Enter your tree distance, hang height, and sit height to calculate the perfect hammock hang. The Hammock Hang Calculator gives you the ideal ridgeline length, strap length, hang angle, and sag so your hammock is comfortable, safe, and properly tensioned every time.
Ridgeline Length
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Strap Length (Each Side)
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Actual Hang Angle
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Hammock Sag (Droop)
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Estimated Force Per Strap
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Distance Between Hang Points
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The universally recommended hang angle is 30 degrees from horizontal. This angle provides a comfortable sag, keeps tension on the straps at a safe level, and gives you a good lay in the hammock. Angles below 25° increase strap force dramatically, while angles above 40° make the hammock feel too tight and uncomfortable.
A ridgeline is a cord stretched between the two end loops of your hammock, running parallel above the fabric. It sets the maximum sag of the hammock regardless of tree distance, ensuring a consistent hang every time. The ideal ridgeline length is typically 83% of the hammock's total length.
For a standard 11-foot hammock, trees 12–15 feet apart are ideal. You can hang in trees as close as 10 feet or as far as 20 feet by adjusting your strap length, but the hang angle and comfort will change. Always aim to keep your hang angle close to 30° regardless of tree spacing.
A shallower (flatter) hang angle multiplies the downward load into much greater horizontal tension on the straps. At 30°, each strap bears roughly the full body weight load; at 10°, that force can be 3× or more. Keeping your angle near 30° protects your straps, trees, and hardware from dangerous overloading.
Sag refers to how much the hammock droops below the hang points. A sag of roughly 18–24 inches (1.5–2 ft) is considered comfortable for most people. Too little sag makes the hammock feel like a tight taco; too much sag can strain your back and make getting in or out difficult.
Strap length depends on tree distance, hang height, and desired sit height. As a general rule, each strap should be 5–8 feet long to cover various tree spacings. Our calculator gives you the exact strap length needed for your specific setup, accounting for the diagonal distance from tree to hammock end.
Set your hang points (where the strap meets the tree) at about 5–6 feet high for a standard 30° angle with trees 12–15 feet apart. This typically results in a sit height of 12–18 inches off the ground — easy to get in and out of and safe if you roll out. Higher hang points give you more flexibility with tree distance.
Yes, but you'll need to raise your hang points higher to maintain a comfortable 30° angle without dragging on the ground. Very close trees (under 10 ft) may force an uncomfortably steep angle. Our calculator will show you the required hang height and strap length for any tree distance you enter.