Do you constantly get worried about the safety of your kids when they are playing on the trampoline you set up in the backyard? Your worries are certainly valid. Even though trampolines are fun to play on and help kids maintain active lifestyles, some safety concerns arise if the weight of your kids exceeds their load limit.
You need to know the weight capacity of this trampoline to prevent accidents from occurring. Such information will be in the user manual, but you should do more research for peace of mind.
In this article, we take a closer look at the standard weight limit of trampolines by size and shape, as well as the factors determining this cap.
Why It’s Important to Know the Weight Limit of Your Trampoline
Before we explain this, it is crucial to know why trampolines have weight limits in the first place. It is primarily about the safety of the user.
A child is not very heavy, and if the limit is about 250 lbs., he/she can bounce safely on the trampoline. However, if you join him, this addition changes the dynamics because your combined weight might be too much for the equipment.
Similarly, if your kid has his or her friends over, they might be at risk of injury if they play on the trampoline simultaneously. Their combined weight might exceed the trampoline’s load capacity, causing it to give way.
Therefore, you should know the weight cap and maybe do some calculations before the kids hop on board. You can estimate how much each one of them weighs, then multiply the figure by their number.
Major Factors That Determine Weight Limit on a Trampoline
The following are some important components in determining the weight limit on a trampoline.
Jumping Mat
The jumping mat’s construction material plays a crucial role in determining the weight limit of the trampoline. Manufacturers usually use waterproof canvas or woven polypropylene, which are tough and durable materials. For fabrics, the weaving quality must be top-notch to prevent tearing or excessive stretching from the bouncing.
Springs
Most trampolines use coiled springs to hold the jumping pad to the frame. These components create the bounciness and elasticity required to bounce back in the air.
More springs usually raise bouncing potential and weight capacity, but fitting them optimally together is more vital towards creating a trampoline that can hold a heavier load.
The quality of the springs also plays a crucial role. Small and thick ones tend to have a higher weight rating and more potential for bouncing.
Since they are metallic, rust-resistant springs maintain their weight limit in the long run. Corrosion affects the integrity of the material, making it less capable of holding a heavy load.
Frame
A trampoline frame forms the skeleton of the unit because it holds all the pieces together. Most of them are metallic, but depending on the construction, some are sturdier than others.
Rustproof, thick-gauge steel frames are more stable, and this makes them ideal for carrying heavier loads. They would work well for kids because the durable structure will practically never break under their weight.
Size
A trampoline’s load limit usually increases as its size grows. Older kids have heavier bodies, so wider trampolines built for them must be strong enough to handle the extra weight.
For instance, 12-ft trampolines have a limit of around 250 – 300 lbs., but 15-ft trampolines can carry up to 450 lbs.
Shape
It might not seem like it, but a trampoline’s shape has an impact on its load limit. In general, rectangular units carry more weight as compared to circular ones. The same is true for oval trampolines, which have a higher weight capacity than round ones.
For more on sizes and shapes, read our full trampoline shapes and sizes guide and instructions for how to measure a trampoline.
Standard Weight Limit Averages by Trampoline Size and Shape
As stated earlier, a trampoline’s size and shape determine its load limit, and here are some general guidelines.
By Size
- Mini trampolines for toddlers can carry 100 lbs. maximum
- 8 to 10-ft units (for 3–10-year-old kids) have a capacity of 75–150 lbs.
- 12-ft trampolines (for kids in the middle childhood stage) can hold 250–300 lbs.
- 14-ft units have a weight limit of 250–350 lbs. (suitable for teenagers)
- 15 to 16-ft trampolines can hold 250–450 lbs.
- Adult rebounder trampolines have a capacity of up to 600 lbs.
As you might have noticed, the load capacity is much higher than the average weight of the recommended users. When bouncing, your body exerts more pressure on the trampoline than what you weigh. Therefore, it must be able to hold more than your actual weight to prevent snapping.
By Shape
There are three main trampoline shapes: circular, rectangular, and oval.
- Most round units have a weight capacity of 200 – 400 lbs.
- Oval and rectangular trampolines are a bit stronger, with the capability to hold up to 500 lbs.
The science behind this variation is in the spring placement and how they work. When you bounce on a circular trampoline, the pad pulls all the springs evenly, which exerts more stress on them.
However, on an oval or rectangular pad, only some of the springs flex when you bounce. The uneven pulling reduces stress and raises the weight-bearing capacity.
Safety Tips
You should check for any signs of weakness every time before your kids use the trampoline. Have them jump lightly at first to see if the parts hold together.
If you notice something wrong with the springs or unraveling of the jumping pad, stop them immediately. Return the unit to the manufacturer or get it repaired as soon as possible.
For additional safety, use a trampoline enclosure to keep the sides covered.
For more, check out our full guide on trampoline safety.
Final Comments
Regardless of the size, shape, or even trampoline brand that you own, you must have sound knowledge about the trampoline’s weight capacity. The goal is to ensure your kids and their friends enjoy their time bouncing on it without experiencing any accidents.
We hope that this article will help you determine how much weight your trampoline can hold safely, as well as give you some safety tips to use from now on. Happy jumping!
