Ape Index
Wingspan Calculator
Calculate your ape index — your wingspan-to-height ratio. Compare to NBA players, estimate your wingspan from height, or reverse it. The metric looksmaxxers and sports scientists both track.
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Ape Index Calculator
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Ape Index Brackets
<0.96
Below average
Height exceeds wingspan. Common and normal — no biomechanical disadvantage in most activities.
0.96–1.04
Average
Wingspan roughly equals height. The most common ratio — matches the Vitruvian-Man ideal.
1.04–1.07
Above average
Longer arms than height. Advantageous in swimming, climbing, and basketball defense.
1.07–1.15
Elite
NBA / Olympic-tier ratio. Rare in the general population. Significant reach advantage.
>1.15
Exceptional
Extremely rare. Double-check measurements — ratios above 1.15 are uncommon outside medical records.
Notable Ape Indexes
Tap any athlete to load their measurements into the calculator. Sources: NBA combine official measurements; press records for Phelps and Ronaldo.
How to measure your wingspan
- 1Stand against a flat wall with your arms extended horizontally at shoulder height, palms forward.
- 2Have a partner mark the wall at each middle fingertip. Alternatively, use tape on the floor and measure lying down.
- 3Measure the distance between the marks. That's your wingspan.
Looksmaxxing framing: the community codes ape index >1.05 as a positive physical trait. This reflects frame and proportions — not a clinical designation. Take it as context, not gospel.
Frequently asked
Ape index questions.
What is the ape index?
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The ape index is the ratio of your wingspan (fingertip to fingertip with arms extended) to your height. A ratio of 1.0 means wingspan equals height — the 'Vitruvian Man' proportion. Ratios above 1.0 mean your arms are longer than you are tall; below 1.0 means your height exceeds your reach. Most people fall in the 0.97–1.03 range.
What is a good ape index?
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For general population, 1.0 is average. Ratios above 1.04 are above average. Elite athletes often have ratios of 1.05–1.10+. Kawhi Leonard's 1.10 ape index is considered one of the highest in the NBA. In the looksmaxxing community, anything above 1.05 is coded as a positive physical trait — though this framing is community-based, not clinical.
How do you measure your wingspan?
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Stand against a flat wall and extend both arms horizontally at shoulder height, palms forward. Have a partner mark the wall at your middle fingertips and measure between the marks. Alternatively, tape a measuring tape to the floor, lie down with arms extended, and measure fingertip to fingertip. The key is to keep arms level and fully extended.
What was Michael Phelps's ape index?
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Michael Phelps has a wingspan of approximately 6'7" (79 inches) on a 6'4" (76 inch) frame — giving an ape index of about 1.039. His ~3 inch wingspan advantage is widely cited as a biomechanical factor in swimming. However, sports scientists note that his unusually long torso and shorter legs are equally important for his swimming dominance.
Does ape index matter for sports?
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Yes, in reach-dependent sports. In basketball, a longer wingspan means more defensive coverage, higher block/steal rates, and greater shot difficulty against you. In swimming, extra reach extends pull distance. In boxing and MMA, longer reach improves striking range. Ape index is one factor in athletic potential — but technique, training, and other physical traits are equally or more important.