When you’re thinking about mattresses, sometimes you want to go big…but how big? In the US mattress market, the two largest standard mattress sizes are King and California King.
California King vs. King—what is the difference? The difference is the size.
King mattresses are 80″ long and 76″ wide and California King mattresses are 84″ long and 72″ wide.
California King mattresses are 4″ longer than a King, but also 4″ less wide.
Here is a full side-by-side comparison of California King vs. King:
| Feature | King (Standard) | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 84 inches |
| Width | 76 inches | 72 inches |
| Surface Area | 42.2 square feet | 42.0 square feet |
| Minimum Room Size | 12′ x 12′ | 11′ x 13′ |
| Width (per person) | 38 inches | 36 inches |
| Primary Benefit | Extra Width | Extra Length |
| Best For | Sleepers with co-sleeping pets or kids, sleepers shorter than 6′ | Sleepers taller than 6′ |
Is California King Bigger Than King?
Surprisingly, no. But it may feel larger to some sleepers. Let’s explain.
The California King is 84″ long and 72″ long, while the standard King mattress is 80″ wide and 76″ wide.
| Mattress | Width | Length | Total Surface Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| King | 76″ | 80″ | 42.2 square feet |
| California King | 72″ | 84″ | 42.0 square feet |
This technically gives King mattresses 0.2 square feet more of total surface area, making it the larger mattress, mathematically speaking.
But when looking at the full range of mattress sizes, California King is usually listed last. Because it’s longer than the others, many people assume it is the largest mattress option.
Wider vs. Longer Mattresses
King mattresses are 4″ wider than California King mattresses, which can provide some space between partners or more room for kids or pets to snuggle in bed. But they are 4″ shorter than California King mattresses.
California King mattresses are 4″ longer than King mattresses. As a result, for taller sleepers, they may be a better choice. They give up 4″ of width, so you will be a little closer to your partner.
Why is it called a California King?
The California King was born in the heart of the Golden State itself, Los Angeles, California. In 1960, after World War II, a mattress manufacturer began to question the mattress sizes.
There were two arguments made for the introduction of the California King.
- Californians had big enough houses and lifestyles to support the need for larger mattresses.
- California had a larger percentage of tall, slender people (especially celebrities and athletes) so this size made more sense for them.
The California King was built 72″ wide and 84″ long… that’s 4″ narrower than the standard King and also 4″ longer.
What Should I Buy—King or California King?
So all things considered, which mattress is the right pick for you? The answer to this question depends a lot on what you’re looking for in a mattress.
If you frequently have “extras” in your bed (ie: kids, pets, etc), I would recommend a King mattress. The wider profile makes it a great choice for sleepers.
Bedding may also be slightly more affordable or easier to find than a California King mattress.
If you are taller (over 6′ tall) or have a bedroom that is longer than it is wide, a California King may be a better choice.
The California King can create a better feel for 2 adult sleepers. This is especially beneficial for sleepers who enjoy more pillows at the head of the bed or pets at the foot of the bed.
If you have any kids or pets squeezing in the middle, the fit becomes tighter because of the narrower width.
King
Mattresses
Best For
- Sleepers who want a wider sleeping surface, especially for pets or kids
- More economical price
- Sometimes easier to find bedding (more common size)
Considerations
- Taller sleepers over 6’0″ may find it’s not quite long enough
- May be a tighter fit in a narrow room
California King Mattresses
Best For
- Larger bedrooms that can accommodate the longer length
- Tall sleepers over 6’0″
- Rooms that are at least 11′ wide by 13′ long
Considerations
- Mattress surface is 4″ narrower than King mattresses
- Tends to be costlier for both bedding and the actual mattress (compared to King)
Is a King mattress equal to two twin mattresses?
No, it takes two Twin XL mattresses to equal the size of a King mattress. Two twin mattresses would be the correct width, but 5″ shorter than the King’s length.
Can King sheets fit on a California King?
No, sheets made for a standard King mattress will generally not fit on a California King mattress. The California King mattress is 4″ narrower than King and also 4″ longer.
Is a Queen size bigger than a King?
No, a queen mattress is 16″ narrower than the King mattress.
Queen mattress: 60″W x 80″L
King mattress: 76″W x 80″L
California King mattress: 72″W x 84″L
Strictly looking at the surface area, here is how the numbers compare:
Queen mattress: 33.3 square feet
King mattress: 42.2 square feet
California King mattress: 42.0 square feet
What size bed do most couples have?
Most couples have a Queen-sized mattress. If you’re looking for more sleeping area, the King would be the next most popular choice.
Can I put a California King mattress on a King frame?
No, I would not recommend putting a California King mattress on a standard King bed frame. These mattresses are two different sizes, creating an uneven support system.
When a California King mattress is on a standard King bed frame, there will be a 2″ overhang on the left and right sides of the mattress, where the frame extends beyond the mattress.
Depending on the frame, it can create poor or no support for the edge, impacting performance and longevity.
In a similar vein, the California King mattress is 4″ longer than King, so there will be a 2″ area at the head and foot of the bed where the mattress is unsupported.
Are King and Cal King sheets interchangeable?
No, these are two unique mattress sizes and require different sheet sizes.
While it’s possible that a stretchy set of sheets may technically be able to be forced on, they likely won’t fit quite right and may wrinkle or stretch in odd places.
Another thing to consider when buying sheets for King and California King mattresses is the mattress thickness. Some sheets are sold with “deep pockets”. Deeper pockets can accommodate thicker mattresses and help prevent the corners from snapping off.
Can I use a King quilt or duvet on a Cal King mattress?
Possibly. Depending on the exact size of the bedding (comforter, quilt, or duvet) as well as the design of your bed frame, it’s possible that this top layer could be interchangeable.
Using a King comforter on a California King mattress will mean that there may be more overhang on the sides of the mattress and less material at the head or foot of the mattress.
Vice versa, using a California King comforter on a King mattress would leave less material on the sides of the mattress and more material on the head and foot of the mattress.
