
Top Tips on How to Measure a Trampoline in the Right Way
Author: Eric P. Garvin
A well-built trampoline can last anywhere between 3 and 8 years with good usage and proper maintenance. The latter involves purchasing replacing trampoline components that wear out with time, including the jumping mat, springs, and safety net.
When you consider that trampolines come in various sizes and shapes, you understand that purchasing replacement parts isn’t always straightforward.
There are various measurements about your trampoline that you need to understand clearly to purchase the correct replacement parts. If you’re stuck at this, consider this your ultimate guide on how to measure a trampoline.
How to Measure a Trampoline in the Right Way
When it comes to trampoline sizes how to measure, there are 4 major measurements that you want to think about;
- Actual size of the trampoline
- Size of jumping mat
- Number and size of springs
- Size of safety net
1. How to measure trampoline size
i) Round trampoline
To measure your round trampoline size, we recommend you visualize the circular frame as a clock. Start taking measurements first from position 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock, then from 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock. Ensure that you take the measurements starting from the outer edge of the tube. The average of these 2 figures will be your trampoline’s approximate size.
ii) Rectangular and square trampolines
The size of square and rectangular trampolines is the measurement of both sides. For the rectangular-shaped model, start by measuring the depth (shorter side) straight across the outer edges. Take the measurements of the width for the second reading. Do the same for a square trampoline. The two measurements that you get will be the trampoline’s size.
iii) Oval trampolines
The size of an oval trampoline is the length of its 2 sides. Hook the tang of your measuring tape at the shorter side’s outer edge and measure straight across to the outer edge on the directly opposite side. Take the measurements of the longer side in the same fashion. The 2 different measurements make the size of your trampoline.
iv) Measuring the size of oddly shaped trampolines
For hexagonal and octagonal trampolines, it’s best to visualize the frame as a clock first. Next, take the outer edge measurements of two directly opposite sides, starting with the 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock positions and then 9 o’clock to 3 o’clock positions.
2. How to measure trampoline mat
To measure the size of the mat, you follow the same tips that we’ve highlighted above, depending on the shape of the trampoline. However, you measure the mat only; do not include the springs and the v-hooks. For instance, for a round mat, you measure the size of two perpendicular diameters. The average of the 2 measurements will be the size of your trampoline’s mat.
Note that jumping mats stretch with time. So, your old trampoline’s mat may not be the most reliable when determining the perfect size for your replacement mat. Luckily, most trampoline mat replacements are sold with the actual size of the trampoline in mind. However, it’s vital to consider the number of v-hooks on the mat to ensure that it accommodates the recommended number of springs for your trampoline: no more, no less.
3. How to measure trampoline springs
This is another simple but vital measurement when measuring trampoline. To measure the correct size of the springs, you’ll need to get one of the current springs. Next, measure the length of the spring from one end to the other. Importantly, count the number of the existing springs, including the ones that may have snapped, to ensure that you replace them with the manufacturer’s recommended number of springs.
4. How to measure trampoline for net
Trampoline enclosure nets are not universal. You need to understand the basics to ensure that you don’t end up with the wrong safety net. Obviously, the first thing that you want to consider when buying a replacement enclosure net for your enclosed trampoline is the shape of your trampoline. There are nets for all trampoline shapes.
Next, you’ll need to count the number and type of your enclosure structure. Again, these posts come in various types; straight poles, arch poles, and ring on top.
i) If your trampoline has straight poles, you simply count the number of net support poles on your trampoline. The next biggest consideration is whether you need a net that attaches inside or outside the jumping mat.
ii) If your trampoline has arch poles, start by counting the number of arches on your trampoline. Next, determine the type of net that you want- a sleeve-style net or strap type of net?
iii) If yours is a ring-on-top enclosure system, simply start by counting the number of poles and determine whether it attaches inside or outside the mat.