plyometric and strength training can offset age-related declines and help you exceed average values for your age group.