There are many things to take into consideration when buying a trampoline. 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. So this article will cover all the information you need to find the perfect size trampoline for you.
There are many factors that will determine the size trampoline that you need. 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
When comparing trampoline sizes, the first thing you should consider is the trampoline’s shape. The shape will not only determine how much space the trampoline ultimately takes up in your yard, but it also makes a difference for what you’re using it for and how age-appropriate it may be.
So, in this section, I’ll give a brief rundown of the most popular trampoline shapes and their different sizes.
Round Trampolines
The most popular form of trampoline is the round one. They also come in a wide 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.
The trampolines of the 3′-6 range, also known as mini trampolines or rebounders, are intended for children under 6 years old. They can also be used for adult exercise. These trampolines are for older kids (between 6-12 years). Twelve-inch trampolines can be used by multiple jumpers, teenagers and adults.
Rectangular Oval Trampolines
Rectangular trampolines are typically the most expensive and take up the most actual space. They offer the largest bounces and permit multiple jumpers to simultaneously jump without interfering. They are more suitable for older kids and adults due to their higher jumping potential and the fact they don’t draw jumpers towards the center of a pad.
These are the most popular sizes for rectangular trampolines: 6ft, 7x10ft. 14ft. 15ft. 17ft.
Rectangular trampolines of all sizes are generally more geared toward exercise and gymnastics training, but they’re still highly popular for simple recreation. The best size for toddlers would be the smallest. The next sizes are for children aged 7-13 years. They are recommended to wear one jumper at the time.
The 9x14ft models can typically accommodate two jumpers. 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 more solid bounce surface. Therefore, children younger and lighter than average may not be able to reach high altitudes on their own. However supervision is still required.
Oval trampolines can be found in the same sizes as rectangular trampolines. Although they are not as common, their prices tend to be comparable to rectangular and round trampolines. These are considered the most safe because they offer a large area and keep the jumpers near the center. Although the age limits are more flexible, it’s best not to allow children younger than 6 years old to play on trampolines with a height of 6 feet (on any side).
Who will Use it?
Once we have an understanding of the sizes available, it is time to decide who the trampoline belongs to. 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
As children grow older, trampolines should be kept to a minimum of 6 feet. Children younger than 6 years old tend to have less coordination and strength. You don’t want your older kids to have too much space on the trampoline. It will reduce the enjoyment of the trampoline and increase their likelihood of falling off, especially if the trampoline is too small.
This is a tricky part of choosing the right size. You’ll need to consider how your investment will hold up in the future. You don’t want your child to outgrow it in a few short years. It is a good idea, especially for kids who are approaching the age where they will be growing rapidly, to choose a trampoline that is larger than you would normally. (Unless you’re choosing a trampoline that’s suitable for toddlers – those require a lower investment and take up less space).
The same goes for trampolines that you will use with children. You want one that is safe for them but also can hold the weight of adults.
Here is a little table to match the trampoline sizes recommended for each age group. Remember that these are guidelines and may not work for everyone. It is up to you to make your own decision.
Age Trampoline Size 1-3 Mini/ToddlerTrampoline – 3ft to 4ft 4-5 Small or Mini – 4ft to 5ft to 6ft (4x6ft rectangular) 6-9 Large – 10ft to 12ft and 14ft respectively (9x10ft and 8x12ft rectangles) 10-13 Medium-Large– 12ft to 14ft; 15ft to 16ft (9x14ft and 10x17ft), 15ft or larger rectangles)
Weight Limit
The trampoline is usually larger than the weight limit. But, this is not true for all trampolines. It all depends on which brand they are and how well constructed they are. Most trampolines, especially the round ones are designed for one person. They also have low weight limits. Larger trampolines may have a maximum weight limit and a weight limit per person. Rectangular trampolines have the highest weight limits.
In most cases, smaller trampolines (under 8ft) have weight limits ranging from 55-175lbs, average-sized trampolines (8-12ft) can handle around 200-375lbs, and larger trampolines (12ft+) have weight limits in the 350-500lb range.
To avoid collisions and overloading, a trampoline of large weight is best if there are multiple people jumping at once.
What will it be used for?
Another important consideration is the purpose behind getting the trampoline. If you just want your kids to have fun outdoors and get a little exercise while they’re at it, a mid-size trampoline should suit you just fine. You can use a small indoor trampoline for toddlers to teach them motor skills and balance.
You can use it for your fitness and athletic pursuits. A mini rebounder, full-sized Olympic rectangular trampoline or a full-sized Olympic rectangle trampoline might be suitable depending on what you do and how you train. You can choose to have your child become a dancer, or a gymnast, but they must be at least eighteen years old. For younger athletes, you can always opt for a smaller model.
Even if it’s recreational, you should choose a size that is safe and fun for all those who will be using it. Larger trampolines are more stable and allow for more acrobatics. While smaller trampolines pose less difficulty to younger children, they offer greater bounces and provide more room to perform aerials.
How much space do You have?
All of this doesn’t matter if there isn’t enough space in your yard to accommodate the trampoline.
It’s important to remember that you’ll need to provide adequate space around your trampoline, which you’ll need to factor into your measurements. Your trampoline should be at least 8 feet away from any buildings or walls. You can put an enclosure net around the trampoline, but this will not prevent you from having to move it further than 8 feet away from any structures or walls.
To figure out how much space is needed, you can add 16ft to each trampoline dimension – 8ft for all sides. For safety enclosure nets, you can add 10ft to the dimensions (each side).
While you may be able to fit a trampoline that is the right size in your yard without having to compromise safety, think about how it will impact your yard’s appearance and feel. A trampoline will take up half your lawn. It will take up half the lawn, which could mean less room for other activities. Is it going to mean you lose the place you wanted to have a vegetable garden in? It will be awkward or too much?
If you can, it’s a good idea to measure out the dimensions of the trampoline you want in the intended space in your yard, then arrange objects along the edges of the measured space – lawn chairs, garden stakes, tiki torches, or whatever you have on hand. Before you buy a trampoline, it is important that you have an idea of how it will look in your yard.
Final Conclusion
Although it may seem daunting to choose the right size trampoline for you, once you know who it is for, what it will be used for and how much space it will take up, it becomes much easier. Trampolines can be expensive so it is important to choose one that will continue to provide enjoyment and value for many years.
I hope this article made your search easier for the right size trampoline. Thanks for reading!