What this calculator does
The Dunk Calculator estimates how close you are to being able to dunk a basketball by comparing your maximum reach at the top of your jump to the height of the rim.
How the calculation works
Your max reach at peak jump is your standing reach plus your vertical jump. Clearance above the rim is that max reach minus the rim height (a standard hoop is 10 feet, or 120 inches). Because you also need enough room for the ball and your hand to pass above the rim, a rough rule of thumb is that you need roughly 6-9 extra inches of clearance beyond just touching the rim for a comfortable dunk, which is reflected in the ‘Clearance for Ball to Clear Rim’ figure.
This is a simplified estimate for general fun and training-planning purposes; actual dunking ability also depends on timing, ball handling, hand size, and approach speed, and isn’t purely determined by reach and jump height.