Measure Trampoline Size Correctly – The Complete Guide

Knowing the exact size of your trampoline is essential for safety, maintenance, and finding the right accessories. With a few simple steps and a tape measure, you can accurately determine your trampoline's dimensions.

Measuring trampoline size ensures you order the correct replacement parts, calculate yard spacing needs, and sell or transport it properly.

Things You'll Need to Measure Trampoline Size

To measure a trampoline, you will need:

• Tape measure
• Helper to hold the other end of the tape measure (optional)
• Pen and paper to record measurements

Using a quality steel tape measure ensures accuracy. Having an extra set of hands to help can make positioning the tape measure easier across larger trampolines.

Measuring a Round Trampoline

For round trampolines, the key measurement is the diameter - the distance across the center from one edge to the opposite edge.

Follow these steps:

1. Place the end of the tape measure at the outer edge of the trampoline mat.
2. Stretch the tape across the center of the trampoline to the opposite outer edge.
3. Read the measurement at the tape's end to determine the diameter.
4. Perform this measurement 2-3 times and average the results for the most accuracy.

This straightforward process provides the circular dimension of round trampolines. Taking multiple measurements and averaging minimizes human error.

Measuring an Oval Trampoline

Oval trampolines require a slightly different approach to get the length and width:

1. Place the tape across the center width-wise and record the length.
2. Stretch the tape across the center length-wise to measure the width.
3. Average these two measurements to calculate the oval's overall dimensions.

Avoid relying on just one measurement, as it likely won't capture the full size. Averaging the length and width provides the true oval size.

Measuring Octagonal Trampolines

Octagonal trampolines have eight straight sides requiring multiple measurements:

1. Start at an outer edge and measure across the center to the opposite edge.
2. Repeat this process around all eight sides, recording each measurement.
3. Average all eight diameters together to determine the overall size.

Taking a diameter on every side accounts for any slight size variances. Averaging all eight provides the true octagonal dimensions.

Measuring Rectangular Trampolines

For rectangular or square trampolines:

1. Measure across the center length-wise to determine length.
2. Stretch the tape across the width at the center to measure width.
3. Use length x width to calculate the total square footage.

This two-measurement approach provides the accurate rectangular size. Multiplying them gives the total footprint.

Measuring Other Shapes

For unique or irregularly shaped trampolines:

1. Identify the basic shape - circle, oval, polygon, etc.
2. Take multiple measurements according to the shape's geometry.
3. Average the measurements to determine overall size.

Categorizing the shape lets you follow the proper technique above. Multiple center dimensions ensure you capture any anomalies or irregularities.

Verifying Manufacturing Size

When purchasing a new trampoline, always measure it yourself before first use rather than relying solely on the listed manufacturing size. Reasons include:

• Production defects may cause inaccurate sizing.
• Packaging and shipping can warp measurements.
• Sizing standards may vary between brands.

Measuring a new trampoline verifies you received the correct dimensions. This avoids safety issues or needing to exchange a incorrectly sized product.

Space Needed for Trampoline

When planning trampoline placement:

• Add 6 feet of clearance on all sides of the measured size for safety.
• Anchor kits allow positioning closer to fences than the 6-foot guideline.
• Factor in more space for trampoline games and accessories.

Ample clearance minimizes collision risks and damage. Anchor kits securely attach the trampoline to anchor points, preventing shifting.

Measuring for Safety and Maintenance

Regularly measuring a trampoline also enables proactive maintenance for optimal safety, such as:

• Identifying excessive wear or rust - Catch issues before failure using the tape measure.
• Ensuring proper distance between the trampoline and other structures - Prevent crashes by measuring clearance.
• Planning repairs and routine care - Measure to find the right replacement parts.

In addition to initial setup, measuring as part of regular trampoline inspection facilitates proactive maintenance.

Measuring for Insurance and Competitions

Knowing trampoline dimensions is also required for:

• Insurance policies - Provide size details for adequate coverage.
• Trampoline competitions - Familiarize yourself with regulation sizes.

Confirm your policy specifically covers your size trampoline. For competitions, practice on a trampoline matching event sizes.

Measuring Before Moving or Selling

• Moving - Measure to determine best transportation method.
• Selling - Provide accurate size to potential buyers.

Knowing dimensions allows choosing a properly sized truck or trailer. Accurate size also assures buyers the trampoline will fit their needs.

Measuring a trampoline precisely is crucial for safety, maintenance, finding accessories, and transport. Follow the step-by-step instructions above based on the specific shape.

Key tips include:

• Measure diameter for round, average dimensions for oval.
• Take multiple measurements from different points and average.
• Verify new trampoline size before using.

You can easily determine your trampoline size with the right technique.