King Size Bed Dimensions:
Inches, cm & the Room You Need
A king bed is the gold standard for couples who want room to stretch out, but "king" covers a few different sizes, and buying the wrong bedding for yours is a common and frustrating mistake. Here are the exact king size bed dimensions, how a king compares to a California King, the room you need, and which sheets and duvet covers actually fit.
A standard King (also called Eastern King) measures 76 by 80 inches, or about 193 by 203 cm. It is the widest common mattress, ideal for couples who want space. A California King is narrower but longer at 72 by 84 inches, better for tall sleepers. They are not interchangeable, so king bedding will not fit a Cal King and vice versa. Plan for a room of at least 12 by 12 feet to give a king bed room to breathe.
King size bed dimensions
A standard King mattress is the widest you will find in most homes. Here it is in every unit:
| Measurement | Size |
|---|---|
| Inches | 76" wide x 80" long |
| Centimetres | 193 cm x 203 cm |
| Feet | About 6.3 ft x 6.7 ft |
That width is the whole point: a King gives each person roughly the space of a Twin bed to themselves, which is why it is the go-to for couples, or couples who share the bed with children or pets.
A King gives each sleeper about a Twin's worth of space.King vs California King
This is where most of the confusion lives. Both are large, but they trade width for length:
| Ā | Standard King | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 76" x 80" | 72" x 84" |
| Wider or longer | 4" wider | 4" longer |
| Best for | Couples wanting width | Tall sleepers (6 ft+) |
Because the dimensions are different, the bedding is different too, and a King sheet will not fit a California King. For the full breakdown, see our guide on California King vs King.
Split King and other variations
A Split King is simply two Twin XL mattresses (each 38 by 80 inches) placed side by side to total a King footprint. It is popular with adjustable beds, since each side can move independently, and with couples who want different firmness on each side. If that is your setup, you will want split king or Twin XL sheets rather than a single fitted king sheet.
How much room does a king bed need?
A King bed needs breathing space to avoid crowding the room. As a rule of thumb, aim for a bedroom of at least 12 by 12 feet, which leaves roughly two feet of walking space on each side and at the foot. Smaller rooms can technically fit a king, but the room will feel tight and hard to move around.
What bedding fits a king bed?
Match your bedding to the mattress, and check pocket depth so the fitted sheet clears a thick or pillow-top mattress. A king duvet cover is larger again, cut to drape over the sides. If you are unsure of duvet measurements, our duvet cover size chart lays them out, and our queen size bed dimensions guide covers the next size down if you are comparing.
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FAQ
Is a King or California King bigger?
Neither is simply bigger. A King is wider (76 vs 72 inches) and a California King is longer (84 vs 80 inches). A King has slightly more total surface area.
Will Queen sheets fit a King bed?
No. A Queen is 60 by 80 inches, so Queen sheets are far too narrow for a 76-inch King. Always buy King-size bedding for a King bed.
What is a Split King?
Two Twin XL mattresses side by side, totalling a King footprint. It suits adjustable beds and couples who want different firmness on each side.
What room size suits a King bed?
Aim for at least 12 by 12 feet so there is comfortable walking space around the bed.
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