40-Yard Dash

Performance Standards

Percentile	Time
Top 1%	4.67 s
Top 5%	4.84 s
Top 10%	5.05 s
Top 25%	5.67 s
Top 50%	6.72 s
Top 75%	7.76 s
Top 90%	8.38 s

Standards for Male, age 30 (30-39 age group). Times are derived from the same linear scoring equation used on training results.

How to Perform the 40-Yard Dash

Sprint 40 yards as fast as possible from a standing or three-point stance. Drive out with explosive acceleration, maintain speed through the middle, and finish strong. Every hundredth of a second counts. Focus on powerful leg drive, quick arm swing, and maintaining form throughout the entire distance.

Use a powerful start—drive out low and accelerate quickly.
Maintain maximum speed through the middle portion of the dash.
Finish strong—don't slow down before the finish line.
Practice your start technique to shave off valuable time.

1. Measurement + Preliminary Score

Your 40-yard dash is measured in seconds from the start signal to crossing the finish line. A preliminary score is generated with the linear equation y = mx + b, where x is your time (seconds), and m is set so the best estimated time for your age range and gender maps to 100 points. Since faster times score higher, the slope (m) is negative. For male ages 30-39, the estimated best time is 4.63 seconds (100 points) and worst time is 8.8 seconds (0 points), so m = -23.99 and b = 211.09.

y = mx + b Chart (Example)

Example uses male 30-39 best = 4.63 seconds (100 points), worst = 8.8 seconds (0 points). Score = (-23.99 × seconds) + 211.09.

40-Yard Dash (seconds)	Preliminary Score (y)
8.80	0
7.76	25
6.71	50
5.67	75
4.63	100

Linear Equation: y = -23.99x + 211.09

2. Final Score Calculation

The final score uses a curved calculation that heavily favors new athletes and makes reaching 100 extremely challenging even for exceptional performers. The curve is designed to provide significant scoring boosts at lower performance levels, encouraging participation and improvement. However, achieving the maximum score of 100 requires near-perfect performance across multiple attempts. The formula applies a power curve: Final Score = 100 × (Preliminary Score / 100)^0.45

Curved Score Chart (Example)

The curve is highly favorable for new athletes, making lower scores much easier to achieve. Exceptional athletes will struggle to reach 100.

Preliminary Score	Final Score
0	0.0
20	48.5
40	66.2
60	79.5
80	90.4
90	95.4
95	97.7
98	99.1
100	100.0

Curved Score: y = 100 × (x/100)^0.45