It depends on what type of area you are hunting. If you are in rolling country then 16 is good. If you hunt ridge lines and have climb a tree from under the ridge then you will have to be very high. A good way to determine the height of a stand is stand about 30 to 40 yard away from your stand and look straight ahead. ( like a deer) If you can see the stand in direct sight then you need to go up. If you see the bottom or no part of the stand you are good.