Swing frame

Enter the clear geometry of a four-legged A-frame and watch the dimensions, drawing, and obstacle-free space change.

Before you build This is a geometric planning aid, not a structural design or statement of compliance. It does not cover load capacity, materials, joints, bracing, anchors, foundations, or dynamic loads. Verify the structure against current standards and the suspension-system manufacturer's instructions.

Input dimensions

Values are ideal clear dimensions in the selected unit.

Length system and unit

Metric Imperial

Suspension height h

Ideal distance from the ground to the suspension axis, ignoring the beam section.

Leg spread angle α

Included apex angle between both legs of the side A-frame; it is not the angle of a leg to the ground.

Seat height s

Clear height from the surface to the lower edge of the unloaded seat.

Placement below the beam

Set the seat size and required clear gaps. The drawing shows the actual placement.

Number of swings

Width of one seat

Total width of a seat or hanging basket, including the space it occupies in the plan.

Minimum from support

Minimum between seats

These are editable planning minima; verify the requirements of the actual seat and suspension system.

Calculate beam length automatically

Beam length between supports w

Clear distance between both side A-frame planes, excluding beam overhang.

Where to add extra beam length

Length is rounded up to centimetres from the seats and entered minimum clearances.

Calculated dimensions

Distance between feet: 1.29 m
Length of one leg: 2.48 m
Suspension length: 1.94 m
Beam length: 3.04 m
Required minimum: 3.04 m
Actual from support: 0.77 m
Actual between seats: 0.61 m
Reserve above minimum: +0.00 m
Clearance front and rear: 4.80 m
Total zone length: 9.60 m

Side view

A-frame and suspension geometry in the direction of swing.

Front view

Swing placement and clear dimensions below the top beam.

Model assumptions

Timber sections, beam overhang, hardware, bracing, anchors, and foundations are ignored in this iteration.
Height h is measured from the ground to the suspension axis; in the ideal model it also represents the top edge of the beam.
The dashed arc uses a 45° angle for illustration only. The red clearance zone is a separate conservative reference.
Default clearances follow the CPSC public guidance of 30 in (0.762 m) from a support and 24 in (0.610 m) between seats.