Males (n = 29) and females (n = 34) performed vertical jumps. Jump height was estimated from force platform data using five numerical methods and compared using intraclass correlation ([rho]), and linear and rank regression standard error of estimate ("SEE"). Take-off velocity plus center of mass height at take-off and mechanical work methods were identical ([rho] = 1.000) with small linear ("SEE" < 0.0001 cm) and rank order ("SEE" = 0) error. Integrating acceleration to displacement was nearly identical ([rho] > 0.999), with small linear ("SEE" = 0.1 cm) and rank order ("SEE" < 1) errors compared to the above methods. Take-off velocity ([rho] = 0.517) and flight time ([rho] = 0.573) estimates were less than all other methods and had large linear ("SEE" [greater than or equal to] 2.1 cm) and rank order ("SEE" > 4) errors. Take-off velocity and flight time methods should be avoided due to systematic and random error.