Many people think of bonsai as small trees. When it comes to bonsai size, theres a wide array of sizes, classifications, and styles to this art form. There is no conclusive authority as to how bonsai is classified by size, but there is traditions upheld by the bonsai community. Since bonsai is truly an ancient practice, there are some old words that have no current translation. These terms are still widely used in the bonsai world out of respect and tradition.
Here is a small chart for each bonsai tree size category.
| Height | Size Classification |
| < 1 Inch (2.5 cm) | Keishi Bonsai |
| < 3″ (7.5 cm) | Shito Bonsai |
| < 6″ (15 cm) | Mame Bonsai |
| < 8″ (20 cm) | Shohin Bonsai |
| < 16″ (40.5 cm) | Kifu Sho Bonsai |
| < 24″ (61 cm) | Chu Bonsai |
| < 40″ (101.5 cm) | Dai Bonsai |
Keishi Bonsai
(thumb size) – Up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in height
Keishi is the smallest size classification of bonsai. It literally means “Thumb Size” Bonsai of this size are extremely rare and almost impossible to maintain long term.
Shito Bonsai
(very small) – Up to 3 inch (7.5 cm) in height
Shito Bonsai are great, but usually not feasible to keep these long term. They are almost always only displayed for a particular show, then repotted and grown to a more sustainable sized tree.
Mame Bonsai
(mini) – Up to 6 inch (15 cm) in height
Mame bonsai aren’t tiny but they can accurately be referred to as miniature bonsai. While some mistakenly call all tiny bonsai mame, the true mame is between 3 and 6 inches high.
Shohin Bonsai
(small) – Up to 8 inch (20 cm) in height
These are the most popular bonsai size classification. Making up 80%+ of all domestic bonsai plants. You can’t go wrong with a Shohin
Kifu Sho Bonsai
(medium) – Up to 16 inch (40.5 cm) in height
Not too big and not too small. Kifu Sho bonsai are slightly bigger than Shohin, but can carry a lot more clout. The character than the additional size can bring, shouldn’t’ be underestimated.
Chu Bonsai
(medium large) – Up to 24 inch (61 cm) in height
Chumono or Chiu are 2 handed bonsai trees. The Western world usually refers to these as medium.
Dai Bonsai
(large) – Up to 40 (101.5 cm) inch in height
Four handed bonsai. They can be referred to as Omono bonsai trees, or Very Large in the West.