Free tool, no account
Effective Heel Height Calculator: Platform and Rise
Compare two shoes using the rear heel height, front platform and horizontal run you measure. See the effective rise and the geometric angle, with an interval for reading error. A tall platform and a tall heel are kept separate; the result does not rate comfort or predict body height.
A profile, not a comfort score
Results stay on this device. Starting values are fictional examples.
Worked example
| Shoe | Rear heel | Front platform | Effective rise | Rise in inches | Geometric angle (°) | Low rise | High rise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 9 | 2 | 7 | 2.7559055118110236 | 25.016893478100023 | 6.800000000000001 | 7.199999999999999 |
| B | 7 | 0 | 7 | 2.7559055118110236 | 25.016893478100023 | 6.800000000000001 | 7.1 |
How to use it
Replace the example with your values and check units. Results update as you edit. Keep a scenario to compare, then export a file; this tool’s JSON can restore your inputs.
Worked example
A rear heel of 9 cm and front platform of 2 cm give 7 cm effective rise, the same as a 7 cm heel with no platform. With a measured horizontal run of 15 cm, the geometric angle is about 25.01689 degrees.
Method and sources
Effective rise is rear vertical heel height minus front platform height. The geometric angle is arctangent of effective rise divided by the measured horizontal heel-to-forefoot run. This is not the diagonal length of the sole or the full foot length. One inch equals exactly 2.54 cm. The uncertainty interval combines the two height readings conservatively.
Sources checked October 28, 2026.
Starting values are a fictional example. The method and limits below describe what is actually calculated.
Who it is for, and limits
A measurement notebook for comparing footwear geometry. The model does not measure arch support, toe pressure, balance, material compression, walking comfort or medical suitability. Negative rise is allowed and simply means the front platform is higher than the rear measurement. It cannot turn heel height into a reliable increase in standing height.
Common questions
Is the angle a comfort score?
The angle is geometry only. It does not account for the fit, support, material or the person wearing the shoe.
Where do I measure the run?
Use the horizontal distance between the relevant rear and forefoot contact points. A diagonal sole length or full foot length gives a different angle.
Does a platform reduce effective rise?
The front platform height is subtracted from the rear heel height. It does not remove other effects of the shoe construction.
Where do my inputs go?
They stay on this page. An explicit export keeps data in your chosen file; nothing is saved automatically.
Can I compare and restore a scenario?
Compare keeps up to three scenarios during this session. The JSON download lets you restore a scenario after closing.