What Size Trampoline Should You Get

what size trampoline to get

The number of trampolines available in the market can be overwhelming. If you’re set on finding the perfect trampoline for your needs, then you’ll need to figure out what size trampoline you should get.

A common question people have is which size is trampoline is best for a family? The answer will be different for each family. This depends on a number of factors which we will cover in our guide on choosing the right trampoline size.

How to Know Which Size Trampoline is Best

When determining which trampoline size is best for your family, you will need to consider several different factors. These things include the following:

  • The amount of space available in your yard
  • How many people using the trampoline
  • Who will be using the trampoline
  • How much weight will be on the trampoline
  • What trampoline shape you’re considering

How Much Space Do You Need for a Trampoline?

An essential step to take when figuring out what size trampoline you should get is to figure out how much space you have. Since trampolines can have a diameter of up to 15 ft or 17 ft in length, you’ll need to make sure you have the space to accommodate what you need.

When measuring the space in your yard, several things need to be taken into consideration. Just because you have a large empty area doesn’t mean it’s the right spot to place a trampoline.

The space available in your yard needs to be level, free of branches & fences and should allow a clearance of approximately 5 ft around all sides to provide ample space. With these guidelines, you should be able to determine the maximum size trampoline your yard can accommodate.

For example, if you are looking to buy a round trampoline with a 10 ft diameter, then you need a clear, level area with about 20 ft diameter. If you are looking into an 8 x 12 ft rectangle trampoline, then you need an area of 18 x 22 ft to properly accommodate it.

It is of utmost importance that the designated trampoline space in your yard is flat so the trampoline structure doesn’t become tilted. This creates an unsafe environment for jumpers which is definitely something you want to avoid.

How Many People Will Be Using the Trampoline

The number of people who will be using the trampoline will also be a big determining factor in the size you decide to purchase. You should also think about what shape trampoline you would prefer since this will make a difference on what is suitable for the number of people who will be jumping.

Trampoline Shape

Trampolines are available in four main shapes: round, rectangle, oval, and square. We will go over the general guidelines over what sizes you should pick when looking into these different trampoline shapes.

  • Round – Round trampolines are the most common shape we encounter. These trampolines range anywhere from 8 ft to 15 ft in diameter.

    Diameters of 8 ft to 10 ft are suitable for 1 person at a time. Trampolines with a diameter of 12 ft are suitable for up to two people. The 14 ft to 15 ft trampolines offer a lot of space for 3-4 people to enjoy.

  • Rectangle – Rectangular trampolines are popular for the amount of bounce they provide compared to their round counterparts.

Smaller rectangle trampolines tend to measure around 7 ft by 10 ft and is suited for single person use. 8 ft by 12 ft trampolines can fit up to two younger children up to 12-13 years of age.

Moving up to 9 ft by 14 ft rectangle trampolines, these are great for older teens and adults to enjoy. Finally, the Olympic 10 ft by 17 ft trampoline is great for older kids and adults to enjoy as a family.

  • Oval – Over the last decade, oval trampolines have risen in popularity. They offer an ideal jumping environment for multiple people since they have two “center points” on each side.

8 ft by 11 ft oval trampolines are a great option for two younger children to enjoy or one older teen to use at a time. Another common oval trampoline size is an 8 ft by 13 ft which is suitable for multiple people and family use.

  • Square – Square trampolines are a great option for the family since they don’t provide the extreme bounce that rectangular trampolines tend to have. The bounce, however, is still great and offers tons of fun for everyone.

The 10 ft by 10 ft square trampoline size is great for young family members to enjoy. Large sizes of 14 ft by 14 ft and 16 ft by 16 ft are perfect for the whole family and is a great way to entertain guests of all ages.

Here are a couple extra dedicated posts to trampoline shape comparisons:

Estimated Weight of Those Using the Trampoline

When choosing a trampoline, a more important factor to consider is the weight of those who will be using the trampoline. While some models may be okay for up to 3 people to enjoy, if those 3 people exceed the weight capacity, then only 2 of those people will be able to use the trampoline at the same time.

Every trampoline has its own weight capacity. Make sure to look into what this is to ensure that it will be able to accommodate your family’s needs.

Here are a few great trampolines we’ve reviewed that all have high weight limits.

Who Will Be Using the Trampoline

Think about who will be using the trampoline. Younger children will have different size requirements compared to older teens and adults.

If you are looking for a trampoline for 1 to 2 young children, then smaller trampoline sizes will work just fine. For teens & adults, you should look into sizes above 12 ft.

General guidelines include the following:

  • Measurements of 8 ft and under are recommended for children under 5 years old
  • 10 ft to 12 ft is recommended for children up to 10 years old
  • 12-13+ year-olds should jump on trampolines larger than 12 ft
  • Round & square trampolines are best for families & young children
  • Rectangular trampolines are for more advanced jumpers & older teens
  • Oval trampolines are a great compromise for multiple jumpers with limited space available in the yard

If someone in your family is going to be using the trampoline for gymnastic practice & training, then a rectangular trampoline with a minimum measurement of 9 ft by 14 ft is recommended. This allows enough space to practice flips & tricks with ease.

BTW, there are lots of different things to consider when it comes to buying a trampoline other than size. Shape, safety, and durability make a big part of the decision making process as does the maintenance of the yard around the trampoline. I cover all of this and more in my full guide to buying a trampoline here if you want to give it a read.

What is the Average Trampoline Size?

The average size of a trampoline is a 12 ft diameter. This is a standard size the is suitable for all sorts of ages and can safely accommodate 2-3 people at one time depending on their collective weight.

What is the Largest Trampoline Size?

The largest trampolines sizes available are the following:

  • 10 ft by 23 ft rectangle Galactic Xtreme trampoline
  • 15 ft by 17 ft oval Skywalker SWTC17BWS trampoline
  • 10 ft by 17 ft rectangle AlleyOOP PowerBounce & JumpSport StagedBounce trampolines
  • 16 ft by 24 ft Vikan Goliath octagonal trampoline

These trampolines offer a ton of space for multiple people to enjoy at one time. These trampoline sizes come at large price tags and require a lot of available space in your yard for the proper accommodation.

You may be interested in purchasing the largest trampoline possible if you have a large family, have many people over often who you would like to entertain, or you just want a ton of room to jump for yourself!

Do Large Trampolines Have Higher Weight Limits?

Generally speaking, yes larger trampolines have higher weight limits. This does, however, depend on the trampoline you are considering.

When going through your options, it is important to look into what materials the frame is made of as well as the suggested weight capacity. Some larger trampolines can have a lower weight capacity if the frame is not built as sturdy.

How High Off the Ground is a Trampoline?

Smaller trampolines sizes (8 ft) tend to be approximately 2 ft off the ground. Larger trampolines will sit at around 3 ft above the ground.

If you’re worried about jumpers falling off the trampoline, then consider purchasing a model that has protective netting included. This netting will be a great way to ensure jumpers are redirected towards the middle of the trampoline if they happen to get out of control.

You can choose to have your trampoline grounded so that it sits at ground level if you would like. This way you won’t have to worry about people falling off and you can simply cover the area with a grass mat when it’s not in use.

Grounding your trampoline is an option that you should take the time to consider since it will be an additional cost and cannot easily be undone.

So What is the Best Size Trampoline?

Choosing the right trampoline for your family can be a tough decision to make. Hopefully, our guidelines and suggestions will help make the process a bit easier for you.

Bigger trampolines don’t always mean better. Think about what your preferences are, what you plan on using the trampoline for, and always make sure the space provided is safe & level when you make your trampoline purchase.

Trampolines are supposed to provide you & your loved ones with years of enjoyment. When you take the time to consider what the ideal size is for your circumstances, you will be more than happy you did.