When it comes to buying a trampoline, there are so many factors to consider. Naturally, one of the most important considerations is size. After all, it’s not always easy to tell what size trampoline will be appropriate for your kids, your yard, or your purposes. This article will provide all the information that you need to choose the right size trampoline.
What size trampoline you need will depend on several factors. Namely, the age of the people who will be using it, how much space you have in your yard, and whether it will be used more for athletic or recreation purposes. There may be some sizes or shapes that are not appropriate for everyone.
Trampoline Sizes By Shape
The first thing to consider when looking at trampoline sizes is the shape of the trampoline. It will affect how much space your trampoline takes up in your yard and also how appropriate it is for your age.
So, in this section, I’ll give a brief rundown of the most popular trampoline shapes and their different sizes.
Round Trampolines
Round trampolines are by far the most popular shape and come in the widest range of sizes. They are also the least expensive, take up relatively little space, and are considered the safest bet for younger kids because their bounce height is relatively low and they naturally tend to keep the jumper in the center of the jumping pad.
The typical sizes for round trampolines are 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, 6ft, 7ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 15ft, and 16ft.
Trampolines in the 3′-6′ range (often called mini trampolines or rebounders) are typically designed for toddlers or for use as adult exercise equipment. These trampolines are for older children (between 6 and 12 years old). For multiple jumpers, teens and adults, trampolines 12′-16 are more suitable.
Rectangular Oval Trampolines
Rectangular trampolines tend to be the most expensive and take up most of the space. They offer the largest bounces and permit multiple jumpers to simultaneously jump without interfering. Because they are not inclined to draw the jumper toward center of the pad, rectangular trampolines work well for older children and adults.
Rectangular trampolines come in a variety of sizes: 4x6ft to 7x10ft to 8x14ft to 9x15ft and 10x17ft.
Although rectangular trampolines come in all sizes, they are more suitable for exercise and gymnastics training. However, they are still very popular for leisure activities. For toddlers, the best size is the smallest. The next two sizes up are generally meant for kids about 7-13 years old and are best with only one jumper at a time.
Two jumpers can be accommodated in the 9x14ft model. They are recommended for children 7 years and older. 10x17ft, the standard Olympic size, is most commonly used for gymnastics. But, this can be used by younger children (no lower than 7) when it’s enclosed with safety nets and is under close supervision.
Rectangular trampolines generally have a firmer bounce surface. This means that children younger and lighter than average may have difficulty getting to high altitude. But supervision is still necessary.
Oval trampolines often come in the same size or similar dimensions as rectangular trampolines. Although they are not as common, their prices tend to be comparable to rectangular and round trampolines. They are considered to be the most safe because they have a large jumping surface and keep the people closest to the center. Children under 6 years of age should not be allowed to jump on trampolines over 6 feet in height (on any side).
Who will use it?
After we have a basic understanding of the sizes and uses for trampolines, the next step will be to identify who it is intended for. This is crucial, at the very least, for safety reasons. The key things to consider are the age of the jumper(s) and what kind of weight limit you’ll require.
Age
In general, children under 6 should be limited to trampolines that are 6-foot or smaller, since they tend to have less strength and coordination in those years. A trampoline that is too small for older children will not be able to provide enough space for them to move around. It will make the experience less enjoyable and will increase the chances that they will fall.
It can be difficult to select the right size. This is because you need to think about how things will look in a few years. You don’t want your child to outgrow it in a matter of a few short years. That’s why it’s usually a good idea to err on the larger side when selecting a trampoline for your kids, especially if they’re approaching the age of growth spurts. (Unless you’re choosing a trampoline suitable for toddlers – in which case, they are usually a lower investment and don’t take up much space!
You should also consider safety when you are hopping on your trampoline together with your kids.
This chart will help you match the appropriate trampoline sizes to your age group. Keep in mind, however, that these are general guidelines and may not apply to everyone – it’s ultimately up to your discretion.
Age Trampoline Size 1-3 Mini/Toddler trampoline – 3ft-4ft 4-5 Mini or small – 3ft-4ft/5ft/6ft (4x6ft rectangular) 6-9 Medium-Large: 10ft-12ft 14ft 15ft 15ft (16ft (9x14ft), 9x14ft rectangle). 10-13 Medium-Large: 10ft-12ft 14ft 15ft 15ft (15ft) 13+ Large
Weight Limit
The trampoline is usually larger than the weight limit. But, this isn’t true for all models. It largely depends upon the brand and the quality construction. Most smaller trampolines (especially round ones) are meant for one jumper at a time and have fairly low weight limits. Larger trampolines may have a maximum weight limit and a weight limit per person. The trampolines that are rectangular have the highest weight limits.
The weight limits for smaller trampolines (under 8ft), average-sized trampolines (8-12ft), and larger trampolines (12ft+), are in the 350-500lb to 500lb range.
A large trampoline with a high-weight limit is the best option if you plan to have several jumpers at once, especially older children or adults. This will prevent overloading and minimize the chance of it colliding.
What is it used for?
Another important thing to remember is the purpose of buying the trampoline. A mid-sized trampoline would be a good choice if you want your kids to have a lot of fun and get some exercise. If you want to get your toddler working on developing motor skills, balance, and coordination (or just having fun and wearing themselves out), then a toddler trampoline or small indoor trampoline is probably the best bet.
You can also use it to train for athletics and fitness. If your child is interested in becoming a dancer/gymnast, it’s best to get the latter. You can also opt for a slightly smaller model for younger athletes.
Even if the trampoline is recreational, you want it to be large enough to provide plenty of enjoyment for all who use it. Larger trampolines offer more bounce and are easier to perform acrobatics. Smaller trampolines will pose less challenge for younger children.
How Much Space Do You Have?
Of course, it doesn’t matter how big your trampoline is if you don’t have enough space!
Remember that your trampoline will need adequate space. This must be taken into consideration when measuring your trampoline. It’s best to keep your trampoline at least 8 feet from any structures or walls. If that’s impossible, you could always place an enclosure mesh around your trampoline.
For a rough guide, add 16ft to the trampoline dimensions. If you want to add a safety enclosure net to your trampoline, increase the dimensions by 10 feet (5 feet per side).
It doesn’t matter how big or small you can fit a trampoline into your yard, it won’t compromise safety. How much lawn will a trampoline occupy? Will it mean less space for other activities? What about the vegetable garden you have always wanted to grow in the corner? Will it make you look awkward or excessive?
Measure the trampoline in your yard and then arrange items around the area. The idea is to give yourself an approximation of how the trampoline will actually look in your yard – before you buy it.
In Conclusion
It may seem like a daunting task to find the right size trampoline to suit your needs, but once you figure out who it’s for, how it will be used, and how much space you have to work with, the decision becomes a lot easier. The hardest part of choosing trampolines that will provide value and enjoyment for many years to come is because they are expensive.
I hope you find this article helpful in your search for the perfect trampoline size. Thank you for reading!