Enter your height (and optionally select sex) into the calculator to estimate standing reach. The result is an estimate based on a height-based regression model.
Standing Reach Formula
The following regression equations estimate standing reach (SR) from height (H). Both values must be in centimeters for the equations to produce correct results.
| Sex | Equation (cm) |
|---|---|
| Male | SR = 1.40 x H + 11.22 |
| Female | SR = 1.22 x H + 33.34 |
| Average (unspecified) | SR = 1.46 x H + 0.02 |
Where SR = estimated standing reach in cm and H = height in cm. These equations are derived from published anthropometric regression studies (commonly cited as Sikary et al., 2019). The calculator above handles all unit conversions internally.
Standing Reach by Height Reference Table
The table below shows estimated standing reach values for common heights using the average (sex-unspecified) equation. Select "Male" or "Female" in the calculator above for sex-adjusted estimates.
| Height | Height (cm) | Est. Standing Reach | Reach-to-Height Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5'0" (60 in) | 152.4 | 222.5 cm / 7'3.6" | 1.46 |
| 5'4" (64 in) | 162.6 | 237.4 cm / 7'9.5" | 1.46 |
| 5'6" (66 in) | 167.6 | 244.7 cm / 8'0.3" | 1.46 |
| 5'8" (68 in) | 172.7 | 252.2 cm / 8'3.3" | 1.46 |
| 5'10" (70 in) | 177.8 | 259.6 cm / 8'6.2" | 1.46 |
| 6'0" (72 in) | 182.9 | 267.1 cm / 8'9.1" | 1.46 |
| 6'2" (74 in) | 188.0 | 274.5 cm / 9'0.1" | 1.46 |
| 6'4" (76 in) | 193.0 | 281.8 cm / 9'2.9" | 1.46 |
| 6'6" (78 in) | 198.1 | 289.3 cm / 9'5.9" | 1.46 |
| 6'8" (80 in) | 203.2 | 296.7 cm / 9'8.8" | 1.46 |
| 6'10" (82 in) | 208.3 | 304.1 cm / 9'11.7" | 1.46 |
Reach-to-Height Ratio
The reach-to-height ratio measures how a person's standing reach compares to their height. For the general population, this ratio averages around 1.24 to 1.33 depending on the measurement protocol (one arm vs. both arms overhead). Among NBA Draft Combine participants, nearly 50% fall between 1.32 and 1.35, with a median of roughly 1.335. A 6'0" NBA prospect with a 1.335 ratio would have a standing reach near 8'0". Players with longer arms relative to their torso, such as many wing defenders, often exceed 1.35.
The regression model used in the calculator above produces a ratio of approximately 1.46 for the average equation because it models maximal one-arm overhead reach, which includes full fingertip extension. Actual measured ratios vary by protocol, arm proportions, and shoulder mobility.
How to Measure Standing Reach
To measure standing reach directly rather than estimating from height:
- Stand sideways next to a wall with feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
- Extend the arm closest to the wall straight overhead as high as possible. Keep the shoulder pressed down and the opposite arm at your side.
- Mark the wall at the highest point your fingertips touch (chalk or tape works well).
- Measure the vertical distance from the floor to the mark. That distance is your standing reach.
Common sources of measurement error include rising onto the toes, tilting the torso, or not fully extending the fingers. The NBA Draft Combine uses a standardized protocol with a Vertec device to ensure consistency.
Factors That Affect Standing Reach
Height is the strongest predictor, but several other variables cause individual standing reach to deviate from regression estimates:
| Factor | Effect on Standing Reach |
|---|---|
| Arm length relative to torso | Longer arms increase reach beyond what height alone predicts. Two people at the same height can differ by 3 to 5 inches in reach. |
| Shoulder width and position | Broader, higher-set shoulders raise the starting point of the arm, adding to overhead reach. |
| Hand and finger length | Longer fingers add directly to the measured value. NBA combine records include hand measurements for this reason. |
| Shoulder and thoracic mobility | Greater overhead flexibility allows fuller arm extension. Tight shoulders can reduce measured reach by 1 to 2 inches. |
| Sex | Males tend to have proportionally longer arms and broader shoulders relative to height, producing a higher reach-to-height ratio on average. |
Standing Reach in Basketball
Standing reach is one of the core anthropometric measurements recorded at the NBA Draft Combine each year. It matters because a longer standing reach at the same height means a player can contest shots, finish at the rim, and rebound more effectively without needing as much vertical leap.
| NBA Combine Record / Benchmark | Value |
|---|---|
| All-time combine standing reach record | 10 ft 2.5 in (Tacko Fall, 2019) |
| Typical NBA center standing reach | ~9 ft 0 in to 9 ft 6 in |
| Typical NBA point guard standing reach | ~8 ft 0 in to 8 ft 4 in |
| Median combine reach-to-height ratio | 1.335 |
Scouts compare a player's actual standing reach against the expected value for their height and position. A player who exceeds expectations, like a 6'4" guard with an 8'9" reach, is considered to play bigger than their listed height. A below-average ratio can flag a player as undersized for their position despite adequate height.
Standing Reach in Volleyball
Volleyball uses three related reach measurements, each building on the previous one:
| Measurement | Description | Typical HS Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standing reach | Both arms overhead, feet flat on floor (blocking stance) | ~7 ft 0 in |
| Block jump reach | Two-foot jump from blocking stance, both arms up | ~8 ft 6 in |
| Spike approach reach | Full approach jump, one arm extended at peak | ~9 ft 0 in+ |
For middle blockers, standing reach is particularly important because it determines how much of the net they cover before they even leave the ground. A middle blocker at 6'0" with a 7'6" standing reach already has their hands above the standard 7'4" women's net height while flat-footed, giving them a timing advantage on quick sets.
Standing Reach vs. Wingspan
Standing reach and wingspan are related but measure different things. Wingspan (arm span) is the horizontal distance from fingertip to fingertip with both arms extended to the sides. Standing reach is the vertical distance from the floor to the fingertips with one arm extended overhead. A person with a 6'6" wingspan does not necessarily have a proportionally high standing reach because reach also depends on shoulder height, torso length, and overhead mobility. In the NBA combine dataset, wingspan and standing reach correlate strongly (r > 0.90), but individual deviations of 2 to 4 inches from the expected value are common.
Example Calculation
A male athlete measures 180 cm (5'11") tall. Using the male equation:
SR = 1.40 x 180 + 11.22 = 263.22 cm (103.6 in, or about 8'7.6")
This gives a reach-to-height ratio of 263.22 / 180 = 1.46, consistent with the regression model. If this athlete's actual measured standing reach were 258 cm (about 8'5.5"), that would indicate shorter-than-average arms or limited shoulder mobility relative to his height.
