King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (2024)

The Difference Between King and California King

King vs California King – The main difference between a standard King size and a California king mattress resides in both the length and width. A California king bed is slightly longer at 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. A standard king aka Eastern King’s 80 inches long by 76 inches wide.

King vs California King Technical Specifications

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (1)

King vs Cal King Mattress DimensionsFeetInches
King Size Mattress Dimensions6’3″ x 6’6″76″ x 80″
California King Dimensions6’0″ x 7′72″ x 84″


Table Of Contents

King vs California King DimensionsQueen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King DimensionsKing vs California King FAQ’s

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (2)

King vs California King Dimensions Differences

The main difference between a standard King size and a California king mattress resides in both the length and width. A California king bed is slightly longer at 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. A standard king aka Eastern King’s 80 inches long by 76 inches wide.

There is no standard height for a King size mattress or California king size mattress. The height variance differs from each mattress model, brand, and manufacturer.

However, if you calculate the total surface area of both beds, a California aka Western King measures 6,048 square inches while the standard king size mattress will measure 6,080 square inches.

Thus, most mattress advice would recommend a cal king for taller people and a standard king for people who want more bed space.


Table Of Contents

King vs California King DimensionsQueen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King DimensionsKing vs California King FAQ’s

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (3)

What is the size difference between a King mattress and a Queen mattress?

A King mattress is 16 inches wider and but the same length as a standard queen at 80 inches.

Queen vs King Technical Specifications

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (4)

King vs Queen Mattress DimensionsFeetInches
Queen Size Mattress Dimensions5’0″ x 6’8″60″ x 80″
King Size Mattress Dimensions6’3″ x 6’6″76″ x 80″


Table Of Contents

King vs California King DimensionsQueen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King DimensionsKing vs California King FAQ’s

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (5)

What is the difference between aQueen size vs California King size mattress?

The California king mattress size is 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a standard queen.

Queen vs California King Technical Specifications

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (6)

Queen vs Cal King Mattress DimensionsFeetInches
Queen Size Mattress Dimensions5’0″ x 6’8″60″ x 80″
California King Dimensions6’0″ x 7′72″ x 84″


Table Of Contents

King vs California King DimensionsQueen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King DimensionsKing vs California King FAQ’s

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (7)

King vs California King Frequently Asked Questions

I’m upgrading from a Queen size bed to a King vs California King bed. I’m 6’3″ tall, what is the best option for me?

For taller people, this California King is the ideal choice. One widespread misconception is that a California King is the largest mattress size available so it must be the best option for everyone. The California king is an excellent option for taller individuals. The California King has an additional 4″ in length compared to a King size mattress. It’s important to understand that the California king size lacks 4″ in width compared to the standard King size.

However, shopping for bed accessories for a California King is can be more difficult because this size is less common. This also includes bed frames and boxes, not only bed sheets and comforters. Lastly, because of the unique sizing, California King bed accessories have been found to be more expensive, and design choices may be limited. You should plan your full design while evaluating bed sizes.

Are box springs required for King vs California King size mattresses?

The use of a box spring is dependant on the build and design of the mattress; not the size of the mattress. Most mattresses, like Tomorrow Sleep’s Hybrid and All Foam options, work with a box spring (also known as a foundation) but work equally as well with slats, adjustable bases of even on the floor.

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (9)

If I currently have a King size bed and foundation, can I upgrade to a California King but keep my current furniture?

No. If you change for King to Cal King, you will need to replace your bed as they have different height and width dimensions.

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (10)

Is there a difference between motion transfer on a King vs Cal King mattress?

Motion transfer (aka motion isolation) is directly attributed to the construction of a mattress not relative to the size of the mattress. It is important to note that with a Cal King size you will have four fewer inches in width, thus causing you to be physically closer to your sleeping partner which can cause slightly greater disruption due to a closer proximity.

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (11)

Will my King size sheets work on a California King size mattress?

No. As the length and width of these two popular mattress sizes differ greatly, you will not be able to use your existing king size sheets if you elect to purchase a California King bed.


Table Of Contents

King vs California King DimensionsQueen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King DimensionsKing vs California King FAQ’s

Mattress Dimension & Size Guides

  • Twin vs Twin XL : Mattress Size Comparison
  • Full vs Queen – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison
  • King vs California King : Mattress Size Guide Comparison

California King vs King Resources;
[1] PR Newswire;Tomorrow Sleep, Powered by Serta Simmons Bedding, Launches with Innovative Direct-to-Consumer Sleep System.

Summary

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (12)

Article Name

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison

Description

[Question] King vs California King Mattress Dimensions? [Answer] KING Mattress size = 76" x 80". CALIFORNIA KING Mattress size = 72" x 84" [See Full Mattress Size Comparison Guide Here]

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Sleep Team

Publisher Name

Tomorrow Sleep

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King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (13)

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison (2024)

FAQs

King vs California King – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison? ›

The measurements of a regular king are approximately 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length. The measurements of a California king are a bit longer and not as wide, the dimensions are approximately 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.

How much bigger is a California king compared to a king size mattress? ›

A California King (72 x 84 inches) is four inches narrower (side to side) and four inches longer (head to toe) than a King (76 x 80 inches). A California King may be narrower and longer, but a King is wider and has a slightly larger surface area.

What two sizes make a California king? ›

Dimensions: 72” x 84”

The longest standard mattress on the market, the California king mattress measures a whopping 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.

Can a California king mattress fit on a king bed frame? ›

It's not suggested to place a King mattress on a Cal King base as you'll have 4” of extra base length and 4” of mattress overhang on the width. It's also not recommended to place a California King on a standard King base. By doing so, you'll have 4” of extra width on the base and 4” of mattress overhang on the length.

What is the difference between California King and oversized king? ›

A California King bed is longer but narrower than a Super King bed, measuring 183cm x 213cm (72 inches x 84 inches) compared to the Super King's 180cm x 200cm (71 inches x 78 inches). Where can I find bedding for an Emperor bed?

Do 2 full beds make a California king? ›

Two full beds pushed together do not make a standard queen or king size bed. Based on our observations, two full beds together are significantly wider than a standard king bed, which is 78 inches wide and 80 inches long. This setup is also wider than a queen bed, which measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.

Will a king comforter fit a California king? ›

For example, a California king bed measures 72 inches by 84 inches, while a cal king comforter should measure 107 inches by 96 inches. And if you try to adjust with a king comforter, the bedding will not fit your California king bed.

Do two twins make a king or Cal King? ›

However, pushing two standard twin beds together does not result in a king-sized bed. The length of a regular twin mattress is merely 74 inches. A typical king size mattress measures 80 inches in length. To make a king mattress out of two twin beds, you must use two twin XL mattresses.

How big is a Texas king bed? ›

Texas King Bed

At 80 x 98 inches, the long and large Texas King mattress gives couples the freedom to sprawl out. Its extended length beats a standard King size bed by 4 inches.

Are 2 twins the same as a king? ›

If you chose to combine two twin size mattresses, you'd have a bed that is neither here nor there; not quite the size of a king bed but pretty close. The width of two twins is the same as the width of a king sized bed, but your new creation will be five inches shorter than a traditional king.

How do you tell if you have a king or Cal King? ›

Some people mistakenly believe California kings are bigger than standard king beds, but the main difference is actually in the width and length. California kings are longer and narrower than standard kings—a king bed is 76 inches by 80 inches, and a Cal king bed is 72 inches by 84.

What is the point of a California king bed? ›

This size provides extra length compared to a standard king bed, making it well-suited for taller individuals or those who prefer more legroom. The California king is a popular choice for larger bedrooms where a spacious and luxurious sleeping surface is desired.

Can you use a king headboard with a California king mattress? ›

For example, an extra-wide, wall-mounted king size headboard may work with a queen or a California king bed as well as a king size bed. Frame-mounted headboards have to be size compatible because the mounting holes on either side must line up for them to be attached.

What is the next size above California king? ›

Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
Mattress SizeDimensions (Width x Length)
Alaska King144" x 84"
California King72" x 84"
Texas King80" x 98"
Wyoming King84" x 84"
7 more rows

What size comforter for California king? ›

Comforter Size Dimensions
Comforter SizeComforter DimensionsDimensions
Full78”-88” x 86”-92”54” x 75”
Queen86”-90” x 90”-100”60” x 80”
King90”-108” x 86”-108”76” x 80”
California King90”-110” x 92”-108”72” x 84”
2 more rows
Mar 23, 2023

Can you get a bed bigger than California King? ›

The square-shaped Alaskan king is 24 inches longer than the California king size mattress, which is the longest among the standard sizes. The extra length is perfect for accommodating very tall sleepers.

What is the biggest mattress you can get? ›

An Alaskan king is the largest of the oversized mattresses and measures 108 inches by 108 inches. If you co-sleep with more than two children, this mattress is ideal. An Alaskan king is so spacious that you and your whole family can spread out and sleep soundly without ever feeling cramped.

What's the biggest bed you can buy? ›

Of the widely available beds, the biggest size is the California king (74 x 84 inches). In non-standard sizes, the family bed is twice that (144 x 84) followed by Alaska king (108 x 108), Texas king (80 x 96) and Wyoming king (84 x 84), but these can be hard to acquire and hard to buy bedding for.

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