# Ape Index Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/sports/ape-index/
Last updated: 2026-10-30

> The ape index calculator compares your arm span (wingspan) with your height, giving the ape index ratio and the difference – a number climbers, swimmers and fighters care about.

## Inputs

- Wingspan (arm span) (cm, m, ft, in)
- Height (cm, m, ft, in)

## Results

- Ape index (ratio)
- Ape index (difference)
- Rating

## Formula

```
Ape index (ratio) = wingspan ÷ height · Difference = wingspan − height
```

## Explanation

Most people's wingspan is about equal to their height (ratio 1.0). A positive ape index – longer arms – gives reach in climbing, swimming, boxing and basketball. Michael Phelps' wingspan exceeds his height by about 8 cm.

### How to use the Ape Index Calculator

- **Wingspan (arm span)**
- **Height**

Results update as you type, every field has its own unit menu, and everything is calculated in your browser.

### How it works

Measure your wingspan fingertip to fingertip with arms outstretched, and your height.

### Tips

- Measure twice and take the average.
- Use the same units for related measurements.
- Everything is calculated in your browser.
- Treat results as estimates, not diagnoses.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Measuring with a slack or stretched tape.
- Comparing yourself with elite athletes too literally.
- Forgetting that technique matters as much as numbers.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterWingspan (arm span)Units: cm, m, ft, inHeightUnits: cm, m, ft, in

### What each result means

- **Ape index (ratio)** = [Wingspan (arm span)]÷[Height]
- **Ape index (difference)** = [Wingspan (arm span)] - [Height]

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Wingspan** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Wingspan (arm span) (cm)Ape index (ratio)900.5141350.7711801.0292251.2862701.5433602.057

## Worked example

Inputs — Wingspan (arm span): 180 cm; Height: 175 cm.

Results — **Ape index (ratio) = 1.029**; Ape index (difference) = 5 cm; Rating = Slightly positive.

## Key terms

- **Wingspan**: Distance between fingertips with arms spread.

## FAQ

**What is a good ape index?**
Above 1.0 (positive) helps in climbing, swimming and combat sports.

**What is the average?**
About 1.0 – wingspan equals height.

**Can I change my ape index?**
No – it is set by bone length, though flexibility can add a little reach.

**How do I measure wingspan?**
Stand against a wall, arms out at shoulder height, and measure fingertip to fingertip.


## Sources

- [Climbing.com – Ape index explained](https://www.climbing.com/)
- [ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription](https://www.acsm.org/education-resources/books/guidelines-exercise-testing-prescription)