Christmas Tree Size Guide
What Size Christmas Tree Do I Need?
As a general rule, choose a Christmas tree size range whose maximum height leaves enough room for your tree stand and topper.
Allowing around 30cm (1ft) below your ceiling height is a useful starting point, but always measure your actual stand and topper before ordering.
For example, if you have an 8 ft ceiling, a 180–215cm (6–7ft) tree is generally a safer choice than a 215–245cm (7–8ft) tree because the latter could arrive close to 8 ft tall before the stand or topper is added.
Our trees are natural products and are sold in approximate height ranges, so individual trees will vary slightly.
Christmas Tree Size by Ceiling Height
Measure before ordering
Our real Christmas trees are sold in approximate height ranges because every tree grows naturally and is individually shaped. Your tree may therefore fall anywhere within the selected size range.
Measure from the floor to your ceiling, then allow sufficient space for your tree stand, tree topper and clearance above the tree. If your available height is close to the upper end of a tree size range, we recommend choosing the smaller size.
Quick Christmas Tree Size Guide
7 ft ceiling: choose 150–180cm (5–6ft)
8 ft ceiling: choose 180–215cm (6–7ft)
9 ft ceiling: choose 215–245cm (7–8ft)
10 ft ceiling: choose 245–275cm (8–9ft)
11 ft ceiling: choose 275–300cm (9–10ft)
12 ft ceiling: choose 300–335cm (10–11ft)
13 ft ceiling: choose 335–365cm (11–12ft)
14 ft ceiling: choose 365–400cm (12–13ft)
15 ft+ ceiling: consider 400–430cm (13–14ft)
These recommendations provide approximately 1 ft of allowance between the maximum tree height and ceiling height. Your required clearance will depend on your stand and topper.
How to Measure for a Christmas Tree
Before choosing your tree, measure the space where it will stand. You need to consider more than ceiling height.
1. Measure the ceiling height
Measure from the floor to the ceiling where the tree will be positioned.
2. Allow for your tree stand
The stand raises the tree above floor level, so include its height in your calculation.
3. Allow for your tree topper
If you're adding a star, angel or other topper, leave enough clearance above the tree.
4. Measure the available width
Real Christmas trees naturally vary in shape and width. Check the space around the tree as well as the height.
5. Check the route into the room
Consider doorways, hallways and stairs, particularly when ordering a larger Christmas tree.
Christmas Tree Width Matters Too
Height is usually the first measurement people consider, but the width of your Christmas tree can make just as much difference to how comfortably it fits in the room.
Real trees are natural products, so no two trees have exactly the same shape. A tree described as 7 ft tall may have a different spread from another tree of the same height.
Measure the available floor space and leave comfortable clearance around furniture, walkways, doors and heat sources.
If you're working with a smaller space, focus on the available width as well as choosing a shorter tree.
Choosing a Christmas Tree for Your Room
-
Smaller Rooms
Prioritise both height and floor space. A smaller tree can still create a strong focal point without overwhelming the room.
Measure furniture clearance and walkways before choosing your size.
-
Living Rooms
For a typical living room, start with the ceiling height and subtract approximately 1 ft to allow for the stand and topper.
Then check the available width around your chosen position.
-
Large & High-Ceiling Rooms
Taller ceilings can accommodate larger Christmas trees, but check the proportions of the room as well as its height.
For larger trees, also consider access, positioning and the size of stand required.
Choose the Right Christmas Tree Stand
Your tree stand needs to be suitable for the size of Christmas tree you choose. Larger and taller trees require an appropriately sized stand to hold the trunk securely and provide sufficient water.
We stock Christmas tree stands for different tree sizes, so match the stand to the height of the tree you're ordering rather than choosing on appearance alone.
A water-holding stand also makes it easier to keep a cut Christmas tree supplied with water throughout Christmas.
Christmas Tree Size Checklist
- Your ceiling height
- The height of your tree stand
- The space required for your topper
- The available width
- Clearance from furniture and walkways
- Distance from radiators and other heat sources
- Doorways, stairs and access into the room
- The correct stand size for your tree
Once you've measured your space, you can choose your preferred Christmas tree variety and the most suitable available size.
Christmas Tree Size FAQs
What size Christmas tree should I buy for an 8 ft ceiling?
A tree around 7 ft tall will generally suit an 8 ft ceiling, leaving approximately 1 ft for the tree stand, topper and some clearance. Measure your stand and topper before ordering because their dimensions can vary.
Should a Christmas tree touch the ceiling?
Ideally, no. Leaving some clearance above the tree prevents it from appearing cramped and provides space for a topper. Measure your ceiling and account for both the tree stand and decorations before choosing your tree height.
Does Christmas tree height include the stand?
The tree height and stand are separate, so you should allow for the additional height created by your stand when measuring your available space.
How much space should I leave for a Christmas tree topper?
It depends on the size of your topper, but including it in your measurements before ordering is important. Measure your chosen topper and subtract its height, along with the height of your stand, from your available ceiling height.
How wide is a real Christmas tree?
The width of a real Christmas tree varies naturally according to its variety, height and individual shape. Rather than relying on a fixed width measurement, measure the available floor space and allow sufficient clearance around the tree.
What if I'm between two Christmas tree sizes?
If space is limited or you're uncertain about clearance, the smaller size is usually the safer choice. Remember to account for your stand, topper and the natural shape of a real tree rather than using ceiling height alone.
Found the Right Christmas Tree Size?
Explore our real Christmas trees and choose your preferred variety and size. Our range includes Nordmann Fir, Norway Spruce and Blue Spruce Christmas trees, selected for freshness, shape and quality.