When it comes to buying a trampoline, there are so many factors to consider. Size is obviously the most important factor. 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. Some sizes and shapes may not be appropriate for all users or purposes.
Trampoline Sizes By Shape
When comparing trampoline sizes, the first thing you should consider is the trampoline’s shape. 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 affordable, require little space, and can be used by younger children. Their bounce height is very low, so they keep the jumper in center of the jumping area.
Round trampolines come in a variety of sizes: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7ft & 8ft. 10ft. 12ft. 14ft. 15ft. 16ft.
Trampolines of the 3′-6 range, also known as mini trampolines or rebounders, are typically intended for toddlers. Those from 7′-12′ are usually intended for older kids (6-12 years old). Twelve-inch trampolines can be used by multiple jumpers, teenagers and adults.
Rectangular Oval Trampolines
Rectangular trampolines, which are the most expensive, take up the largest amount of space. They offer the greatest bounces, and multiple jumpers can jump simultaneously without interfering. They are more suitable for older children and adults due to their higher jumping potential and the fact they don’t draw jumpers towards the center of a pad.
rectangular trampolines can be purchased in the following sizes: 4x6ft; 7x10ft; 8x14ft; 9x15ft; 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. The smallest size is for toddlers. The next sizes are for children aged 7-13 years. They are recommended to wear one jumper at the time.
Two jumpers can fit in the 9x14ft models. This model is best for children aged 7 and above. 10x17ft is the standard “Olympic” size, often used for gymnastics – this is more for teenagers and adults, but it can also be used by smaller children (no younger than 7) when enclosed with a safety net and under close supervision.
Rectangular trampolines can have a firmer bounce surface. Therefore, children younger than 6 years old might find it difficult to reach high altitudes on their own. However supervision is still necessary.
Oval trampolines come in the same sizes or similar to rectangular trampolines. These are not as common as rectangular trampolines, but their prices are usually somewhere in the middle. Because of their large surface area, they are the safest and keep jumpers closest to the center. For this reason, the age limitations are a little more lenient – but it’s still best not to let kids 6 and under play on trampolines larger than 6ft (on any side).
Who will Use It?
Now that we have a general understanding of the available trampoline sizes, the next step is to determine who the trampoline is for. This is the most important element of the equation. Consider the age of the jumper(s), and the weight limit that you will need.
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. If your children are older, it is best to limit the trampoline size so they can jump freely. This will not only make it less fun, but also increase the chance that your kids will fall off the trampoline.
This can make it difficult to choose the right size. It is not a good idea for your children to outgrow the investment in a matter of years. It’s best to select a trampoline larger for your children, especially when they are nearing the age of growing spurts. Except if you are choosing a trampoline to use with a toddler. Fortunately, these are usually much less expensive and take up very little space.
Likewise, if you intend to hop on your trampoline with your kiddos, you’ll want one that’s safe for the youngsters but can accommodate the weight of adults as well.
Here’s a chart that will help you match your age group with the recommended trampoline size. However, these guidelines may not be appropriate for everyone. You can use your discretion.
Age Trampoline Size 1-3 Mini/Toddler Trampoline – 3ft, 4ft 4-5 Mini or Small – 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, 6ft (4x6ft rectangle) 6-9 Average Size – 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, 12ft (7x10ft, 8x12ft, 9x14ft rectangle) 10-13 Medium-Large – 10ft, 12ft, 14ft, 15ft, 16ft (9x14ft, 10x17ft rectangle) 13+ Large – 12ft, 14ft, 15ft, 16ft (10x17ft or larger rectangle)
Weight Limit
The trampoline is usually larger than the weight limit. However, this doesn’t apply to all models. It all depends on the brand as well as the quality of the 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. Rectangular trampolines tend to have the highest weight limits of all.
Most trampolines are smaller than 8ft in size, with weight limits that range from 55-175lbs to average-sized trampolines (8-12ft) which can carry around 200-375lbs. Trampolines larger than 12ft (12+) can hold 350-500lb.
You should consider purchasing a trampoline that is large enough to hold multiple jumpers, particularly older children and adults. It will be easier to keep it from being overloaded and less likely to collide.
What will it be used for?
You should also consider the reason for purchasing the trampoline. If your goal is to let your children have fun outdoors and do some exercise, a medium-sized trampoline might be the best choice. A toddler trampoline, or small indoor trampoline, is the best choice if you’re looking to help your toddler develop motor skills, balance and coordination, as well as having fun.
Or, if you want to use it for fitness and athletic pursuits, anything from a mini rebounder to a full-sized Olympic rectangular trampoline may be right, depending on your routine and what you’re training for. If your son/daughter wants to be a ballet or gymnast, they will likely choose the former, provided that they are at least 18 years old. You can also opt for a slightly smaller model for younger students.
Even if the trampoline is recreational, it should be large enough to provide plenty of enjoyment for all who use it. The trampolines with larger bounces and more room for acrobatics are better for young children. However, smaller trampolines can be less challenging for younger children.
How Much Space Do you Have?
You don’t need to have enough space for the trampoline in order to enjoy the benefits of all the above.
You’ll need to ensure that there is enough space around your trampoline. In general, it’s best to keep your trampoline a minimum of 8 feet away from any walls or structures. If you can’t manage that, you can always put an enclosure net around your trampoline – but it’s still best to keep at least a few feet of empty space around your trampoline just in case.
You can add 16 feet to the trampoline dimensions to determine the space you require. Add 10 feet to each dimension if you are planning to use a safety net.
And even if you can squeeze a trampoline of your desired size into your yard without compromising safety, keep in mind what it will do to the aesthetic and feel of your yard. Will a trampoline take up half the lawn? Is it going to take up more space? It will mean that the vegetable garden you want to keep in the corner is gone. It could look overbearing or awkward.
Measure the trampoline in your yard and then arrange items around the area. This will allow you to approximate how the trampoline would look in your yard, before you actually buy it.
In Conclusion
It might seem daunting to find the right trampoline size for your needs. However, once you determine who it will be used for, what its purpose is, and how much space there is, it becomes much easier to make the decision. Trampolines can be expensive so it is important to choose one that will continue to provide enjoyment and value for years to come.
I hope this article has made it easier to find the right trampoline size for you. Thanks for reading!