Ridgeline Length Calculator
Enter your hammock’s body length and pick a lay style to get the ridgeline length that gives you a consistent, repeatable hang every single time.
Cut your ridgeline to
Why a fixed ridgeline beats guessing
Without a ridgeline, every hang is a fresh negotiation between how tight you pull the suspension and how much the fabric sags once you climb in. Pull too tight and you get a flat, unsupportive plank; too loose and the sides fold over you like a taco. A ridgeline removes that guesswork by physically capping the spread, so the sag is a function of the ridgeline length alone, not how you happen to feel about tension that particular evening.
Cut it once using your hammock’s actual body length and a lay style you like, mark it, and every future hang starts from the same known-good geometry — whether you’re over rocky ground with trees eight feet apart or a wide-open campsite with room to spread out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a hammock ridgeline for?
A ridgeline is a fixed-length cord tied between the two suspension lines, above the fabric. It caps how far apart the two ends of the hammock can spread, which locks in a consistent, repeatable sag every time you hang — no re-tensioning the fabric by feel and hoping you matched last night's setup.
Where does the 83% figure come from?
It's a rule of thumb that spread through the hammock-camping community (popularized by DIY hangers and gear makers) as a starting point that produces a flat, comfortable lay on a typical gathered-end hammock. It isn't a law of physics — different fabrics, widths, and personal preference shift the ideal ratio slightly, which is why deeper and flatter presets are offered alongside it.
Should I use a shorter or longer ridgeline?
A shorter ridgeline (lower percentage) pulls the ends in more, giving a deeper 'diamond' lay with more fabric wrapped around you — warmer, more cocoon-like. A longer ridgeline (higher percentage) flattens the lay for a more open, cooler feel closer to lying on a flat surface. Try the standard 83% first and adjust from there.
A starting-point ratio, not a spec from your hammock's manufacturer. Check any sizing guidance that came with your specific hammock first.