All Solid Custom Heirlooms beds are built to fit industry standard mattress dimensions as shown in our mattress size guide.
A standard queen mattress is between 8 inches and 18 inches thick. There is no industry standard for mattress thickness and different types of mattresses such as Memory-Foam, Pillow Top or various types of mattress toppers will impact thickness and how the mattress fits with your bed.
Please double-check this mattress size guide as well as your mattress thickness prior to placing your order as there can be variations between manufacturers.
Finding the right mattress size is one of the most important steps in buying a new bed. Too small and couples may be to close together to sleep comfortably. Too large and the bed might too large for the room.
This mattress size guide will outline standard mattress size in inches as well as give guidance as to the best uses of each size.
The king size mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Also known as an Eastern or standard king, a king size mattress is the equivalent of two twin mattresses put side by side, and the widest mattresses commonly available.
Who it’s for: The generous width of the king size mattress is especially popular with tall people, families with multiple children, people with pets or anyone who just likes their own space.
How it compares: The king mattress is 4 inches wider and 4 inches shorter than a California king mattress and 16 inches wider and has the same 80 inch length as a queen mattress.
The California king size mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long – a perfect 6 feet by 8 feet.
Who it’s for: Slightly longer and narrower than a standard king bed, the California king bed is great for 2 tall people who prefer a bed that is slightly narrower than a regular king mattress. A California king mattresses is available throughout the United States – not just in California!
How it compares: Also known as a western king, a California king bed is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king size bed and and 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a queen mattress.
The choice between a king and California king size bed is a choice between length and width. If you want a large mattress with extra legroom, pick a California king which is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. If you would rather have more side by side sleeping space, at 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, the standard king is 4 inches wider and 4 inches shorter than a California king size.
According to the Los Angles Times, after the end of WWII a Los Angles mattress merchant thought that most new homes being built at that time would have room for a bed that was a perfect 6 feet by 8 feet. As a savvy marketer selling beds to new homebuyers, he christened the California king and the rest is history.
The queen mattress measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long and is the most popular mattress size for couples and a perfect fit for the master bedroom.
Who it’s for: Measuring 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, the queen size mattress is the “goldilocks” bed for many couples – larger than a full bed and smaller than a king bed – not too big and not too small. In fact the Queen size makes up 47% of all mattresses sold in the United States.
How it compares: The queen mattress is the same length as a king – 80 inches, but is 16 inches narrower. A queen bed is 12 inches narrower and 5 inches shorter than a California king mattress.
A queen size mattress is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer vs a full size mattress.
A queen size mattress is 6 inches wider and the same length – 80 inches – vs a full XL mattress
If you have a small 10 foot by 10 foot bedroom, a queen size mattress can still fit! At 5 feet wide and 6.6 feet long, a queen size mattress can still fit comfortably in your room. We suggest a platform bed frame to make sure you use as small of a footprint as possible.
A California queen size mattress measures 60 inches wide by 84 inches long, the same width as a standard queen size mattress but longer – the same length as a California king size mattress.
Who it’s for: If you fit well in a regular queen mattress but want bit more length, the California queen is for you. However if you are less than 6 feet tall, the extra expense of the California queen may not be worth it!
Note that the California queen bed is not a typically available standard mattress size, which means it will be harder to find the mattress and bedding.
How it compares: At 60 inches wide by 84 inches long a California queen mattress is the same width as a regular Queen, but 4 inches longer. The California queen is 6 inches wider and 9 inches longer than a Full mattress.
An Olympic queen mattress measures 66 inches wide and 80 inches in length. The Olympic queen size mattresses is the same length as a standard King and Queen mattresses, but 10 inches narrower than a King size bed but 6 inches wider than a Queen mattress.
Please note that an Olympic queen is a specialty mattress so it may be difficult to find a mattress in this size as well as bedding.
A double bed and full size mattress both measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. A full size mattress and a double bed are the same size mattress! The terms are used interchangeably.
Full size and an queen size sheets are not the same size! Make sure that you purchase mattress specific sheets for the best fit.
Long before the queen became popular, the full bed was the the mattress of choice for couples, hence also being called a double bed for 2 people. And while king and queen sizes are now growing in popularity, a full size can still be very comfortable for 2 people! For example:
Small rooms. If you have a modest size bedroom 10 feet by 10 feet or less, the smaller footprint of a full mattress can free up space for other essential items like a nightstand or a small desk while still being comfortable for 2 people.
Cuddles! If you like to sleep close and “spoon” with your partner the full mattress might be the perfect size.
Smaller people. Not planning on an NBA career? A king or queen could be overkill.
Loft beds are a great way to raise a mattress up off the floor and create space underneath for a desk, shelves or other uses. While loft beds can be made in all sizes, the full size loft bed is a perfect fit for many small studio apartments.
A full XL size mattress measures 54 inches wide by 80 inches long. The full XL bed size is the same width as a regular full size mattress but includes an additional 5″ of length for people that want a longer bed.
Who it’s for: a full XL is perfect for a large single sleeper, or a couple that likes to sleep close together and prefers a bit more legroom. The Full XL is a great fit for small rooms where the sleeper needs extra length.
How it compares: A full XL mattress is the same length as a Queen mattresses, but 6 inches narrower. A full XL is 54 inches wide vs. a queen at 60 inches wide and king at 84 inches wide.
Also known as a single bed, the twin size mattress measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and is one of the most popular mattress sizes sold in the United States.
Who it’s for: The twin size mattress is remarkably versatile and has a wide variety of uses in kids rooms, college dorms, guest rooms, bunk beds and even works well with an adjustable bed frame.
How it compares: the twin size mattress is exactly half the width of a standard king sized bed, making it a great fit for a single sleeper.
A twin XL mattress measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. Twin XL mattresses are the same width as a regular twin size mattress but 5 inches longer.
Who it’s for: Because of their longer length, Twin XL mattresses are a favorite of tall people and athletes of all ages. The 5 extra inches can make all the difference in helping a tall person get a good nights sleep.
How it compares: the twin XL mattress is exactly half the width and the same length as a standard king bed
Twin XL mattresses are also commonly used in trundle beds where the upper mattress needs to be slightly larger than the lower trundle mattress. This allows the trundle to slip easily under the bed.
While King and Queen sizes are the most common beds that we build, more and more customers are asking, “what size bed is bigger than a King?” It seems that whether for lounging, co-sleeping or just living like the king of the jungle, really big beds are IN right now.
Please note that most extra large mattress are considered by the mattress industry to be “specially beds” which means few manufactures make mattresses in these sizes and bedding may be hard to find. We include as many sizes as possible on our mattress size guide in order that our customers have the most options possible.
Large beds for family Co-sleeping
In our experience most people who order an extra-large bed have growing families and choose to have their young children sleep with them. Proponents of what is often called “Co-Sleeping,” say that this arrangement creates a special bonding experience with children and helps the whole family sleep well together. A big bed can give room for Fido too!
Large Beds for Tall people
Standard mattresses sizes can be uncomfortable for tall people. At 80 inches long for a Standard King, or 84 inches long for a California King – standard sized mattresses are often just not long enough. We get emails from many people who are tired of their feet hanging off the mattress and are looking for a better solution.
Large Beds for Lounging
Some customers simply love a really big bed as a luxurious bedroom escape. The Texas King, which is the same length as a standard King but a full 22 inches wider, is a popular choice for people that use their bed as an all-day getaway.
The Alaskan king bed measures a whopping 9 feet by 9 feet square or 108 inches by 108 inches. To put this in context, an Alaskan king is roughly the size of two full-size mattresses put together. Alaskan king mattresses are not generally available at mattress stores but can be found at a variety of online mattress retailers.
If you want a larger-than-king bed but don’t have room for the massive Alaskan king, a Wyoming king, at 7 feet by 7 feet square or 84 inches by 84 inches may be a better fit. A Wyoming king is the same length as a California king, but a full 1 foot wider for extra space.
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and while not as large as Alaskan or Wyoming king beds, the Texas king is still huge! At 80 inches long by 98 inches wide, a Texas King is the same length as a standard king bed, but a full 22 inches wider. For comparison, the Texas king is shorter but wider than the Wyoming king.
What good is a mattress size guide without a pillow size guide as well?
Now that we’ve covered all the mattress sizes and dimensions, don’t forget the bed itself. Most mattress companies will also sell a basic metal frames and headboards, but options are limited.
At Solid Custom Heirlooms we build custom hardwood beds in ALL sizes and specialize in bed frames that are sturdy enough for any mattress. Almost any bed that you see on our website can be made in any size from Twin to the giant Alaskan King.
We invite you to take a look at our options and if you don’t see what you are looking for in this mattress size guide or want to talk more about an idea you have, contact us and we would love to help you create your dream bed!
