What size Christmas tree do I need?
Updated October 2026
Trees look smaller in a field than in your living room. Measure before you go.
The simple rule
Ceiling height − stand height − topper height = maximum tree height.
Allow about 15–30 cm for the stand and 15–25 cm for a star or angel. For a standard UK ceiling of around 2.4 m (8 ft), that usually means a tree of about 6 to 7 ft (1.8 to 2.1 m).
Size table
| Ceiling height | Suggested tree |
|---|---|
| 2.2 m / 7 ft 3 in | 5 to 6 ft (1.5 to 1.8 m) |
| 2.4 m / 8 ft | 6 to 7 ft (1.8 to 2.1 m) |
| 2.7 m / 9 ft | 7 to 8 ft (2.1 to 2.4 m) |
| 3 m+ / 10 ft+ | 8 ft and up (2.4 m+) |
Width matters too
A 7 ft Nordmann fir can easily be over a metre wide at the base. Measure the floor space too, and remember you need room to walk past. For small rooms, a slimmer variety such as Fraser fir can help (see our variety guide).
Getting it home
Check the tree will fit in or on your car. Ask the farm to net it, and bring something to protect your seats. Some farms offer delivery; where a farm mentions this, we include it on its page.