Choosing between a King size mattress and a California King mattress can feel overwhelming. Both offer luxurious space, but their dimensions serve different needs.
The main difference is simple: King mattresses are wider, California King mattresses are longer. A standard King measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, while a Cal King measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. That’s 4 extra inches of width versus 4 extra inches of length.
King vs California King Mattress Comparison
Dimensions: 76″ wide × 80″ long
Dimensions: 72″ wide × 84″ long
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Standard King | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 76 inches | 72 inches |
| Length | 80 inches | 84 inches |
| Total Surface Area | 6,080 sq in | 6,048 sq in |
| Best For | Couples wanting width | Tall individuals (6’2″+) |
| Minimum Room Size | 12′ × 12′ | 12′ × 12′ (ideal 12′ × 14′) |
A King size bed measures exactly 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. This gives you 6,080 square inches of sleeping space. It’s the widest standard mattress available in the United States.
The California King dimensions are 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. Despite being called a “king,” it actually has slightly less surface area—6,048 square inches total. That’s 32 square inches smaller than a standard King.
King beds work best for couples who want maximum width. Each person gets approximately 38 inches of personal space—that’s more than a Twin bed. If you sleep with kids, pets, or simply like to sprawl out sideways, the extra width makes a real difference.
California King beds are designed for taller sleepers. If you’re over 6 feet 2 inches tall, those extra 4 inches of length prevent your feet from hanging off the edge. Many taller individuals find standard 80-inch mattresses too short for comfortable sleep.
Pros and Cons of Each Size
King Size Mattress: Advantages and Drawbacks
The biggest advantage of a King mattress is width. With 76 inches across, each sleeper gets nearly 38 inches of personal space. That’s more room than sleeping alone on a Twin XL mattress.
Couples love King beds because they reduce sleep disturbances. When your partner moves, turns, or gets up during the night, you barely notice. The extra width creates a buffer zone between sleepers.
King mattresses are perfect for co-sleeping families. If your kids or pets climb into bed on weekend mornings, there’s plenty of room for everyone. Many parents call this the “family bed” size for good reason.
Finding bedding for a King bed is incredibly easy. Every department store, online retailer, and bedding specialty shop carries King size sheets, comforters, and mattress protectors. You’ll find more colors, patterns, and price points than any other size.
King beds fit well in square-shaped master bedrooms. The nearly-square dimensions (76×80) create a balanced, symmetrical look. Most modern homes with 12×12 or 13×13 bedrooms are designed with standard King beds in mind.
The resale value of King mattresses tends to be higher because they’re more common. If you decide to sell your mattress or bed frame later, you’ll have more potential buyers than with a California King.
California King Mattress: Advantages and Drawbacks
California King beds excel for tall sleepers. The 84-inch length provides 4 extra inches compared to standard King beds. If you’re 6 feet 3 inches or taller, this extra leg room dramatically improves sleep comfort.
The elongated shape creates a sleek, sophisticated aesthetic. California King beds have a unique, luxurious appearance that makes a bedroom feel more elegant. Interior designers often prefer the Cal King’s proportions in modern or contemporary spaces.
Narrow, rectangular bedrooms benefit from California King dimensions. If your master bedroom is 12 feet by 14 feet or 11 feet by 15 feet, the Cal King’s longer, narrower shape fits the room layout better than a wide King bed.
Tall couples find California Kings ideal because both partners get the extra length they need. You don’t have to sacrifice your comfort for your partner’s space requirements.
The California King feels more spacious lengthwise. Even if you’re not extremely tall, the extra length creates a luxurious, resort-like sleeping experience. Many people describe it as feeling “less cramped” toward the footboard.
However, California King mattresses are 4 inches narrower. Each sleeper gets approximately 36 inches of width—2 inches less than a standard King. Couples who sprawl sideways or sleep with arms extended may feel the difference.
Room Size Requirements for King & California King Mattresses
Minimum room size: 12 ft × 12 ft (with ~2-3 ft clearance on three sides)
Provides comfortable walking space on three sides. Anything smaller feels cramped.
Minimum: 12 ft × 12 ft | Recommended: 12 ft × 14 ft
The longer bed needs more space at the foot for comfortable movement and door swing.
Key Tips for Measuring Your Bedroom
- Clearance: Aim for 24-30 inches around the bed for easy movement and cleaning.
- Nightstands: Add 20-30″ width + 18-24″ depth on each side.
- Foot of bed: At least 36 inches for an open, breathable feel.
- Door swing: Ensure the bed doesn’t block inward-swinging doors.
- Usable space: Measure wall-to-wall excluding closets or protrusions.
- Test it: Use painter’s tape or cardboard to mock up the bed layout before buying.
Room Size Quick Comparison
| Aspect | Standard King | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Room | 12′ × 12′ | 12′ × 12′ |
| Comfortable Room | 13′ × 13’+ | 12′ × 14’+ |
| Clearance Needed | 2-3 ft on sides | Extra at foot (36″+ recommended) |
| With Nightstands | ~11-12 ft width needed | ~11 ft width needed |
Pro tip: Always simulate the layout in your actual room — what works on paper might feel tight in reality.
The minimum bedroom size for a King mattress is 12 feet by 12 feet. This gives you the bed plus approximately 2-3 feet of walking space on three sides. Anything smaller feels cramped and claustrophobic.
California King beds need at least 12 feet by 12 feet, but 12 feet by 14 feet is better. The extra length requires more floor space to maintain comfortable walking paths and proper furniture placement.
Industry experts recommend 24-30 inches of clearance around the bed for easy movement. This lets you walk comfortably, vacuum and clean easily, and access both sides of the bed for making it.
Measure from wall to wall, not including closets or alcoves. Your usable floor space is what matters for furniture placement. A bedroom that’s technically 13×13 might have only 11×12 of actual usable space due to closet protrusions.
Consider nightstand placement in your measurements. Nightstands typically measure 20-30 inches wide and 18-24 inches deep. Account for this furniture when calculating how much space your bed setup actually requires.
Door swing matters more than people realize. If your bedroom door swings inward, it needs clearance space. A California King’s 84-inch length might force you to position the bed in a way that blocks the door’s swing arc.
Leave at least 36 inches at the foot of the bed if possible. This space lets you walk past comfortably and gives the room a more open, breathable feel. Tight spaces at the footboard create a cramped atmosphere.
Test your layout before purchasing. Use cardboard boxes, tape, or even move your existing furniture to simulate the new bed’s dimensions. Sleep with this mock setup for a few nights to ensure you’re comfortable with the space.
Other Dimensions: Pool Table Dimensions
Question’s
How much bigger is a Cal King to a King?
A California King is actually not bigger—it’s shaped differently. The Cal King has 32 square inches less total surface area than a standard King. The King measures 76×80 inches (6,080 sq inches), while the Cal King measures 72×84 inches (6,048 sq inches). The Cal King is 4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower.
What’s the difference between king and cal king?
The main difference is width versus length. A standard King bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it wider and better for couples who want personal space. A California King is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making it narrower but longer—perfect for tall individuals over 6’2″. King beds fit square rooms better, while Cal Kings work well in rectangular bedrooms.
Do two twin XL beds make a California king?
No, two Twin XL beds make a standard King, not a California King. Each Twin XL measures 38×80 inches. When you push two together, you get 76×80 inches—exactly a standard King. For a California King at 72×84 inches, two Twin XLs won’t work because they’re not long enough or narrow enough.
What is a 7ft by 7ft bed called?
A 7-foot by 7-foot bed (84×84 inches) is called a Wyoming King or Texas King, depending on the manufacturer. This size is larger than both standard King and California King beds. It’s also sometimes called a Square King. These oversized beds are specialty items not widely available at standard retailers.
What is an emperor bed?
An Emperor bed is a European sizing standard, typically measuring 84×84 inches or even larger (up to 7 feet by 7 feet 6 inches in some countries). This size is not standard in the United States. It’s larger than both American King and California King beds. Emperor beds are most common in the UK and other European markets.
Is an emperor bigger than a super king?
Yes, an Emperor bed is bigger than a Super King. A UK Super King measures 6 feet by 6 feet 6 inches (72×78 inches), while an Emperor measures 7 feet by 7 feet (84×84 inches) or larger. These are European sizing standards rarely used in American homes. The closest U.S. equivalent would be specialty oversized mattresses like Wyoming King or Alaskan King.
Can two people sleep comfortably on a Cal King?
Yes, two people can sleep comfortably on a California King. Each person gets approximately 36 inches of width—6 inches more than a Queen bed provides per person. However, a standard King gives each person 38 inches, which is 2 inches more than a Cal King. Couples sleep comfortably on Cal Kings, but those who sprawl or move a lot might prefer the extra width of a standard King.
What is a Florida King mattress?
A Florida King is simply another name for a California King mattress. Both terms refer to the same dimensions: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. Some regional retailers use “Florida King” instead of “California King,” but they’re identical products. This regional terminology occasionally confuses shoppers, but the specifications are exactly the same.
Is Cal King harder to move?
Yes, California King mattresses are harder to move than standard Kings. The 84-inch length makes navigating doorways, hallways, and stairwells more difficult. Standard doorways are 32-36 inches wide, so you must angle the Cal King carefully. Many movers recommend removing door frames or using professional moving services for California King mattresses. The extra 4 inches of length significantly complicates maneuvering in tight spaces.
Haru, the dedicated Admin of candimension.com, curates an informational blog on Can Dimension. With passion and expertise, Haru delivers insightful articles to educate and empower readers on this fascinating niche.
