The size is one of the first things shoppers consider when in search of a trampoline. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, really, as this dictates the amount of space the equipment will take up in your property. It’s just natural to think hard about how big you should go for yard additions of this sort, so you can easily find a spot for it and still have enough outdoor area for other things.

What you should know, though, is that picking the size of your trampoline shouldn’t just hinge on the size of your backyard. There are other factors that can help you decide how big or small you should go and some of which are detailed below.

Things To Consider about the Sizes of Trampolines

Why are you jumping?

There are lots of reasons why you might be interested in getting a trampoline. These three are the most common:

For Leisure and Recreation

A lot of households buy trampolines to have exciting outdoor equipment in their backyards. They’re also often bought for kids so they can spend time outdoors and have something to play with within the warmer months.

For Training

Trampolines are also often used by athletes for training. Gymnasts, divers, and freestyle skiers find trampolines useful in honing their skills for their chosen competitions. Aspiring acrobats also find this equipment essential to perfect and learn new routines.

For Exercise

Bouncing on trampolines is also a great exercise. 10 minutes on this equipment is already as beneficial as 30 minutes on the treadmill. It also offers a low-impact cardio exercise, so if you have weak knees and joints, it can be a great alternative to running and other strenuous physical activities.

The size of your trampoline should depend on the very reason why you want a trampoline. Different purposes have their own suitable trampoline size and even shape, so it’s important to consider its actual purpose before you purchase one.

Who’s jumping?

Different users also require various sizes of trampolines. This is usually the primary consideration many shoppers have when choosing the appropriate size as knowing who the user is can help determine how big the jumping area is needed and how sturdy the unit should be.

If you know who’s going to use the trampoline you’re planning to buy, here’s a quick guide on the ideal sizes for different jumpers:

8’ Trampoline

Its small size makes it ideal for small kids. You’ll often find trampolines in this size to have low clearance, making them easier for kids to climb in and out of.

10’ Trampoline

Bigger kids can already have a blast with this trampoline size. If you have two small kids and a small garden, this size can already do the trick for you.

12’ Trampoline

This size is one of the more popular trampoline sizes as it already offers ample jumping space for a few kids. This size also often has higher weight limits so a young family can already enjoy spending time here.

14’ Trampoline

This is already a great size for families with parents who like to get in on the fun or those with bigger kids. It will take a lot of space on your property, though, so make sure to allocate ample room for it.

15’ and 16’ Trampoline

These are some of the largest sizes of trampolines that you can easily get nowadays. They’re great for those who want to spend time with friends and loved ones outdoors. They’re also ideal for adults and those who want to practice their acrobatic skills at home.

How much space do you have?

With so many different sizes to choose from, you can be assured that if you want a big trampoline, you’ll be able to find one. A bigger concern should be how much space you have in your backyard.

It’s very easy to choose a large trampoline as it is deemed to be a safer option than a small one. However, if you don’t have a large property, you can’t really opt for the biggest sizes. Also keep in mind that there are different trampoline shapes to choose from as well, and square and rectangular ones will be bigger than round ones.

As a rule, you’ll need about 1.5 meters of horizontal clearance all around the trampoline if you want to ensure the safety of the jumpers. Choosing a good spot in your outdoor space is essential as well. It should be away from any branches, landscaping, open areas, trenches, structures, furnishings, or debris. These will guarantee that they won’t hit anything as they bounce and if the unit topples, they won’t land on anything that can hurt them seriously.

How much is your budget?

The sizes of trampolines have a direct relation with their components, which can, in turn, affect their price. This is why your budget can also be an important factor in deciding how big to go.

As you would expect, larger trampolines are more expensive than smaller ones. However, their weight capacity, design, and quality can also factor in the pricing, so you should really expect them to cost a decent amount of money. If you’re also after a trampoline that is designed for professional training, you should allot more money for it.

However, do not think that an expensive trampoline is the best option. There are still a good amount of affordable units in the market today. There may be some compromises that you have to make, but if they’re made with great quality, in the right size for your needs, and safe to use, they can already be the best picks for you.

Safety Considerations

Aside from answering these four questions, you should also take into consideration a few safety tips. Typically, the bigger the trampoline is, the safer it is. This is mostly because larger trampolines are designed to be more suitable for heavier users, so you can be sure that they will be able to hold up more weight than other sizes. 

Experts also recommend only allow one jumper in the trampoline at a time, especially for small sized units. This way, jumpers won’t bump into each other and get hurt through the collision. While larger trampolines can accommodate more jumpers, it’s best to only allow small kids to jump in together and never let the trampoline get crowded.

Final Verdict

Different sizes of trampolines suit various situations, purposes, and households so choosing the appropriate one is essential if you want to make the most out of the equipment. The size may just be one of the things you need to look into when shopping for the perfect trampoline, but since it plays a major role in how much fun you can get, you need to choose carefully. Hopefully, the list above gives you a good idea of what you need, so you can easily find your perfect match.