How Much Weight Can a Trampoline Hold? [Weight Capacity 101]

Jumping on a trampoline with a friend translates directly to an afternoon well spent. It is extremely fun and addicting. But even a trampoline connoisseur like me must admit that it can be dangerous if you are not careful with it.

For example, if you let 4 kids have free reign on a small 8-feet trampoline, then an accident is almost a given. Even if you overlook the fact that they may collide while jumping, there is one factor that you cannot ignore – the weight limit of the trampoline.

So, how much weight is safe? And what’s the tipping point?

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A trampoline can hold a fixed amount of weight, as stated by the manufacturer. The weight limits for trampolines are based on trampoline size, shape, style, brand, and build materials.

Before discussing the trampoline weight limit by various factors, we will tell you how manufacturers and experts determine it.

How the Weight Limit on a Trampoline is Determined

I’m pretty sure you have noticed how different trampolines have different maximum weight capacities.

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If yes, then naturally, you are wondering what affects the weight limit. Well, it turns out that the three major components responsible for how much weight the trampoline can handle are the springs, the jumping mat, and the frame.

1. Springs

The springs might be considered the soul of the trampoline, the unsung hero. This is the component that is responsible for the bounciness of the trampoline.

If your trampoline comes with lightweight springs, then its weight capacity would be low.

On the other hand, trampolines with heavier springs typically can handle greater weight.

The number of springs and their lengths can also impact the weight limit of a trampoline to a certain degree.

I already wrote a comprehensive article on the impact of trampoline spring sizes that you might want to read if you want to learn more about it.

2. The Jumping Pad

The jumping pad or mat also plays a critical role in dictating how much weight a particular trampoline can handle. And it makes sense considering this is the component where you jump on. Typically, trampoline mats are made of woven polypropene or nylon.

If you check, you will notice that trampolines with a stronger jumping pat typically can handle greater weight. In most cases, heavy-duty trampolines with massive weight capacities come with thermal-locked layers of synthetic fabric, which have high tensile strength and a good amount of flexibility to produce the rebounding effect.

3. The Frame

The final part of the trampoline responsible for its weight limit is the quality of the frame. Trampolines can either feature aluminum or steel frames. Needless to say, steel frames will be able to handle a lot more weight compared to a trampoline that has an aluminum frame.

In most cases, trampolines made for toddlers or young kids come with aluminum frames as they do not weigh as much as an adult or a teenager. Aluminum trampolines are more affordable. But if you want a greater weight capacity, I would lean towards a steel-frame trampoline.

Check How much space do you need for a trampoline

Why Do Trampolines Have Weight Limits?

The weight limit that you read about when going through the specifications of a particular trampoline refers to how much bodyweight it can handle for safe operation. Let’s face it; no other yard toy is as fun as a trampoline. Though most trampolines are built like a tank, they are not indestructible.

The weight limits of a trampoline are there to make sure you have a safe and fun time when you are jumping on it. As long as the combined weight of the people jumping on the trampoline is less than its maximum weight capacity, you should not have to worry about damaging it.

Then again, this brings another big question. Do you weigh every single person that goes on the trampoline to make sure you stay under the weight capacity? Well, not necessarily.

You see, most trampolines, even the smaller ones, have a decent capacity of more than 200 pounds. That means even an average, full-grown adult should be safe on the trampoline if he is going solo.

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However, if the weight capacity of a trampoline is only 200 pounds, then that means you should only allow one person to jump on it at a time. This gives you a rough estimate of how many people the trampoline can handle jumping on it at the same time.

In general, it is a good idea to look at the weight capacity of a trampoline when you are buying it. This would give you a decent idea of the number of people that can use it at once. For instance, I have two kids at home, and I never had issues with my 12 feet, a 300-pound capacity trampoline that I have in my backyard.

Size-wise trampoline weight limit

You should note down the size of the trampoline and the weight limit to go parallel. The smaller the trampoline size, the lower the weight limit. In the same way, the bigger the trampoline size, the higher the weight limit. Here we provide the approximate weight limits for trampolines based on their size.

Toddler Trampoline or Mini Bouncer weight limit:

The toddler trampolines [36-Inch to 5 Feet] are designed for little kids of 3 years and older. Therefore these mini bouncers don’t offer much weight limit. The toddler trampoline weight limit ranges from 50 pounds to 150 pounds at its maximum capacity.

Small Trampoline weight limit:

All the trampolines of [8 Foot and 10 Foot] are suitable for kids of 6 years and above. The small kids’ trampolines are designed for only one person to jump at a time. Therefore the small kids’ trampoline weight limit ranges from 110 pounds to 220 pounds and maximum up to 250 pounds.

Medium Trampoline weight limit:

The medium-sized trampolines [12 feet and 14 Feet] are designed for kids and adults. A 14-foot trampoline has a large jumping area to allow more than one child to play simultaneously, while the 12 ft trampoline does not have that much space. The medium-sized trampoline weight limit starts from 200 pounds, and the maximum weight limit is 350 pounds.

Large Trampoline weight limit:

The large trampolines like 15 feet and 16 foot are designed for large backyards. These trampolines are suitable for both kids and adults. If we talk about the large trampoline weight limit, these trampolines offer a weight limit ranging from 200 pounds to 400 pounds. Some large trampolines provide more than 400 pounds of weight capacity.

Fitness Trampoline or Rebounder weight limit:

The fitness trampolines are not for jumping fun for kids. They are made for the adults to do daily exercise on it. The rebounders or fitness trampolines are available in small sizes from 36-inch to 50-inch. The fitness trampoline weight limit varies from 200 pounds to 450 pounds and higher.

Shape-wise trampoline weight limit

The shape of a trampoline affects its weight limit. The round trampolines have a lower weight limit than rectangle and square trampolines. The rectangular and square trampolines are also bouncier than round trampolines. The maximum weight limit offered by a round trampoline is up to 400 pounds, while rectangle trampoline weight limit is 450 pounds and higher.

Style-wise trampoline weight limit

The trampolines are made in various styles for different intended users. These styles include casual trampolines, gymnastic trampolines, and professional trampolines. The casual trampolines are designed for regular use at home. In contrast, gymnastic and professional trampolines are made for gymnasts, athletes, sportspersons, and people who want to experience higher bounces on a trampoline.

The casual trampoline weight limit varies from 110 pounds to 400 pounds. The gymnastic trampoline weight limit is from 450 pounds to 550 pounds. The professional trampoline weight limit is similar to gymnastic trampolines.

Some gymnastic/professional trampolines offer “No Single User Weight Limit,” which is impressive. It means you don’t need to worry about the trampoline weight capacity when only one person is jumping on the trampoline.

Skywalker trampoline weight limit

The trampoline brand is also a factor that affects its weight limit. Out of the many best trampoline brands in the market, Skywalker Trampolines is the most popular brand in the United States. Here we provide the Skywalker trampoline weight limit chart to help you know the weight limit of all Skywalker trampolines.

Skywalker Trampoline Size and Shape	Weight Limit
36-Inch Mini Trampoline	60 pounds
All Other Mini Trampolines	100 pounds
5 Foot Round Trampoline	100 pounds
8 Foot Round Trampoline	175 pounds
10 Foot Round Trampoline	175 pounds
12 Foot Round Trampoline	200 pounds
14 Foot Round Trampoline	200 pounds
15 Foot Round Trampoline	200 pounds
14 Foot Rectangle Trampoline	200 pounds
15 Foot Rectangle Trampoline	250 pounds
17 Foot Rectangle Trampoline	350 pounds
12 Foot Square Trampoline	250 pounds
13 Foot Square Trampoline	250 pounds
14 Foot Square Trampoline	250 pounds
15 Foot Square Trampoline	250 pounds
16 Foot Square Trampoline	350 pounds
16 Foot Oval Trampoline	200 pounds
17 Foot Oval Trampoline	200 pounds

Height Limit for a Trampoline

All the trampolines provide weight limits, but there are no height limits for trampolines. You will never find the height limit information in the product description of any trampoline. Therefore we are here to give you all the details about the trampoline height limit for kids and adults.

The kids can jump around 6 to 8 feet high on a trampoline. On the other hand, teenagers and adults can jump as high as 16 feet (5 meters) in the air. In addition, a tall person gets a higher jump than a short person. Your trampoline should have a high enclosure net to provide safety and save you from falling out of it while jumping on it.

As you can get so much high in the air, installing and using a trampoline at an outdoor place, i.e., your backyard, is recommended. Ensure there is no cable, tree branch, or obstacle above the trampoline jumping surface.

The International Trampoline Federation announced that the minimum height for an indoor facility that supports trampolining is above 26 feet. Therefore, it is possible that the athletes and gymnasts can easily reach the jumping height of 30 feet in a single bounce method. The Kennedy Brothers have made world records of above 22 feet height in the group bounce method.

How ASTM approves the trampoline weight limit

When you see various trampolines, you will notice that most trampolines are ASTM-approved or certified. An ASTM-certified trampoline means it is declared safe to use by the American Society for Testing and Materials.

The ASTM approves the weight limit of any trampoline when it passes the test of holding 4 times more weight than its stated limit. For example, if a trampoline wants ASTM approval for 300 pounds weight limit, it must pass the Static Load Test of holding 1200 pounds. Only then will it get the ASTM certification.

Can You Go Over the Weight Limit on a Trampoline?

Going over the maximum weight capacity of a trampoline is really not a wise move. If you do it once or twice, you might not notice much of a difference. However, if you exceed the capacity frequently, one of these days, your trampoline will break down on you.

I don’t think I need to explain how disastrous it would be if the trampoline frame decided to give way when someone was using it. It can lead to severe injuries, and your trampoline will require replacing. And a trampoline is not exactly a cheap thing. You need to buy one all over again.

The weight limit that the manufacturers state on their products is there for a reason. If a trampoline is rated for 300 pounds of weight, that is the weight that the trampoline can handle on a regular basis. Stepping your toe above that line should be avoided if you do not want to worry about accidents.

General Questions People Have about Trampoline Weight Capacity

Parting Shots

Whenever you are buying a trampoline, it is worth checking out its weight limit. It will help you understand how many people can go on it at once. So, if too many people try to get on it, you will be able to step in before things turn south.

I hope my in-depth look at trampoline weight capacity could give you a rough idea about its importance. Good luck!