Jump Height From Flight Time Calculator
Convert total airborne time into jump height (h = g x t2 / 8) or work backwards from height to flight time, for jump mats, timer apps and force-plate users.
Results
- Jump height
- 37.1 cm
- h = g x t2 / 8, where t is total flight time
- Takeoff velocity
- 2.7 m/s
- v = sqrt(2 x g x h), equivalent to g x t / 2
- Athlete percentile
- ~P26
- P25-P50 · combined-athlete CMJ norms
Flight-time reference (jump mat / timer)
| Flight time | Jump height | Takeoff velocity |
|---|---|---|
| 0.3 s | 11 cm | 1.47 m/s |
| 0.35 s | 15 cm | 1.72 m/s |
| 0.4 s | 19.6 cm | 1.96 m/s |
| 0.45 s | 24.8 cm | 2.21 m/s |
| 0.5 s | 30.7 cm | 2.45 m/s |
| 0.55 s | 37.1 cm | 2.7 m/s |
| 0.6 s | 44.1 cm | 2.94 m/s |
| 0.65 s | 51.8 cm | 3.19 m/s |
| 0.7 s | 60.1 cm | 3.43 m/s |
| 0.75 s | 69 cm | 3.68 m/s |
| 0.8 s | 78.5 cm | 3.92 m/s |
How it works & limitations
The physics
Total flight time is split equally between ascent and descent. Height = 0.5 x g x (t/2)2, which simplifies to h = g x t2 / 8 with g = 9.81 m/s2 and t = total flight time in seconds. Working backwards, t = sqrt(8h / g). Takeoff velocity follows directly: v = sqrt(2 x g x h) = g x t / 2.
When it is accurate
The equation assumes the center of mass returns to the same position at landing as at takeoff. If an athlete lands with more knee or hip bend than they left with, the flight-time method overestimates jump height. This method is standard for countermovement jumps measured on mats and force plates; keep the same landing instruction every test.
Percentile and power notes
The percentile compares your height against Plyomat athlete CMJ norms; it is a reference, not a grade, and general populations usually rank lower. Power equations (Sayers, Harman, Lewis) are regression estimates with typical 5-10% error versus force plates - use one equation consistently when tracking.
Sources
Last updated 2026-08-13
- Moir, G. (2008). Three different methods of calculating vertical jump height from force platform data in men and women. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 22(1), 202-208.
- Sayers, S. P., et al. (1999). Cross-validation of three jump power equations. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 31(4), 572-577.
- Effect of landing posture on jump height calculated from flight time. (2020). Applied Sciences, 10(3), 776.
- Plyomat. Vertical Jump Norms (per-athlete bests, 2026).
The result is only as valid as the measurement. Use the same equipment, protocol and landing instruction every time you test.
Frequently asked questions
Why is jump height calculated as g x t2 / 8?
Flight time is split equally between the ascent and descent phases. Since height = 0.5 x g x (t/2)2, the expression simplifies to g x t2 / 8. It assumes the takeoff and landing positions of the center of mass are the same.
Does landing posture affect flight-time jump height?
Yes. If an athlete lands with more knee and hip bend than they took off from, the center of mass drops during flight and the flight-time method overestimates jump height. Keep landing posture similar to takeoff posture for valid results.