How to Use the Hammock Tree Spacing Calculator
When choosing trees for your hammock, spacing them too close leaves the hammock stretched tight and uncomfortable, while spacing them too far apart causes excessive sag and risks touching the ground. Enter your hammock's total length (with straps, fully stretched), your desired sag angle, and the ground clearance you want at the lowest point, and the calculator returns the ideal tree spacing and the height to attach your straps. A 30-degree sag angle is widely considered the most comfortable standard in hammock camping.
Sag Angle Characteristics
| Angle | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 20° | Flat, pinches your sides | Not recommended if back comfort matters |
| 25° | Slight curve | Moderate comfort |
| 30° | Natural body-hugging curve | The most widely recommended standard |
| 35° | Deep cocoon feel | Personal preference, watch for back curving |
Frequently Asked Questions
At around 30 degrees, a hammock flattens out enough while still curving naturally around your body for comfort. Too small an angle feels flat and squeezes your sides; too large can curve your back uncomfortably.
If your straps are adjustable, you can compensate for tree spacing that's off from the calculated value by moving the attachment points to restore the target sag angle. A margin of about 1m is usually easy to correct with straps.