How to Properly Measure a Trampoline

There is always a lot of confusion when it comes to measuring a trampoline and getting to know its right size. It is very important to measure your trampoline for numerous reasons, such as if you are preparing to move the trampoline. Some people think the size of the trampoline is determined by its mat, others think it is the frame that is the most important (learn more at What Are Trampolines Made Of?). In this article we can help you find out how to properly measure your trampoline – round, oval, or rectangular – so your confusion is over and you’re fully equipped for your next project – whether it is to buy a new trampoline or arrange for some spare parts. Read our article below so you’re ready to get back to doing fun things on your trampoline.

Measuring a Round Trampoline

In order to measure a round trampoline (take a look at our Skywalker 15 foot round trampoline review) correctly, you must ensure you cover the end to end of the trampoline (which is frame to frame) and not just the play area (which is the mat). Here are some quick steps on how to accurately measure a round trampoline:

1. Going across the center of the trampoline, measure from one side of the metal frame of the trampoline to the other end of the frame. Locating the center of the trampoline can be easier if you have one where the logo is generally right in the middle of the mat.
2. Now repeat step 1 from the opposite side too and you will be left with two figures.
3.  Calculate the average of the two figures by adding the two figures and dividing by 2. The reason this step is important is that sometimes the frame experiences bend over time. Hence measuring the frame end to end from two opposite sides and then working out an average will keep you closest to the actual measurement of your round trampoline.

How to Measure an Oval Trampoline

To properly measure an oval trampoline, you should measure the two sides (shorter and larger) at their greatest widths.

1. Starting from the shorter side, measure it from its greatest width.
2. Now repeat step 1 for the larger side again concentrating on the greatest width.
3. Now multiply the two figures to find the surface area and the right measurement for your oval trampoline.

How to Measure a Rectangle Trampoline

For measuring a rectangular trampoline accurately, you will have to work out the actual length of each side of the metal frame to the trampoline, which means measuring all four sides separately.

1. Start with the shorter sides of the metal frame and measure them. They should be identical (however a little levy should not be an issue).
2. Similarly, get on to the longer sides and measure them separately.
3. Now for the final size, you can either keep the two measurements separate or add them to find the total circumference of the metal frame for your trampoline (mind you not the mat).

Measuring the Mat, Springs, and Enclosure

Replacing the Jumping Mat: If you are planning to replace the jump mats for your trampoline, the frame size is the one that you need regardless of the shape of your trampoline. In addition, you will also have to measure the size of the springs on the trampoline.

To accurately measure the spring size, go from hook to hook ensuring that the spring is not stretched at all. For the spring, the most common and usual lengths are 5.5 inches or 7 inches. Keep in mind that the springs are a big component in supporting the weight capacity of the trampoline (see some picks for trampolines with a high weight capacity), so it is important to replace them with the proper size. In some cases, you can also count the number of eyelets in your mat if you are looking for a replacement mat, so you have three measurements handy: frame size, spring size, and number of eyelets. However, don’t panic if the number of eyelets doesn’t match as you can simply space out the spring and your new mat will fit in perfectly.

Replacing the Safety Enclosure: If your trampoline needs a new enclosure net (see Are Trampolines with Nets Safe?), you will need to know two things: the frame size (again as explained above for the shape of your trampoline) and the number of arches or poles on your trampoline. This will be a standard number and most trampolines come with the most common or standard number of poles on them.

Final Words

As you can see, when it comes to trampolines it is all about using common sense to correctly measure your trampoline. It is not at all time-consuming once you know the right technique and this will take you a long way in ensuring you invest just the right amount of money and time in knowing your trampoline and its measurement.