Ideal Height Range
12–16″
First Branch
4–5.3″
Pot Length
8–10.7″
First Branch Height
4–5.3″
33% of tree height
Crown Spread
6–10.7″
50–67% of height
Pot Length
8–10.7″
67% of tree height
Pot Depth
2–4″
1–2x trunk diameter
Formal Upright (Chokkan)
Straight trunk tapering evenly from base to apex. Classic, symmetrical form.
Height ratio: 6–8x trunk diameter
Informal Upright (Moyogi)
Gentle curves in the trunk with apex over the base. The most common bonsai style.
Height ratio: 6–10x trunk diameter
Slanting (Shakan)
Trunk grows at an angle, simulating wind or light exposure effects.
Height ratio: 6–8x trunk diameter
Cascade (Kengai)
Trunk falls below the pot rim, mimicking a tree growing on a cliff.
Height ratio: 4–6x trunk diameter
Semi-Cascade (Han-Kengai)
Trunk extends horizontally or slightly below pot rim.
Height ratio: 5–7x trunk diameter
Windswept (Fukinagashi)
All branches sweep to one side, as if shaped by constant wind.
Height ratio: 5–8x trunk diameter
Literati (Bunjin-gi)
Tall, thin trunk with minimal branching. Elegant and minimalist.
Height ratio: 8–12x trunk diameter
Broom (Hokidachi)
Round, symmetrical crown like a deciduous tree in winter.
Height ratio: 6–8x trunk diameter
Rectangular Pots
Best for formal upright, informal upright, and slanting styles. The angular shape complements the strong trunk line.
Oval Pots
Versatile choice for informal upright, broom, and windswept styles. Softer lines complement flowing trunk shapes.
Round Pots
Ideal for literati and broom styles. The symmetry highlights the tree rather than the pot.
Cascade Pots
Tall, deep pots required for cascade and semi-cascade styles. The depth allows the trunk to fall below the pot rim.
Inputs
Result
Formal upright ratio = 6–8x trunk diameter. Height = 2 × 6 to 2 × 8 = 12–16 in. First branch = 33% of height = 4–5.3 in. Pot length = 67% of height = 8–10.7 in. Pot depth = 1–2x trunk = 2–4 in.
Inputs
Result
Cascade ratio = 4–6x trunk diameter. Height = 3 × 4 to 3 × 6 = 12–18 in. First branch = 33% = 4–5.9 in. Cascade pots need extra depth (3–6 in) to support the falling trunk.
Most bonsai styles target a height of 6–8 times the trunk diameter at the base. Formal and informal upright styles use 6–10x, cascade uses 4–6x, and literati uses 8–12x. These ratios create the visual balance that makes bonsai look like miniature mature trees.
| Bonsai Style | Height Ratio | Typical Height (2" trunk) |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Upright | 6–8× | 12–16" |
| Informal Upright | 6–10× | 12–20" |
| Cascade | 4–6× | 8–12" |
| Literati | 8–12× | 16–24" |
| Broom | 5–7× | 10–14" |
Pot length should be about 2/3 of the tree’s height. Pot depth should equal 1–2 times the trunk diameter. For rectangular pots, width should be about 2/3 of the pot length. Cascade styles require deeper pots.
The first (lowest) branch should be at about 1/3 of the total tree height. For a 12-inch formal upright tree, the first branch would be at roughly 4 inches from the base. This creates the visual weight distribution found in mature trees.
Crown spread should be 50–67% of the tree’s height. A 16-inch tree should have a crown spread of roughly 8–11 inches. Broom-style bonsai tend toward the wider end, while literati have minimal crowns.
Yes, significantly. Formal upright targets 6–8x trunk diameter, but literati aims for 8–12x for its tall, minimalist form. Cascade style uses only 4–6x because the trunk extends downward. Always match proportions to the style you’re developing.
| Style | Pot Type | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|
| Formal Upright | Rectangular, shallow | Intermediate |
| Informal Upright | Oval or rectangular | Beginner-friendly |
| Cascade | Tall, deep | Advanced |
| Literati | Small, round | Advanced |
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Last Updated: Mar 16, 2026
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