How Does Your Ape Index Compare to Michael Phelps?

 

An ape index is a measure of the ratio of a person's arm span relative to their height. A typical ratio is 1.0   People with a ratio greater than 1.0 have a greater arm span than height.  A ratio less than one indicates a person who is taller than the distance between their outstretched arms.

While learning about the international system of measurements used by scientists, students found the ratio for everyone in the sixth grade class. The data was collected, (in centimeters of course), charted, and analyzed.  Student ratios fell in the range of .96 to 1.02. 

Michael Phelps, world-class swimmer and winner of 23 Olympic medals, has an index of 1.06.  His arm span is 12 cm. longer than his height.