Hammock dimension calculator based on height?

**etsauer** · 06-26-2015, 12:25

I'm wondering if there is a known calculator out there for figuring the proper dimensions for a diy gathered end hammock. I would assume I would want to figure it based on my height. Is that correct? Any advice would be fantastic!

**pgibson** · 06-26-2015, 12:32

Hammock dimensions come down to personal preference. Some people "feel" fine in short hammocks, some don't. Your height, weight and what Feels good to you are the factors. Many people right now are all into 11' hammocks. But many other folks don't feel the need for 11 foot and go with 10 or even 9 foot, but I have also seen some folks make even longer at 12-14'....width of fabric is a factor but again some are fine with a narrower hammock than others.

I have never seen calculator or even a chart with recommendations as it really is just a personal thing...best thing to do is see if you can get a group rounded up in your area to hang and demo some to see which feel right to you.

**ksbcrocks** · 06-26-2015, 12:35

To my knowledge what you are looking for doesn't exist. Your height does affect your comfort in a hammock though. Most people here like a hammock that is 10-11 feet long. The most common fabric width is around 60" so most hammocks are 58" finished width. That should be fine for a first hammock.

**MAD777** · 06-26-2015, 12:41

Add 5 feet to your own height.
You won't even need a calculator, assuming you graduated school way back when I did, long before they invented calculators, lol.

**LokoLobo** · 06-26-2015, 13:29

I'm 5'11" tall, 340lbs., I first made my hammock at 9ft. but found that my sleeping bag or top quilt kept falling out of the hammock to one side or the other at my feet. I wound up adding a foot to each end for a total of 11ft. and find it much more comfortable. At 11ft. it doesn't squeeze as much and I don't have any problems with my sleeping bag slipping out. It is also much easier to lay flat or on my side now at an angle.
11 feet. long, 60 inches (give or take an inch).

**Koolranch** · 06-26-2015, 14:22

I believe it's a simple formula.

1X11=x

X will be the length of you hammock.

**MAD777** · 06-26-2015, 14:47

Originally Posted by Koolranch

I believe it's a simple formula.

1X11=x

X will be the length of you hammock.

I was sipping a mango milkshake and now I have to clean mango off my monitor! LOL

**SilvrSurfr** · 06-26-2015, 14:54

Originally Posted by Koolranch

I believe it's a simple formula.

1X11=x

X will be the length of you hammock.

Is this a joke? Because I don't get it.

**IRONFISH45** · 06-26-2015, 15:41

Oh dear, I am still LOL, my cat thinks I am totally crazy. I started out with a big hammock, I thought my dog would probably be sleeping in the hammock with me. Well, 6 years later, I would not even think about having my 105 pound dog in my hammock, she now sleeps under it as my heater.

As stated above, you need to try the Hammock on, I think it is impossible to intellectualize purchasing a Hammock. Just like buying a pair of shoes, it is all in the fit. I tried several hammocks before I found one that fits my needs and body.

I have kept going smaller, I find, where we Hang the forest is very dense, the longer the hammock the more difficult to find a spot to hang. I am also finding if there is an opening in a dense canopy, it is because there has been some sort of major damage, which means there are probably limbs waiting to fall. For me smaller is less weight, less waste, just easier all the way around. I hate wrestling around trying to get out of the hammock, charlie horses in my legs trying to get up and out for late night calls, short and not too wide is easier to get out of especially in a hurry.

Each of our Cottage Vendor's has their own feel to their hammocks, not sure how that works, but I find there is a difference. I am able to lay in a hammock and tell who mfg. it (only on the ones I have owned).

You need to try before you buy, plus realize your taste will change as you experience more time hanging.

**xxl_hanger** · 06-26-2015, 15:42

I sewed a lot of different true to scale mock hammocks first about 26" long and decided finally based on these models and my body size how long the hammock should be. Another method is if you start with an extra long hammock first and a preliminary in size adjustable whipping. Both methods work. The second one is presumably a bit better. I would not hear on other people's advice and forget all dimension formulas on this subject because most of the time other people use complete other perceptions or assumptions than you. This is the best way you can do a costom made DIY hammock for you and nobody other than yourself can share the feeling you have in your hammock.