A method and apparatus for limiting the height of media inserted into a media tray of an image forming apparatus 10 while also allowing for the inserted media to expand due to changing environmental conditions is described herein. An exemplary stack height limiting system comprises an elongated arm with a striking end spaced from a control end, where the arm is movable between first and second positions. A limiter positioned relative to the arm defines the first position, where the striking end is spaced from the bottom surface of the tray by a first gap. As media disposed in the tray expands beyond the first gap, the expanding media moves the arm to form a second, greater distance between the striking end and the bottom surface of the tray. As a result, pinch points between the first end and the media are avoided.