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Last Updated March 27, 2024
When you’re shopping for a new bed, the term “California King” may come up. What is it? Is it something special or just another type of king-size bed? And if it’s not a different kind of bed, why would anyone choose a California King over a king size bed? Do they even have to choose one, or can you just get whichever works best in your room? From the standard California king bed size dimensions to how it differs from a king, let's help you answer these questions and more so that you can make an informed decision about which type of bed to buy.
Key Takeaways:
A California king mattress, also known as 'Western king,' is the second-largest standard mattress size out there, with 6,048 square inches of total surface area. This mattress size is excellent for couples, especially for sleepers over 6 feet tall.
When most people hear the mattress size 'California king' for the first time, they might think that it's something that outsizes the king. Well, this isn't quite right. Cal king mattresses are all about length, and they are comparatively smaller in width than a regular king.
While standard king mattresses measure 76 X 80 inches, Cal kings measure 72 X 84 inches. This means that California king mattresses are 4 inches long and are the absolute choice for you if you're on the taller side.
The minimum recommended room size for a Cal king mattress is 12 X 12 feet. However, a room size of 12 X 14 feet would be ideal for accommodating the bed's extra length.
| CALIFORNIA KING SIZE BED DIMENSIONS |
|---|
| Dimensions in inches - 72 X 84 inches |
| Dimensions in cm - 183 X 213.5 cm |
| Dimensions in feet - 6 X 7 feet |
A California King mattress is considered to be one of the biggest sizes in the mattress industry. But do you really believe this? Does anybody know why it is called a California king?
The California King can definitely be traced back to the west coast. As reported by the International Sleep Product Association, this glamorous mattress was originally created for Hollywood celebrities in the 20s and 30s. And let’s face it, the Western King Bed doesn't exactly ring a bell and has less cachet than the California King.
Shortly after the second world war, the California King, and king beds, in general, began to gain popularity. Back in the 1960s, a Los Angeles mattress company thought that most California houses were big enough to have master bedrooms. So they built a bed six feet wide by seven feet long, or 72 inches by 84 inches, and called it the California King. Also, in Los Angeles, people were living in larger houses and living even larger lifestyles. They needed a bed to match, and the California King mattress fit the bill.
A parallel story of the development of the California King bed begins in Concord, California. According to some, a man with exceptionally long legs invented the bed in 1982. In addition, this long-legged man had very short arms, which made it difficult for him to reach his wife. In order to accommodate his unique anatomy, he developed a bed. In spite of how intriguing this version may sound, it isn't based on any real facts.
Although there are several stories surrounding the California King mattress' origin, it is generally accepted that their popularity in the state during the midcentury and their association with celebrities led to them being called California Kings.
The following factors must be taken into account before buying a California king size mattress.
Cal king beds should be placed in bedrooms with a minimum of 12 by 12 feet of space. Small rooms can make the bed feel overwhelming and cramped, making it difficult to move around or even open and close your cupboards. Also, Cal king beds can create a luxurious and comfortable environment in larger rooms with 12 feet by 14 feet of space.
It is, therefore, wise to take your room measurements into account so that you do not end up with a cramped bedroom. Remember that smaller sizes are always available if your room isn't quite large enough for a Cal king bed.
Make sure you don't compromise comfort and functionality for an oversized bed that clutters your space.
You may not be aware of the fact that the dimensions of your bed frame can also impact the overall comfort and functionality of your sleep setup.
The bed frame size for a cal king mattress is 74 to 77 inches by 86 to 89 inches.
An incorrectly sized bed frame can result in the California king mattress hanging off the sides, causing discomfort and possibly causing damage to the frame. Additionally, a bed frame that is too large can result in excess space around the edges of the mattress, affecting both comfort and aesthetics. Therefore, it's always important to find a snug fit when it comes to buying a bed frame for a California king mattress.
You should also consider the number of people using your California King-Size Mattress.
With a generous amount of sleeping space, they offer plenty of room for couples or families with just one child or pet to sprawl out and enjoy a good night's sleep.
Although Cal king beds can comfortably accommodate three people, adding a fourth person can create space issues and lead to discomfort. In fact, the amount of support and pressure relief each individual receives can decrease on a cal king bed when four or more people sleep on it. In such a case, the alternative is to go for a larger option like a king or oversized mattress so that families with more than three sleepers will have enough space without compromising comfort and support.
To enjoy the comfort of a Cal King mattress, first, you need to get it inside your bedroom. Due to the increased length of this mattress, those living in apartments and homeowners may have issues with delivery and installation. So, when you are at the store, talk to your salesperson about your doors, stairs, stair landings, elevator size, and any other obstacles delivery people will have to overcome on the day of installation. Or, if you are buying the mattress online, contact the support team and make sure to get all the answers you need.
Because California kings are less popular than standard kings, some manufacturers charge higher prices for them. And when it comes to accessories like sheets, box springs, bed frames, bedding, and adjustable bases, shoppers will encounter higher prices and fewer choices despite the same price point between the two sizes. That doesn't mean you can't find great options. It's just that there won't be as many. However, you will find any additional costs worth it if you want the size, shape, and all the benefits of a Cal King.
So yeah, king vs. California king size mattress - which one's the best? Well, what we think is that depending on your personal preferences and available space, both mattress sizes are great choices for any master bedroom.
You should consider a California king if you are on the taller side or have pets that sleep on the bottom of your mattress. And, if you expect your kids to snuggle up next to you in bed, you might prefer a wider standard king bed to accommodate everyone.
Besides your mattress, there are a few other bedroom essentials that will help you achieve that restorative night's sleep that you've been longing for. Here's a list of all the must-have California king bed and mattress accessories that should be a part of your bedroom in order to make it more comfortable and cozy.
A mattress topper is a thick removable layer of cushion that covers your California king mattress. By incorporating the best mattress topper, you can significantly enhance the firmness of your existing mattress, providing a noticeable upgrade to your sleep experience. Simultaneously, these toppers play a pivotal role in prolonging the overall lifespan of your mattress, making them a wise investment for both comfort and durability.
One of the prominent benefits of a mattress topper is the cost-effective luxury it brings to your sleeping haven. However, it is important to choose the right mattress topper based on your personal preference for making your bed super comfy. Think about how firm you want your mattress to be. Also, check out materials like latex or down.
Mattress protectors are thin sheets of fabric (typically cotton) that are placed on top of a mattress in order to protect the mattress surface from spills and stains. Also, it keeps dust, allergens, and other particles from accumulating on your bed, so that your bed stays clean at all times.
Make sure you don't forget the pillows, sheet sets, and pillowcases - these might just be what's holding you back from getting a good night's rest. Sheets and pillowcases provide extra softness between you and the mattress, while pillows provide neck and head support. So if you really want to make your night's sleep on a California king bed more of a dreamy retreat, never skimp on these accessories.
Adding a snug comforter to the bedroom will allow you to sleep peacefully at night and wake up feeling energetic. Trust us, with a comforter on, you'll drift off into dreamland snuggled up in plushness.
| MATTRESS SIZE | DIMENSION IN INCHES (Width x Length) |
DIMENSION IN CM (Width x Length) |
DIMENSION IN FEET (Width x Length) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 X 75 inches | 96.5 X 188.0 cm | 3.16 X 6.25 feet |
| Twin XL | 38 X 80 inches | 96.5 X 203.5 cm | 3.16 X 6.66 feet |
| Full | 54 X 75 inches | 134.5 X 190.5 cm | 4.5 X 6.25 feet |
| Queen | 60 X 80 inches | 152 X 203.5 cm | 5 X 6.66 feet |
| King | 76 X 80 inches | 193 X 203.5 cm | 6.33 X 6.66 feet |
| California King | 72 X 84 inches | 183 X 213.5 cm | 6 X 7 feet |
In addition to a cal king size mattress, there are five other standard mattress sizes in Canada and the US. Let's dive into the dimensions and benefits of each one of them.
King mattresses measure 76 inches by 80 inches, making them the largest standard mattress size.
While king mattresses may seem like a luxurious indulgence, they are actually the ideal family bed. King beds offer ample space for you and your partner as well as kids or pets who enjoy sleeping in bed with you. Additionally, the increased surface area ensures that everyone can sleep comfortably without disturbing one another.
King size bed dimensions
Among the four smaller mattress sizes, the queen mattress is the largest, and it is the only one we recommend to couples who aren't considering king or California king beds. With a width of 60 inches and a length of 80 inches, a queen size bed provides enough space for two people or a single adult to sleep comfortably.
For single sleepers who prefer a smaller mattress with plenty of space to sprawl, a full size mattress or double bed is perfect. It measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long. In spite of the fact that they may seem like the perfect choice for couples, they generally aren't large enough to accommodate two people comfortably.
Full size bed dimensions
Twin XL mattresses measure 38 inches wide by 80 inches long. With the twin XL mattress, taller sleepers have more space for stretching out their legs compared to the twin mattress. So, if you are an adult sleeper seeking a compact and comfortable option, a twin XL may be the best mattress choice for you.
Twin mattresses are the smallest size that can comfortably accommodate a single sleeper. It measures 38 inches wide by 75 inches long and is an affordable option for sleepers under 6 feet tall.
A California king mattress is the second largest standard mattress size out there. It is best suited for taller sleepers, couples, pet parents, and parents who co-sleep with a single child.
Here are the dimensions of a California king size mattress:
In inches - 72 X 84 inches
In cm - 183 X 213.5 cm
In foot - 6 X 7 feet
It is the length of a California king mattress that distinguishes it from a king mattress. While standard king mattresses measure 76 inches wide X 80 inches long, Cal king mattresses measure 72 inches wide X 84 inches long. This means that California king mattresses are 4 inches long and 4 inches narrower than a king size mattress.
California king mattresses measure 72 X 84 inches, whereas California queen measures 60 X 84 inches. This means Cal kings are 8 inches wider than Cal queens and, therefore, bigger.
No, California king isn't the biggest king size mattress. In fact, it's the smallest oversized mattress, while the largest being the Alaskan king bed, followed by Wyoming king and Texas king.
A California king is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, while a queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. That means California king beds are 4 inches longer than queen beds but as well as 12 inches wider, making the surface area of a Cal king bed 1,248 square inches bigger than a queen bed.
No. Since Cal kings are longer and narrower than a king, sheets designed for a king bed will not fit a California king bed. Even though a king-sized sheet may initially appear to fit, it may not provide adequate coverage and may come off while sleeping.
A California king size bed frame measures 74 to 77 inches wide by 86 to 89 inches long.
The minimum recommended room size for a Cal king bed is 12 x 12 feet. Therefore, a 10 x 10 room would not be able to fit a California king-size bed comfortably.
Western king size mattresses are the same as California king size mattresses. They measure 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making them the longest standard-size mattress. People over 6 feet tall often find California king beds to be the best mattress for their rooms. They also fit nicely into narrow master bedrooms.
If you're on the taller side and in need of some extra length, a California king bed is definitely worth it.
With their extra length, tall individuals no longer have to worry about their feet hanging off the end of the bed. And because they offer ample space for three sleepers to spread out, California king mattresses can provide a luxurious sleeping experience. And if you have a furry friend that likes to sleep at the foot of your bed, that extra length matters even more.
Related blog posts:
1. Mattress Sizes Chart and Bed Dimensions Guide
2. California King vs. Queen Mattress Size
3. Twin Vs Twin XL Mattress Size Comparison
4. A Detailed Guide on Full vs. Queen Size Mattresses: Which One Should You Sleep On?
5. Twin vs. Full vs. Queen Mattress Size Comparison
Now that you know how California king size beds are measured and what goes into making your nights comfortable, you're ready to begin your search for the perfect California king mattress. However, prior to purchasing a California king size mattress, measure the space in your room. If you have at least 12 feet by 12 feet space in your bedroom, a Cal king size bed could be the most suitable option for you.
Disclaimer: What is said in this article has been referenced from multiple sources and is intended only for educational and informational purposes. Please note that no content in this article is a substitute for professional advice from a qualified doctor or healthcare provider. Always consult an experienced doctor with any concerns you may have regarding a health condition or treatment, and never disregard any medical suggestions or delay in seeking treatment because of something you read here.
