Bed size explained

Standard bed sizes are based on standard mattress sizes, which vary from country to country. Bed sizes also vary according to the size and degree of ornamentation of the bed frame. Dimensions and names vary considerably around the world, with most countries having their own standards and terminology. In addition, two mattresses with the same nominal size may have slightly different dimensions, due to manufacturing tolerances, amount of padding, and support type. Mattress sizes may differ from bedding sizes.

Nomenclature

Naming standards on different bed sizes and their corresponding actual measurements can vary across national standards. Examples of such nomenclature are names like "Single", "Double", "Queen" or "King" size. Sometimes the naming standards are further divided by adding adjectives such as "Narrow", "Wide", "Extra Wide", "Long", "Extra Long" and so on, which also can vary across national standards.

For example, a King size bed may measure (in width by length):

Because of the growth of international trade and the above potential cause of confusion, bed sizes are becoming more standardized. In most countries, using the International System of Units, bed dimensions most often appear in centimeters, and often only by width and length.[9] In the United States, Canada and other regions influenced by the former British Empire, dimensions are often in inches.[10]

Europe

Europe may traditionally have had more variations in national bed size standards than any other part of the world,[11] but in the recent years a few sizes have become more common than others. Bed sizes are defined in centimeters in all European countries, although supplementary Imperial equivalents are sometimes shown in the United Kingdom.

Today, the most common widths sold by pan European retailers are:

Other sizes are also available in some European countries (e.g.,), but the widths listed above are the most common when looking at the European market as a whole, while and (nominal) are more typical in the UK and Ireland.

Today, the length is the most common bed length sold by pan-European retailers. Lengths of are often also available by special order. The longer beds are intended for taller people,[13] and as a rule of thumb 210cm (80inches) beds may be recommended for people or taller, while beds are recommended for people over tall.[14]

France

In France, single size beds are usually:

The most common sizes for double beds are:

Italy

In Italy, beds are classified by name and use the term Italian: piazza as in "place". Standard sizes are:[15]

Northern Europe

These sizes are for Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Poland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. There are some variations between different countries, but these are the most common sizes. Until the 1980s the most common mattress length was .

Netherlands

Sizes listed refer to mattress sizes.

Portugal

In Portugal, the most common widths for beds are:

Beds are typically or long, but have become more common.

Spain

In Spain, standardized lengths are, with being the most common. Standardized widths are . The most common bed sizes are:

UK and Ireland

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, beds are measured according to the size of mattress they hold,[18] not the dimensions of the bed frame itself; bed frame sizes are not standardized and may differ between manufacturers.[19] [20] Listed below are the typical bed sizes from the National Bed Federation, which is the trade association for the majority of British and Irish bed manufacturers and their suppliers.[21] Most NBF manufacturers use designs dimensioned in feet and inches with the metric indicators not being exact equivalents.[22] There can legally be a tolerance of up to ± between the quoted measurements and the size of the mattress itself.[23]

SizeDimensions
CentimetersInches
Small single
Single
Small double*
Double
King
Super King
.[24]

Some UK retailers may have a "queen" size which refers to one of the above standard sizes, but there is inconsistency around which size specifically, with both the small double and super king being prevalent.

Adjustable beds or electric adjustable bed sizes differ from the standard bed size. The length of these beds differ from a standard size due to the nature of the bed needing to bend. So they are 200 cm in length rather than 191 cm. King size and super king size are normally two 75 cm or two 90 cm adjacent beds.[25]

As well as customary UK sizes, some common European sizes can be found in the UK from imports and IKEA.[26] The typical length of an IKEA and other European mattresses is, whereas UK lengths vary depending on the width of the mattress, being usually either .[27] In 2015, IKEA started offering beds and mattresses in customary UK sizes alongside their standard European sizes.[28]

Turkey

In Turkey, single size beds are usually ;long single size ;large single size .

There is also an intermediate size used for one and a half people in Turkey: .

The most common sizes for double beds are:small double size ;young size ;double size ;double size ;double large size ;double XL size .

North America

The sizes of mattresses use non-numeric labels such as a "king" or "full", but are defined in inches. Historically most beds were "twins" or "doubles" but in the mid-1940s larger mattresses were introduced by manufacturers. These were later standardized as "queen" and "king", and first made a significant impact on the market in the 1950s and 60s.[29] Standard mattress depth ranges from the "standard" size of to "high contour" of up to . Below are the standard ISPA widths and heights in the United States and Canada.[30] [31]

While the dimensions are specified to the half-inch below, the actual dimension used by manufacturers or various websites may be half an inch larger or smaller.

SizeDimensions
InchesCentimeters
Twin or Single
Twin XL
Full or Double
Queen
King
California King

Less common sizes include:

SizeDimensions
InchesCentimeters
Crib
Junior
Cot or Small Single
Antique Single
Twin XXL
Antique Double or Three-quarter[32]
Full XL or Double XL
Super Queen, Olympic Queen, or Expanded Queen
California Queen
Super King, Grand King, Athletic King, or Texas King[33]
Wyoming King
Alberta King or Alaskan Queen
Alaskan King

There are also a number of specialty sizes for specific use cases:

SizeDimensionsNotes
InchesCentimeters
Half Queen or Split QueenFor adjustable Queen size beds where each half moves independently.
Half California King or Split California KingFor adjustable California King size beds where each half moves independently.
Short Queen or RV QueenTypically found in recreational vehicles and campers
Short King or RV KingTypically found in RVs. Narrower and shorter than a standard King.
RV KingNarrower than a standard King.
Single WaterbedUsed for conventional mattress inserts inside a Single/Twin waterbed frame.
Super Single WaterbedUsed for conventional waterbed insert inside a Super Single waterbed frame.
Queen WaterbedUsed for conventional waterbed insert inside a Queen waterbed frame. (Subtract from California Queen size)
King WaterbedUsed for conventional waterbed insert inside a King waterbed frame. (Subtract from California King size)
Medium Family BedFor co-sleeping with multiple partners, children, or pets.
Large Family BedFor co-sleeping with multiple partners, children, or pets.
XL Family Bed[34] For co-sleeping with multiple partners, children, or pets. Is the same as two California Kings side-by-side.
Truck Sleeper Cab common mattress sizes (without specific names)Many additional sizes are considered Standard for trucks, and custom sizes are available as well.

Bedding in the United States must state the type of bed it is intended for, in addition to the dimensions in both inches and centimeters.[35]

Oceania

Australia

The following bed sizes are available in Australia.[36]

SizeDimensions
CentimetersInches
Single
Long single
King single
Double
Queen
King
Super king

New Zealand

The following bed sizes are available in New Zealand.

SizeDimensions
CentimetersInches
Single
Single XL
King single
Double
Queen
King
Super king
California king

Africa

South Africa

In South Africa, bed sizes have standard lengths of either,[37] with the latter being called "XL" variants. XL mattresses have the same widths as their non-XL counterparts.[38] The XL length is recommended for persons over tall.[39]

Asia

China

In China, the following sizes are standard:[40]

In practice, bed sizes are usually categorized by the width. The length is typically, but this may vary. The most common sizes are:

Other bed sizes are available, which are less common however.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, the standard length is always . The following market-standard sizes are commonly available in Indonesia:[41]

Single:
  • Double or twin:
  • Queen:
  • King:
  • Super king:
  • Japan

    Standard Japanese bedding sizes are described in the standard JIS S 1102:2017 Beds for domestic use by the Japanese Standards Association.[42]

    SizeDimensions
    CentimetersInches
    Single
    Semi-double
    Double
    Wide double
    Queen
    King
    King long

    Malaysia

    Standard bed sizes in Malaysia[43]

    Size! colspan="2"
    Dimensions
    centimetresinches
    Single91 × 19136 × 75
    Super single107 × 19142 × 75
    Queen152 × 191 60 × 75
    King183 × 19172 × 75

    Pakistan

    Standard bed sizes in Pakistan.

    Singapore

    Standard bed sizes in Singapore[44]

    Size! colspan="2"
    Dimensions
    centimetresinches
    Single91 × 19036 × 75
    Super single107 × 19042 × 75
    Queen152 × 190 60 × 75
    King183 × 19072 × 75

    Taiwan

    There are five common bed sizes in Taiwan, locally known as 3 footer, 3.5 footer, 5 footer, 6 footer and 7 footer. They are also known as Taiwanese small single, twin, full, queen and king respectively.

    SizeDimensions
    CentimetersInches
    Small single
    Twin
    Double
    Queen
    King
    However, American beds are also popular in Taiwan. Bedroom furniture and bedding of U.S. standard sizes can be purchased in major cities there.

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Mattress Sizes: Single, Double, Queen, King & Super King | Bedpost New Zealand . Bedpost.co.nz . 2022-08-29 . 2022-09-29 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825125712/https://www.bedpost.co.nz/Mattress-Sizes/ . live .
    2. Web site: Portuguese Bed Sizes . SizeChart.com . 2022-09-29 . 29 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190829063514/http://www.sizechart.com/home/bed-size/portuguese/index.html . live .
    3. Web site: FAQ » Serta Mattress Indonesia . 25 August 2019 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825135054/https://serta.co.id/customer-service/faq/ . dead .
    4. Web site: The Definitive Guide to Mattress Sizes in Singapore . Simmons.com.sg . 2022-09-29 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825135101/https://www.simmons.com.sg/mattress-sizes-singapore/ . live .
    5. Web site: King Size & Queen Size Mattress In Malaysia - Sealy Asia (M) Sdn Bhd . Sealy.com.my . 2018-12-10 . 2022-09-29 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825135052/https://www.sealy.com.my/tips-to-buy-king-size-and-queen-mattress/ . live .
    6. Web site: Bed Size Guide | Help & FAQs . Forty Winks . 2022-09-29 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825125711/https://www.fortywinks.com.au/Help-FAQs/Bed-size-guide . live .
    7. Web site: Indian Mattress Sizes and Dimensions - Best Mattress In India . 25 August 2019 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825135055/https://bestmattressinindia.com/indian-mattress-sizes-dimensions/ . live .
    8. Web site: Mattress Size Information . US-Mattress.com . 2022-09-29 . 25 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190825125711/https://www.us-mattress.com/mattress-size-information.html . live .
    9. http://sizechart.com/home/bed-size/european/index.html European beds
    10. https://www.standardbedsizes.com/ Standard bed sizes
    11. Web site: Continental European Bed Sizes . bedsizes.biz . 2022-09-29 . 20 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190820063756/https://www.bedsizes.biz/european.htm . live .
    12. https://forbrukerliv.no/enkeltseng/ Consumer Media (forbrukerliv.no - forbrugsguiden.dk - konsumentmagasinet.se) - Single Size Bed Guide 2019
    13. Web site: Valg av seng - Slik velger du den beste seng - Les guide her . 17 June 2019 . 17 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190617164219/https://sovbedre.com/guide-valg-seng/ . live .
    14. Web site: Rammemadrass - Se stort utvalg & finn de beste rammemadrasser her . 17 June 2019 . 17 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190617164219/https://sovbedre.com/rammemadrasser/ . live .
    15. Web site: Ciardini. Giacomo. 2 January 2021. Misure Materassi Standard. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20211021072105/https://www.unmaterasso.it/misure-materassi/. 21 October 2021. 2 January 2021. Unmaterasso.
    16. https://www.bilka.dk/bolig/moebler/senge/trekvartsenge/pl/trekvartsenge "Trekvart-seng eller halvanden-mands-seng – find den på"
    17. https://travelsort.com/what-is-a-german-double-bed/ "What Is a German Double Bed?"
    18. Web site: Escapology UK Bed & Mattress Sizes . live . 10 March 2022 . 10 March 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220310131515/https://escapologyhome.co.uk/blogs/escapology-home-life-style/the-escapology-guide-to-uk-bed-mattress-sizes .
    19. Web site: Shopping for a new bed. National Bed Federation. 18 December 2020. 27 August 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210827100342/https://bedadvice.co.uk/bed-buyers-guide/2-shopping-for-a-new-bed/. live.
    20. Web site: National Bed Federation Bed Buyers' Guide. 2018. National Bed Federation. 31 December 2018. 1 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190101052904/https://www.bedfed.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/BedBuyersGuide_2018.pdf. live.
    21. Web site: Trade Association Elects New President. 8 May 2018. National Bed Federation. 31 December 2018. 1 January 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190101051431/https://www.bedfed.org.uk/trade-association-elects-new-president/. live.
    22. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20131217221725/http://www.bedfed.org.uk/guidelines_standard_bed_sizes.cfm. NBF Guidelines: Standard Bed Sizes. 17 December 2013. National Bed Federation.
    23. Web site: https://web.archive.org/web/20130502051216/http://www.bedfed.org.uk/guidelines_tolerances.cfm. 2 May 2013. NBF Guidelines: Tolerances. National Bed Federation.
    24. Web site: What size is a three quarter (Small Double) Bed or Mattress. October 2017. Steven Bennett. Prestige Beds. 6 January 2021. 31 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220331061910/https://www.prestigebeds.co.uk/2017/10/03/size-three-quarter-small-double-bed. live.
    25. Web site: Archers . Sleepcentre . Adjustable Beds . archerssleepcentre.co.uk . Archers Sleepcentre . 18 December 2023.
    26. Web site: Bed buyer's guide. IKEA. 31 December 2018. 28 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180628021121/https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/ikea/campaigns/bed-buyers-guide/. live.
    27. Web site: IKEA size guide . bed factory direct .co.uk . 2022-09-29 . 12 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112025912/https://www.bedfactorydirect.co.uk/ikea-bed-size-guide . live .
    28. News: Ikea booms in Britain after smaller beds introduced. The Guardian. 12 January 2015. 23 August 2019. 23 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190823203607/https://www.theguardian.com/business/2015/jan/12/ikea-booms-britain-uk-size-smaller-beds-sales. live.
    29. 1941–1965: Mattress makers introduce 'king' and 'queen' sizes . 10 June 2016 . . 25 January 2019 . 26 January 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190126000810/https://bedtimesmagazine.com/2015/06/1941-1965-mattress-makers-introduce-king-and-queen-sizes/ . live .
    30. Web site: About the Industry. https://web.archive.org/web/20011201182220/http://www.sleepproducts.org/industry.htm . . 1 December 2001 .
    31. Book: Sleep Products Voluntary Dimensional Guideline for Bedding Products and Components . 2001 . . 26 January 2019 . 31 March 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220331070224/https://books.google.com/books?id=q-ltGwAACAAJ . live .
    32. Web site: What size is a three-quarter bed?. Reference. 4 August 2015. en-US. 2019-10-09. 15 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170915204429/https://www.reference.com/home-garden/size-three-quarter-bed-2ed7aa827181f07d. live.
    33. Web site: Sen . Sanchita . Wyoming King vs. Alaskan King vs. Texas King: What's the Difference? . 19 March 2020 . en-US . 2020-05-16 . 16 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201116190105/https://amerisleep.com/blog/wyoming-king-vs-alaskan-king-vs-texas-king/ . live .
    34. Web site: 2023-01-30 . Biggest Bed Size: Family, Alberta, Wyoming, Texas, & More . 2024-03-14 . Purple Innovation . en.
    35. Web site: 9 May 2017 . Handbook 130 – 2012 Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation . 3 December 2023 . US National Institute of Standards and Technology . 81 . PDF.
    36. Web site: Australian Bed Sizes. www.standardbedsizes.com. 7 March 2020. 9 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191009091007/https://www.standardbedsizes.com/au. live.
    37. Web site: Mattress Buying Guide . The Sleep Gallery . 2022-09-29 . 23 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190823194032/http://sleepgallery.co.za/mattress-size-guide . live .
    38. Web site: Rikki . Bed Sizes by Bedworld - A Quick Guide to bed sizes in South Africa . Bedworld.co.za . 2019-04-10 . 2022-09-29 . 23 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190823194612/https://bedworld.co.za/bed-sizes-explained/ . live .
    39. Web site: Bed and Mattresses Sizes in South Africa Explained . Bedking.co.za . 2022-09-29 . 23 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190823185549/https://www.bedking.co.za/mattress-and-base-sizes.php . live .
    40. Web site: 中华人民共和国轻工业标准 QB/T1952.2—99 -- 弹 簧 软 床 垫 . 国家轻工业局 . 12 July 1999 . 11 October 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063434/http://www.365f.com/fa/bz/softmb.html . 4 March 2016 . dead .
    41. https://www.ikea.co.id/in/inspirasi/tips-memilih-jenis-ukuran-kasur-untuk-kamar-tidur (Tips for choosing the right mattress sizes for your bedroom before buying one)
    42. https://infostore.saiglobal.com/en-gb/Standards/JIS-S-1102-2017-622906_SAIG_JSA_JSA_1430935/ JIS S 1102:2017 Beds for domestic use
    43. Web site: homedirectadmin . 2018-08-19 . Malaysia Bed and Mattress sizes . 2022-06-01 . FurnitureDirect.com.my . en-US.
    44. Web site: 2023-12-12 . Mattress Sizes and Dimensions in Singapore - The Most Complete Guide SleepWiz . 2023-12-21 . en-US.