Feeling cramped in your bed alongside a partner, kids, and pets? Moving to a bigger bedroom? It might be time to upgrade to a king-size bed.
A king-size bed has plenty of positives going for it: It’ll provide more-than-generous space to you and a partner. It’s ideal for restless and light sleepers since there’s not as much of a chance of disturbing or being disturbed by a partner. And it certainly adds presence to a large bedroom, acting as an anchor amid the rest of the decor.
But how big exactly is a king-size mattress, and will it work in your bedroom?
King-size bed dimensions
A king-size bed is the largest type of mattress on the market today. A standard king-size bed measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
In addition to the standard king size, there are also two common specialty king sizes. A split king mattress has the same dimensions as a standard king but is formed from two 38 x 80-inch twin XL beds placed side by side, and a California king mattress is slightly narrower and longer than a standard king, measuring 72 x 84 inches.
Then there are less widely available king sizes that include the Texas king, the Alaskan king, and the Wyoming king. Each of these king-size mattresses has different benefits. Choosing one that fits your lifestyle best is important.
Comparing king-size mattresses
There are quite a few different types of king-size mattresses available to choose from. In the table below, you can see a breakdown of the standard mattress sizes the industry has to offer. From the average, standard queen-size mattress to the California king-size mattress, see which one is best for your lifestyle.
Mattress Type | Mattress Dimensions | Surface Area | Best For | Recommended Room Size |
Standard Queen | 60 in x 80 in | 4,800 in² | – Single sleepers – Small spaces | – Small to mid-sized primary bedroom |
Standard King | 76 in x 80 in | 6,080 in² | – Couples that want a little extra room | – Mid-sized to large primary bedroom |
California King | 72 in x 84 in | 6,048 in² | – Tall people that need longer mattresses | – Large primary bedroom |
Texas King | 80 in x 98 in | 7,840 in² | – Couples with pets – People that need extra space in bed | – Extra large primary bedroom |
Alaskan King | 108 in x 108 in | 11,664 in² | – Couples with young children and pets – People with large bedroom spaces | – Extra large primary bedroom |
Wyoming King | 84 in x 84 in | 7,056 in² | – Couples with young children | – Extra large primary bedroom |
Split King | 76 in x 80 in | 6,080 in² | – Couples with different mattress preferences – Couples that need an easy way to move the bed | – Small to large primary bedroom |
Deciding if a king-size mattress is right for you
In order to determine if a king-size 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 will sleep in the bed?
A king-size bed provides more room for couples. Each sleeper gets about 38 inches of space to themselves. It’s an especially good option if one of you is a restless or active sleeper because you can comfortably move around without bothering your partner.
Desired comfort level
Since king-size beds are usually shared by two people, you’ll need to take both of your comfort preferences into account when looking for a new mattress. For those who can’t agree on a firmness level, consider a medium-firm mattress as a middle ground. You may also want to consider a split king—that way, both of you can choose your personal preference when it comes to your mattress.
In general, a softer mattress is ideal for side sleepers while a medium-firm mattress is good for back sleepers. A firmer mattress is best for stomach sleepers.
Your room size
A king-size bed is an excellent option for primary bedrooms—ideally, you’ll want your bedroom to be on the larger side. At a minimum, a bedroom should be 10 x 12 feet for a king-size bed; however, the larger, the better is a good rule of thumb when it comes to king-size beds. Preferably, your bedroom will measure somewhere around 14 x 19 feet. If you have limited space in your bedroom, it might be best to consider a split king or queen-size mattress.
Your body size
King mattresses provide plenty of space for heavier individuals and heavier couples. Additionally, taller individuals may want to consider choosing a Texas, Alaskan, or Wyoming king-size mattress. The extra legroom can add an extra level of comfort for tall people. Learn about the
The first luxury hybrid innerspring for bigger bodies
Your budget
King-size mattresses are more expensive than other mattress sizes. They typically cost about 25% more than queen-size beds of the same style and brand. A larger-sized king mattress like a California king or Alaskan king will come with an increased price tag as well. A standard king-size
America’s best-selling online luxury innerspring
Temperature
If you tend to sleep hot, you may want to skip memory foam since it can trap heat. Innerspring and
Our dual-sided organic natural latex mattress for buoyant, pressure-relieving comfort
Motion isolation
A
Our ultra-premium 5-lb memory foam mattress for a body-hugging feel
Our hand-tufted, organic natural latex hybrid innerspring for buoyant, cooling comfort
King-size mattress vs. other mattress sizes
A king-size mattress differs from other mattress sizes in many ways. Before buying a mattress, it’s important to determine which one will fit your lifestyle best.
King vs. twin-size bed
A twin-size bed is one of the smallest mattresses available for purchase, measuring 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. Twin-size mattresses are the most popular mattress size for young kids and can commonly be found in college dorm rooms. The standard twin-size bed will not suit the average young adult. King-size beds are double the size of the average twin-size mattress.
King vs. full-size bed
While a king measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, a full mattress comes in at 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, making it much less wide than a king. A king will provide ample room for couples, but a full mattress could be a tight squeeze if you’re sharing it with a partner. A full mattress is generally a better pick for solo sleepers.
King vs. queen bed
What’s the difference between a king vs queen bed? A queen is the second-largest mattress size on the market. Queen mattresses measure 60 x 80 inches, making them 16 inches smaller in width than the king mattress. A queen mattress will fit better in a smaller-sized bedroom, a place where a king might not be able to fit. A queen will also provide room for storage furniture while a king might not permit such pieces if the space is diminutive.
King vs. split king
The only main difference between a king and a split king is that a split king is made up of two mattresses that come in at king-size dimensions. This is an ideal pick for couples who each have their own mattress preference. For example, one person might want a firm mattress while the other desires a soft mattress. The other bonus is that you won’t feel your partner while you sleep.
When it comes to pairing king and split king mattresses with an adjustable base, there’s a slight difference in how the two work. With a standard king-size bed, the head and feet of the mattress move together on an adjustable base. With a split king, the head and feet move separately on an adjustable base. This pairing offers more customization for couples.
King-size mattress FAQs
Mattress shopping can feel daunting, which is likely resulting in plenty of questions around king-size bed dimensions. These answers will help you during the process.
Is there a bed bigger than a king?
Some non-standard king sizes are bigger than a standard king. They include the Texas king (80 x 98 inches), the Alaskan king (108 x 108 inches), and the Wyoming king (84 x 84 inches).
What’s the difference between a king-size and an Alaskan king-size bed?
A standard king mattress measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. An Alaskan king is much larger. It measures 108 x 108 inches. That means it’s 36 inches wider and 28 inches longer than a traditional king.
What’s the difference between a California king versus a king?
A California king measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while a standard king measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. A California king is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than the standard king. (Learn more about the differences between a king vs. California king.)
Do two twins make a king?
Two twin XL mattresses make a king—a single twin XL is 38 by 80 inches. When you pair two together, you get a split king, which measures 76 x 80 inches.
What’s the ideal amount of room space for a king-size mattress?
The preferred bedroom size for a king-size mattress is 14 x 19 feet. This size room will allow you to comfortably fit other furniture, like two nightstands on either side of the table, a dresser, a TV stand, etc.
How big is a king-size bed frame?
A standard king-size bed frame measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Is a bigger bed really better?
A more sizable bed is better for couples, larger bedrooms, and families where kids and pets like to pile up in bed. A larger mattress will allow each of you plenty of space to snooze comfortably.
Buying a high-quality king-size mattress
After you’ve determined if a king-size bed is right for your lifestyle, it’s important to buy a high-quality mattress. If you’re in the market for a new bed, Saatva carries a large selection of high-quality mattresses that can easily fit into any lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect mattress for your guest room or a California king for some extra sleeping space, we’re a one-stop shop for all of your bed and mattress needs. Try a new king-size Saatva mattress for 365 nights to see if it’s right for you.
Explore other mattress sizes
Decided a king-size mattress isn’t right for you? Learn more about other common mattress sizes on the market to find your perfect fit.