For many children, a trampoline is the ultimate piece of garden play equipment. But which size fits, how much clear space do you need, and should you go for a trampoline on legs or one you sink into the ground? In this guide you will find out how to choose the right size, shape and type of installation, from a small trampoline for toddlers to a big one for the whole family. With a quiz, a size chart, a digging plan and available trampolines from BERG, EXIT and Salta.
In short: measure your free space and keep the clearance zone the manufacturer specifies around and above the trampoline. Then compare the outer size in the size chart. A trampoline on legs is quick to set up; an in-ground model sits neatly in the lawn but means digging. Always choose a model with a safety net, let one child jump at a time and anchor the frame securely.
How much space do you need for a trampoline?
The size on the box is the size of the frame. The jumping mat is smaller, and you still need clear space all around. On the Salta Comfort Edition 305 cm the jumping mat is 247 cm according to the product information, and the EXIT Silhouette in-ground 366 cm measures 391 cm including its edge. So always work with the outer size.
Measure the length and width of the lawn where the trampoline could go, up to the first fence, tree, border or patio edge.
A generous zone all around must stay free of fences, walls, garden furniture, stone edging and other play equipment. The exact distance is in the manual, and that is the figure to follow.
There should be no branches, washing lines or cables above the trampoline. A trampoline on legs with a net is easily 2.7 to 3 metres tall according to the product information, and a jumping child goes higher still.
Choose a flat, soft spot such as grass. On a slope the frame stands crooked, and on paving or gravel a fall beside the trampoline is harder.
Ideally, put the trampoline where you can see it from the house, which makes supervision easier. For ideas on dividing play area, seating and lawn, read 15 ideas for the back garden and small back garden ideas.
Quiz: which trampoline suits your garden?
Answer three questions to see which type of trampoline best suits your garden and children.
Which trampoline suits you?
How old are the children who will be jumping?
- Under 3
- Roughly 3 to 7
- Primary school age and older
- A mix of ages
How much free space do you have, clearance included?
- A small corner
- An average garden
- A large garden
- Plenty, and the lawn should stay uncluttered
Are you willing to dig?
- No
- Rather not
- No, I want to be able to move it
- Yes, happy to
A junior trampoline suits you: low, compact and with a net.
A round trampoline on legs of around 305 cm suits you: plenty of jumping space and easy to fit in an average garden.
A large trampoline on legs suits you: round at 380 cm, or rectangular.
An in-ground trampoline suits you: low in the lawn, with an easy step-on.
What size trampoline suits your garden and children?
The right size depends on your space, the age and height of the children, and how many years you want to get out of it. Too small and it soon gets boring; too big and there is no room for a safe clearance zone. The sizes come from the models on the trampolines page.
| Frame size | Suits | Garden |
|---|---|---|
| Round 140 to 153 cm | Toddlers and pre-schoolers | Small corner |
| Round 183 to 251 cm, or 153 x 214 cm | Young children | Small garden |
| Round 305 cm, or 214 x 305 cm | Children up to about 10 | Average garden |
| Round 366 to 380 cm, or 244 x 366 cm | Children and teenagers | Large garden |
| Round 427 cm and larger | The whole family, taking turns | Very large garden |
The ages are a guide, not a rule. For each model, check the minimum age and maximum weight in the product information. The Salta Comfort Edition, for example, is listed as not suitable for children under 36 months.
EXIT Tiggy 140 cm: for the youngest
A junior trampoline with elastic bands instead of springs and a low step-on. According to the product information it has a net and a maximum weight of 25 kg.
Salta Comfort Edition 305 cm: the middle size
A round trampoline on legs with a net. According to the product information it has 54 springs and a maximum weight of 120 kg.
Round, rectangular or oval: which shape should you choose?
The shape determines how the trampoline bounces and how well it fits your garden.
- Round: the most popular shape. As you jump you are naturally guided back towards the centre, which is good for young children.
- Rectangular: bounces more evenly across the whole mat and often fits better in a narrow garden, with the long side along the fence.
- Oval: an in-between shape, such as the BERG Sports Grand Champion InGround 350: longer than it is wide, without corners.
Torn between two sizes? Pick the shape that fits the free space best. In a narrow garden, a 244 x 366 cm rectangle often leaves more room than a 366 cm round one.
EXIT Silhouette 244 x 366 cm: rectangular on legs
A rectangular trampoline with a net on curved poles. According to the product information the jumping mat is 177 x 299 cm.
On legs, in-ground or flat-ground: what is the difference?
There are three ways to install a trampoline, and each brand uses its own terms: BERG talks about Regular, InGround and FlatGround, EXIT about on legs and in-ground, and Salta about Ground and Baseground.
| On legs | In-ground | Flat-ground | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installation | Stands on the lawn | In a pit, edge just above the grass | Edge level with the grass |
| Digging | No | Yes | Yes |
| Step-on | High, often with a ladder | Low | None |
| Moving it | Possible | Difficult | Difficult |
| Visual impact | Eye-catching | Discreet | Most discreet |
A trampoline on legs is quick to set up and moves house with you. An in-ground model is more discreet, but you have to dig a sizeable pit. For the Salta Royal Baseground, the product information mentions an installation level with the grass. You will find all models on the trampolines page.
BERG Favorit Regular 380: large and on legs
A 380 cm round trampoline with a net. According to the product information it is 270 cm tall and meant to be used under direct adult supervision.
In-ground trampoline: how deep do you dig and where does the water go?
For an in-ground trampoline you dig a pit so the air under the mat can escape when someone jumps. For round models this is often a bowl-shaped pit; for some rectangular ones, just a hole under the mat. Always follow the digging plan for your model. As an example, these are the dimensions from the EXIT Silhouette in-ground plan:
| EXIT Silhouette in-ground | Pit width | Pit depth |
|---|---|---|
| Round 244 cm | ø 194 cm | at least 65 cm |
| Round 305 cm | ø 255 cm | at least 70 cm |
| Round 366 cm | ø 315 cm | at least 72 cm |
| Round 427 cm | ø 375 cm | at least 75 cm |
| Rectangle 244 x 366 cm | 195 x 315 cm | at least 80 cm |
In that plan the edge sits about 20 cm above the grass, and there is a smaller extra hole of ø 32 to 34 cm and 20 cm deep in the middle of the pit, where rainwater can drain away. On heavy clay or with a high water table, water lingers longer: check after a heavy shower whether the pit empties, and ask for advice on drainage if in doubt. Also check that there are no cables or pipes where you plan to dig.
Ventilation in the edge
The air under a sunken mat has to go somewhere. That is why many in-ground models have openings in the edge; for the Salta Premium Ground, the product information mentions a ventilation system. Do not cover those openings with paving or sand.
EXIT Silhouette in-ground 366 cm: round in the lawn
A round in-ground trampoline with a net. According to the product information the frame is galvanised and powder-coated.
Salta Premium Ground 305 x 214 cm: rectangular and sunken
The frame sits level with the grass and, according to the product information, you only dig under the mat. With a net with a self-closing entrance.
Jumping safely: net, supervision and one jumper at a time
A trampoline is great fun, as long as there are clear rules. Manufacturers often state that it should be used under adult supervision. These are the most important rules:
- Always with a safety net: choose a model with a net, or buy one separately. Close the entrance once you are on.
- One jumper at a time: two children on one mat easily collide or launch each other.
- Supervision: keep an eye on the trampoline, especially with young children.
- No somersaults: rolls and flips put the neck and head at risk.
- Dry mat, no shoes: a wet or frozen mat is slippery. Jump in socks and with nothing sharp in your pockets.
- Check every season: make sure springs, edge, net and frame are intact and everything is secure.
The maximum weight on the box is about the load on the frame, not the number of children. One jumper at a time is still the rule.
With an in-ground trampoline, a fall beside the mat is from a lower height, but a net is still needed. Keep the area around the edge clear of stones, kerbs and toys.
Do you need to anchor a trampoline?
Yes, especially a trampoline on legs. A large frame with a net catches a lot of wind and can slide or blow over in a strong gust. An anchor kit keeps the frame on the ground:
- The BERG anchor kit secures the frame with steel pegs, according to the product information.
- The Salta anchor kit has four 43 cm spiral anchors with straps, according to the product information.
- The EXIT anchor kit consists of four steel anchors.
An in-ground trampoline catches less wind, but the net still does. Follow the manual and check after a storm that everything is still secure. For anchoring other play equipment, read garden play equipment: space, fall zone and anchoring.
Ladder, cover and robot mower guard: what do you need?
A few accessories make a trampoline safer and help it last longer.
- Ladder: on a trampoline on legs the frame is high. Check the frame height: the EXIT ladder is for frames of 80 to 95 cm according to the product information, and the BERG ladder size L for BERG trampolines of 85 to 95 cm.
- Cover: keeps leaves and dirt off the mat. The Salta 305 cm cover fits round 305 cm trampolines, both on legs and sunken, according to the product information.
- Robot mower guard: with a robot mower and an in-ground trampoline, an EXIT robot mower guard stops the mower from driving under the edge.
- Separate net: some in-ground sports models, such as the BERG Ultim Champion InGround, come without a net. Then buy a matching net from the same brand.
EXIT ladder 80 to 95 cm
View ladder →
Salta cover 305 cm
View cover →
EXIT robot mower guard
View guard →
BERG Favorit InGround 380
View trampoline →Trampolines in winter and as a Christmas present
Most garden trampolines can stay outside over winter. Do anchor the frame, though, because autumn storms are the biggest risk. Check the manual to see whether the manufacturer advises taking the net down in winter, put a cover over the mat and do not jump on a wet, frozen or snowy mat. In spring, check everything again, just as when you are getting your garden spring-ready.
Giving a trampoline for Christmas? Expect a large, heavy box: for the BERG Favorit Regular 380 the packaging is 163 cm tall according to the product information. Many families give a card in December and put the trampoline up together in spring when the ground is dry; for an in-ground model you have to wait until you can dig anyway. More ideas in gifts for garden lovers and which pedal go-kart for which age? To compare the brands, read BERG, EXIT or Salta: which trampoline should you choose?
Choose quickly
- Toddler and little space: a junior trampoline of around 140 cm
- Young children, average garden: round 305 cm on legs
- Narrow garden: rectangular, long side along the fence
- Older children and plenty of room: 366 to 427 cm
- Uncluttered lawn and happy to dig: in-ground or flat-ground
Common mistakes when choosing
Click on each pitfall you already avoid.
Measuring with the size of the mat
The size on the box is the frame, and the edge of an in-ground model often sticks out further. Work with the outer size plus the clearance zone.
Too close to the fence or patio
A child falling against the net pushes it outwards. With a fence or garden furniture right behind it, a harmless fall becomes dangerous.
A model without a net for children
Some sports models have no net. For children, a net is not a luxury.
Not anchoring
Without an anchor kit, a trampoline on legs can slide or blow over in a storm.
Digging without a plan
Dig too shallow or too narrow and the mat touches the ground or the air cannot escape.
Checklist before you order
Tick off what you have sorted; your browser remembers it.
- I have measured the free space, including the clearance zone from the manual
- There are no branches, lines or cables above the trampoline
- The ground is flat and soft
- I have chosen between on legs, in-ground or flat-ground
- The model has a safety net, or I am buying one
- Age and maximum weight suit the children
- There is an anchor kit and, for a high frame, a ladder
- For in-ground: digging plan checked, cables and pipes checked
- The rules are clear: one jumper at a time, no somersaults
Room for a swing, sandpit or go-kart too? Take a look at climbing frames and swings, sandpits and playhouses and pedal go-karts, or the garden play equipment and trampolines page.
Frequently asked questions
What size trampoline fits in my garden?
Measure the free space and subtract the clearance zone the manufacturer gives in the manual. Compare what is left with the outer size of the frame, not with the jumping mat. A small garden often takes a round trampoline of 183 to 251 cm or a rectangular one of 153 x 214 cm; with more room you can go for 305 up to 427 cm.
Is an in-ground trampoline safer than one on legs?
An in-ground trampoline has a low step-on, so a fall beside the frame is from a lower height. The same rules still apply: a safety net, adult supervision and one jumper at a time. Keep the edge clear of stones, kerbs and toys.
How deep do you dig for an in-ground trampoline?
It differs per model, so always follow the manufacturer’s digging plan. For the EXIT Silhouette in-ground, for example, the plan gives at least 65 cm deep for the round 244 cm and at least 75 cm for the round 427 cm, with a smaller extra hole in the middle.
Can two children jump at the same time?
It is better to let one child jump at a time. Two jumpers easily collide, or the lighter one gets launched unexpectedly. The maximum weight on the box is about the load on the frame and springs, not about the number of children.
Can a trampoline stay outside all winter?
Most garden trampolines are made to stay outside. Do anchor the frame with an anchor kit, put a cover over the mat if you will not use it for a while, and check the manual for what the manufacturer advises about the net. Do not jump on a wet, frozen or snowy mat.
