Bed & Mattress Sizes
Over the years a number of standard bed sizes have been developed. Unfortunately
they're not completely "standard"! As a result choosing and buying the best size for your
bedroom can be confusing, as can buying sheets and other bedding for an existing bed. This
can be especially important when buying online from another country.
For a start the standards vary around the world. Not only are the names of
bed sizes sometimes different but even beds and mattresses with the same name can have different
measurements. This can be important when - for example - buying bed linen on-line.
Even within a single country different manufacturers interpret the "standard" bed sizes
differently. Some might shave a couple of inches off to reduce cost, others add a little
for comfort. Those few inches can make a lot of difference.
Beds are usually labelled according to the dimensions of the mattress - the actual bed
might be a little wider and/or longer. Check this when planning you bedroom.
Obviously bed linen will be
significantly larger than the standard mattress size and again some manufacturers are more
generous than others.
The tables below give common interpretations of the "standard" sizes. Use these size
charts as a guideline, but always check the exact dimensions before
you buy.
There are two charts on this page: US Bed Sizes and UK Bed Sizes.
US Bed & Mattress Sizes
| Name | Width | Length | Space per person | Comments |
| Twin / Single | 39" | 75" | 39" x 75" | Small, so easy to fit in. Often used for guest rooms. |
| Twin Extra Long | 39" | 80" | 39" x 80" | Bed linen can be hard to find |
| Full / Double | 54" | 75" | 27" x 75" | Barely wide enough for two adults |
| Queen | 60" | 80" | 30" x 80" | The Queen size bed is the most
popular choice for two adults, but is still too small for some |
| King | 76" | 80" | 38" x 80" | The King size bed is a
good buying option for those who find the Queen too small |
| California King | 72" | 84" | 36" x 84" | The
California King is narrower but longer than a standard King size bed |
UK Bed & Mattress Sizes
The range of British bed sizes is smaller than that of the US - and British beds themselves
are usually smaller then their US version with the same name.
| Name | Width | Length | Space per person | Comments |
| Single Bed | 36" | 75" | 36" x 75" | Small, so easy to fit in. Often used for guest rooms. |
| Double Bed | 54" | 75" | 27" x 75" | Barely wide enough
for two adults - yet still surprisingly common in the UK |
| King Bed | 60" | 78" | 30" x 78" | Same width but
slightly shorter than the American Queen size |
| Super King Bed | 72" | 78" | 36" x 78" | |
Here Be Dreams Home - Bedroom - Bed Sizes
All original material Copyright © Trevor Mendham 2003-2007. See home page for contact
details.
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