Trampolines can be great fun for children (even toddlers) and adults. You can even use trampolines to lose weight and become fit. To safely have fun or exercise on a trampoline, one essential thing you need to know about is the weight limit of a trampoline. Knowing and following the weight limit of a trampoline can keep you and your family safe from serious injury. So how much weight can a trampoline hold anyway?
Trampolines can hold anywhere from 80 lbs up to 600 lb (or more in some cases). Different sizes and types of trampolines impact the weight limit; there are mini trampolines and extra large, some indoor and outdoor options. You must also consider the age of the trampoline. Many factors determine how much weight a trampoline can hold.
I will explain why there are weight limits on trampolines, how much weight different types of trampolines can hold (and why there is a difference), and how accurate these weight limits are. You will see a list of 20 trampolines and their individual weight limits to get a better idea of what types of trampolines can hold the most weight.
Why Do Trampolines Have Weight Limits?
Many assume that weight limits exist because a trampoline will break if you put too much weight on it. While that is a factor, the weight limits have more to do with safety and enjoyment.
You can learn a lot about physics and gravity, particularly when you look into why and how weight plays a role in using trampolines. I will keep it simple.
A trampoline is all about bouncing up and down. Someone who weighs little (like a child) will need a different type of trampoline than someone who weighs more (e.g. an adult). Both will exert a different force on the jumping mat and the springs connected to it.
The trampoline experiences a downward force when someone jumps on it. Then the springs need to create a strong enough upward force to make the person on the trampoline bounce up into the air.
If someone exceeds a trampoline’s weight limit, the springs will not be able to create enough upward force, and it might even happen that the mat is pushed down all the way to the floor. This will lead to little enjoyment as the idea is to bounce in the air – and might also lead to injuries.
What Determines a Trampoline’s Weight Limit?
Size and Shape
The most common shapes of trampolines are circles and rectangles. The basic rule here is that a rectangular trampoline will generally be able to hold more weight than a round trampoline, especially when it comes to the huge ones.
There are small exercise trampolines that can hold a surprising amount of weight. Still, overall, the bigger a trampoline is, the more weight it will be able to hold.
Suppose you are wondering how much weight can a trampoline hold. In that case, you should not immediately assume that a giant trampoline will always hold the most weight, though! Always check the weight limit, as some large trampolines are less robust than you think.
Frame Material
The frame material is quite important when determining a trampoline’s weight limit. A strong frame made from heavy-duty gauge steel will withstand more than a thinner steel frame.
Age of the Trampoline
Like almost everything, a trampoline gets older. They do not last forever, and an older trampoline might not be safe even if you do not exceed the weight limit.
It is impossible to give a general answer to the question of how long a trampoline will last and how long it will be able to hold the stated weight. It depends greatly on how much you use it and whether you bought a high-quality trampoline or a cheap one.
For high-quality trampolines, you can buy replacement parts (e.g. new springs or jumping mats) and make them feel and look like new, so keep that in mind when you make a decision.
Read our guide on how to store your trampoline in the winter.
The Jumping Mat
The jumping mat of a trampoline sees a lot of action, and its quality plays a vital role in determining how much weight a trampoline can hold. Two factors influence the quality of a jumping mat: the material it is made of and the way it is woven.
The Springs
The springs, in combination with the jumping mat, are the most important factor when it comes to how much weight a trampoline can hold. The springs are responsible for creating the force that makes people bounce on a trampoline, so their quality is essential. High-quality, heavy-duty springs will increase the weight limit of a trampoline.
Trampoline Brand
There are dozens of trampoline brands that offer a wide variety of trampolines. Unfortunately, not all of those brands are equally good or safe. Some simply produce better trampolines and take testing of weight limits and other safety factors more seriously.
Look for a trampoline brand certified by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). These will usually offer trampolines capable of holding more weight than cheaper competitors who forgo rigorous testing.
What Happens if You Exceed the Weight Limit on a Trampoline?
Your trampoline will not break if you exceed the weight limit by a small amount, especially if you have bought a trampoline tested by the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).
You should, however, not make it a habit to exceed your trampoline’s weight limit, as it can lead to unwanted accidents and serious injuries.
Can You Increase the Weight Limit of a Trampoline?
No, you can’t – unless you have some outstanding engineering skills and access to the right materials. Attempting so may result in damages to your trampoline or injury to its user. I recommend buying a new higher weight limit trampoline before trying any modifications to your current one.
Are there Trampolines Specifically Designed for Kids Only?
Yes, there are trampolines for kids. They are smaller than average trampolines and often come with safety nets. Some have little bars for the kids to hold on to so they will not bounce all over the place while jumping. There are also toddler trampolines with extra safety features.
Sometimes these smaller trampolines will have no springs, just elastic style bands that create your bounce. These are often safer for children as your fingers cannot get stuck inside the springs causing injury.
Can Adults Use Kids Sized Trampolines?
Adults are not recommended to use trampolines specifically designed for kids. For one, adults will most likely exceed the weight limit. In addition, trampolines for kids are usually smaller, increasing the likelihood of an injury for an adult user, or injury to a child if they try sharing the trampoline at the same time.
20 Trampolines and Their Weight Limits:
What are the Best High Weight Limit Trampolines?
One of the best, but also one of the most expensive, high-weight limit trampolines is the ACON Air trampoline (15 feet). According to ACON, it has been tested for a weight of up to 1650lb. There is no single-user limit – but nobody weighs that much anyway.
For people, who don’t need a trampoline on which you can hold a party, the KAB Outdoor Trampoline is a great and cheaper alternative that holds up to 600lb. It is a budget friendly option that is great for the backyard.
![DARCHEN 400 lbs Rebouonder Trampoline for Adults, Mini Trampoline for Adults Indoor Exercise Workout Fitness, Small Bungee Rebounder, Quiet and Safely Bounce [40 Inch]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/412GRBL1AbL._SL500_.jpg "DARCHEN 400 lbs Rebouonder Trampoline for Adults, Mini Trampoline for Adults Indoor Exercise Workout Fitness, Small Bungee Rebounder, Quiet and Safely Bounce [40 Inch]")
Suppose you want to use a trampoline to exercise. In that case, the Darchen Mini Trampoline for Adults will hold up to 450lb and is perfect for having fun while getting fit. You would think smaller trampolines would not hold as much weight, well with the proper design they are certainly capable of high weight limits. Typically these mini trampolines are surrounded with very strong bungee style ropes that are very strong. They surround the trampoline making the bounce more stiff than normal sized trampolines, but this is how they work. They are designed for exercise!
RELATED ARTICLE : 10 Best Trampolines for Small Yards
Related Questions
Are Trampoline Weight Limits Per Person?
Some trampolines give a weight limit per person, which the manufacturer will clearly state. In most cases, the weight limit is meant to be a total weight limit.
How Accurate Are Trampoline Weight Limits?
They are accurate in the sense that you definitely will be safe if you do not exceed the weight limit.
In America, the ASTM tests and certifies many trampolines. During the ASTM test, a trampoline must withstand a lot more than just the official weight limit (the test weight is four times heavier than the actual weight limit).
Example: A trampoline with a weight limit of 200lb must withstand a static test load weighing 800lb.
For this reason alone, you should always look out for the ASTM safety certificate, as you won’t know how and whether other manufacturers even test their trampolines and how accurate their limits are.
Do Larger Trampolines Hold More Weight?
In general, the answer is yes – but not always. Some small exercise trampolines can hold more weight than bigger trampolines, especially round ones.
For most non-exercise trampolines, however, the rule is that bigger trampolines can hold more weight. Rectangular and oval trampolines will hold more weight than round trampolines.
How Many People Can Jump on A Trampoline at the Same Time?
How many people can use a trampoline depends greatly on the type. Some trampolines, like exercise trampolines or small toddler trampolines, are only meant for a single user.
More than one person can safely use other trampolines. The bigger a trampoline is and the more weight it can hold, the more people can use it. Always read the information that comes with your trampoline to be on the safe side.
Final Thoughts
While there is a lot more you could learn about trampolines and the physics behind them, this article has covered the most important factors that will make it easier for you to understand the weight limit of trampolines.
If you are looking for a new trampoline, make sure you know what you need. There’s no point in buying a massive trampoline if only one person will use it – and don’t buy a small kid’s trampoline when you know that your kid’s friends will often come over to use it too!
Consider what kind of safety features you want, how many people will want to use it regularly, and where you want to place it. Once you know how much space you have and how much weight the trampoline needs to hold, you can narrow down your options.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.