When you’re thinking about mattresses, sometimes you want to go big…but how big? In the US mattress market, the two largest standard sizes of mattresses are King and California King.
California King vs. King—what is the difference? The main 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.
In This Guide
Is Cal King Bigger than King?
Are King beds wider or longer?
Can I put a California King mattress on a King frame?
Can King sheets fit on a California King?
Why is it called a California King?
Is a King bed two Twins?
Which is better? King or California King?
What is the largest bed you can buy?
What size bed do most couples have?
Is a Queen size bigger than a King?
Is Cal 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 more square feet 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 in comparison to the others, many people assume that it is the largest mattress option.
Are King beds wider or longer?
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.
Can I put a California King mattress on a King frame?
Generally speaking, I would not recommend putting a California King mattress on a standard King bed frame. With open frames, like a platform bed frame or metal slat, there’s technically no reason why you couldn’t, but that doesn’t make it ideal.
When a California King mattress is on a standard King bed frame, there will be a 2″ overhang on the left and right side of the mattress where the frame extends beyond the mattress.
While this does adequately support the mattress, it’s less than ideal from an aesthetic standpoint.
Also, 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.
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.
If you can force the sheets on, it’s likely that they won’t fit quite right and may wrinkle or stretch in strange 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.
Why is it called a California King?
The California King was born in the heart of the Golden State itself, Los Angelos, 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 (namely 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.
Is a King bed two twins?
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.
Which is better: King or California King?
The answer to this question depends a lot on what you’re looking for in a mattress, as well as where you’re going to put it.
Some of the most important factors to consider when deciding between King and California King are:
- Room Size: A California King mattress will need a longer room to accommodate the extra length while a standard King mattress will need a wider room.
You can see in the example above how each size of mattress looks in a standard 12’x12′ room size.
- Budget: Often times California King mattresses are costlier than standard King mattresses. Not only are the mattresses more expensive, but the bedding can be expensive as well. If you’re worried about the bottom line, consider opting for a King size mattress (or even Queen for more savings!)
- Who’s In Bed: California King mattresses can be excellent for taller sleepers since they have the extra length. The benefit of a standard King mattress is that it’s a bit wider. That extra width is nice for side sleepers (who may need more space than stomach or back sleepers) as well as people who sleep with children or pets.
California King Mattresses
Best For
- Larger bedrooms that can accommodate the longer length
- Tall sleepers over 6′-0″
Considerations
- Mattress surface is 4″ narrower than King mattresses
- Tends to be costlier for both bedding and the actual mattress (compared to King)
King Mattresses
Best For
- Sleepers who want a wider sleeping surface, especially for pets or kids
- More economical price compared to California King
- Shorter length may fit better in some bedrooms
Considerations
- Taller sleepers, especially those over 6′, may find it’s not quite long enough
- Since it’s 4″ wider than a Cal King, if you have a more narrow room, you may find the fit to be a bit tighter
What is the largest bed you can buy?
The largest mattress you can buy is a collection of specialized King mattresses named after the states they were developed in. Much like the California King, there are also three other popular state-based mattresses.
| Mattress | Width | Length | Surface Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska King | 108″ | 108″ | 81 square feet |
| Wyoming King | 84″ | 84″ | 49 square feet |
| Texas King | 80″ | 98″ | 54.4 square feet |
Among these, the Alaska King is the largest mattress available, significantly larger than both the standard King as well as the California King.
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.
For sleepers in a pinch on space and looking to save room, you can also consider a Full mattress, but it may be a little tight for two adults.
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
Strictly looking at the surface area, here is how the numbers compare:
- Queen mattress: 33.3 square feet
- King mattress: 42.2 square feet
