What is the Ape Index?

The ape index is a measurement of how your wingspan (aka arm span) compares to your height. It’s believed that most people’s wingspan is equivalent to their height, meaning most people have a neutral ape index or, put another way, an ape index ratio of 1.

What is a positive ape index vs wingspan?

When using the ratio method, a positive ape index is produced with every value larger than 1. A negative ape index gives you a ratio smaller than 1. A more interesting formula to use to find out your height vs wingspan is the following: simply subtract your body height from your arm span.

What is Kevin Lee's Ape Index?

His ape index of 8" is one of the highest in the UFC today. Kevin Lee has a 1" reach advantage over the tallest fighter in his division, James Vick, who stands at 6'3". He also has the same reach as former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez.

Does height affect Ape Index?

However ape index doesn't only take reach into consideration. It compares height to reach. For instance, Alexander Gustafsson has a long reach of 79" but stands at 6'5" tall. If we subtract his height from his reach, we find out has a positive ape index of only 2" despite his long reach. So height is also a critical factor.