King-size mattresses are ideal for so many scenarios, such as couples who want to stretch out and families who share the bed with pets or children. In some cases, though, a California king mattress might be a better fit.
It’s hard to believe that 4 inches in length—the difference between a king and a California king mattress—can make a difference in your sleep, but it can.
Ahead, we’ll explore everything you need to know about California king dimensions and how it compares to other mattress sizes.
California king bed dimensions
You might be wondering, “What are California king bed dimensions?” As the longest standard mattress size that’s available on the market today, it comes in at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
These types of mattresses are just the thing for tall people, along with those who share the bed with someone else (and also kids and/or pets) or those who have narrow bedrooms.
Comparing California king mattresses to other king-size mattresses
A California king mattress isn’t the only king in this castle. There are also the standard king, split king, Alaskan king, and Wyoming king on the market. Here, we’ll show you the dimensions of each king-size mattress type:
Mattress Size Dimensions California King 72 in x 84 in Standard King 76 in x 80 in Split King 76 in x 80 in Texas King 80 in x 98 in Wyoming King 84 in x 84 in Alaskan King 108 in x 108 in
Deciding if a California king mattress is right for you
In order to determine if a California king mattress is the right mattress for you, consider the following:
- Who is sleeping in the bed?
- Desired comfort level
- Bedroom size
- Body size
- Budget
- Temperature
- Motion isolation
Who is sleeping in the bed?
A California king is ideal for partners who are both tall, or if you’re tall and your partner also likes to stretch out fully. You also might be snuggling in with children or pets, which means a king in general will be the right situation for you.
Your room size
Since these king mattresses are a bit more on the narrow side, they’re still sizable while working well in a narrow room. But as Phillip Thomas, interior designer, says, it’s important to measure, measure, measure as you consider a California king mattress.
“Ultimately, a mattress will only work if you have enough space for both the mattress and circulation around it,” he notes.
Your body size
When it comes to a bed, California king dimensions are best suited for tall, or larger, people. “What is wonderful about the California king mattress is that it is longer than its king counterpart,” Thomas says. “The California king gives them the maximum opportunity for length.”
Your budget
A California king mattress can cost between $1,000 to many thousands of dollars, so this is key to keep in mind if you’re maintaining a budget. And then there are the extra costs you’ll need to be aware of as well, especially if you have to go custom.
“Make sure that the bed frames and the linens you like are available in California king sizes,” Thomas cautions. “The available selection of bed frames for California king mattresses is not as broad as it is for king and queen mattresses. As a result, you may have to accept what is available or go the custom route, which could potentially lead to higher costs and/or lead times.”
California king bed dimensions vs. other mattress sizes
California king vs. twin-size bed
While a California king comes in at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, a twin-size bed is the smallest on the market, with dimensions at 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. In fact, a California king mattress is nearly twice as wide as a twin mattress.
California king vs. full-size bed
A full-size bed is larger than a twin, with dimensions of 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. A California king mattress is 18 inches wider and 9 inches longer than a full-size bed.
California king vs. queen-size bed
A queen-size bed tends to be the most popular mattress size among couples, but it might not be your ideal fit if you desire more room or if you’re tall. A queen-size bed measures 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, and a California king is substantially wider with an extra 12 inches of width.
California king vs. king-size bed
Even though they sound like siblings, California king and king mattresses differ from one another. A California king mattress, at 72 inches wide, is narrower than a king mattress, which measures 76 inches wide. But a California king has the king beat when it comes to length—the California king is four inches longer than the standard king, which is 80 inches long.
California king vs. split king
A split king mattress is made up of two twin XL mattresses placed side by side—each of those mattresses measures 38 inches wide by 80 inches long, making the overall dimensions of the split king 76 inches by 80 inches. In the same vein as a standard king mattress, a California king mattress measures 4 inches less in width and 4 inches more in length.
Shop our California king mattresses
Saatva Classic Innerspring Mattress
Our flagship luxury mattress is expertly engineered with coil-on-coil construction for durability, a layer of memory foam for enhanced back support, and a cushiony Euro pillow top for extra comfort.
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Contour5 Mattress
Luxurious body-hugging feel and pressure relief with 3” of ultra-premium, high-density 5-lb memory foam.
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Zenhaven Latex Mattress
Natural latex responds to every curve for pressure-free support and responsive comfort. Natural latex is supple, resilient, and durable, for the ultimate in elevated sleep. (It’s naturally hypoallergenic too.)
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Latex Hybrid Mattress
This hybrid mattress combines the pressure-free support of natural latex with the classic innerspring feel. Handcrafted with pure materials for the ultimate in cool and healthy sleep.
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Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
This memory foam hybrid mattress features the perfect balance of body-contouring and responsive feel. Enjoy the innovative cooling system, which prevents overheating.
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Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress
Featuring precise 50 firmness settings on each side of the bed for personal customization. Natural latex and gel-infused memory foam layers provide luxurious comfort and support.
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Saatva HD Mattress
This luxury hybrid innerspring mattress is specifically engineered to support people weighing between 300 and 500 pounds. Plush upper layers made of foam and latex deliver comfort, while a high-durability coil base offers support.
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Saatva Rx Mattress
Specially designed to give maximum support and pressure relief that can help alleviate discomfort associated with serious and chronic back and joint conditions like sciatica, arthritis, herniated disc, and scoliosis.
California king-size mattress dimensions FAQs
What dimensions are a California king mattress?
The dimensions of a California king mattress are 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
Which is bigger: King or California king?
A standard king mattress has more width, with its extra four inches, but the California king beats it in length, coming out with an extra 4 inches over the king.
Do two twins make a California king?
No, two twin mattresses don’t make a California king. A twin mattress is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. If you put two of those together, it wouldn’t match the standard dimensions of a California king mattress.
What size mattress is 76 x 80 inches?
These are the dimensions of a standard king mattress.
Find the best California king mattress for you at Saatva
If a California king mattress sounds like the right fit for you and your life, Saatva offers a wide range of California king mattresses to explore.
Here, you’ll find hybrid innerspring, memory foam, latex, and adjustable firmness mattresses to suit every sleep style. Each mattress comes with a 365-night home trial, free white glove delivery, and lifetime warranty.
