Ape Index
Calculate ape index (wingspan minus height). Sport advantage analysis, percentile, ratio. Climbing, swimming, basketball.
Preset Scenarios
Screenshot Summary
Your ape index of 0" (ratio 1) places you in the 40th percentile. Your proportions are near average.
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
Answer Capsule
Ape index = wingspan ÷ height. 1.0 = neutral (Vitruvian Man). 1.05+ = advantage in climbing, swimming, boxing, basketball. Michael Phelps 1.052, Jon Jones 84.5" reach. Average person ~1.0.
📋 Key Takeaways
- • Ape index = Wingspan ÷ Height. Ratio 1.0 = neutral. Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man = perfect 1.0
- • 1.05+ advantage in climbing, swimming, boxing, basketball. Michael Phelps 1.052, Shaq 1.071, Jordan 1.064
- • Jon Jones has 84.5" reach, one of the longest in MMA history. Phelps wingspan 6'7" at 6'4" height
- • Average person has neutral ape index ~1.0. +4" or more is top ~10% of population
💡 Did You Know?
📖 How It Works
Ape Index (Ratio)
Wingspan ÷ Height. 1.0 = arms equal height. >1.0 = arms longer. <1.0 = arms shorter. Same units (inches or cm) for both.
Ape Index (Difference)
Wingspan − Height in inches. +2" means arms 2" longer than height. Commonly used in climbing and combat sports.
Sport Advantage
Higher ape index benefits climbing (reach), swimming (stroke length), basketball (rebounds, blocks), boxing (reach). Running: minimal impact.
🎯 Expert Tips
🧗 Climbing
+2" or more ideal. Longer reach = more holds accessible. Elite climbers often +3" to +6".
🏊 Swimming
Positive ape index extends stroke. Phelps 1.052. Even +1" helps. Arm length affects pull phase.
🏀 Basketball
+3" or more for rebounding, blocks. Shaq 1.071, Jordan 1.064. Wingspan matters for defense.
🥊 Boxing/MMA
Reach = key. Jon Jones 84.5". Ali 1.037. Positive ape index = jab range advantage.
⚖️ Sport Suitability by Ape Index
| Sport | Neutral (1.0) | +2" (1.03) | +4" (1.06) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climbing | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Swimming | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Basketball | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Boxing | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
📊 Ape Index by the Numbers
📚 Official Sources
⚠️ Disclaimer: Ape index is one factor among many. Sport success depends on technique, training, and other physical traits. Measurements should be taken with arms parallel to floor. Results are estimates.