Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor
Which is bigger, a California king or a king mattress? Though similar, these two sizes have a slight yet important difference that can impact the overall surface area.
Don’t worry! We’ll give you all the information you need to make the right call. Below, you will find a detailed comparison chart along with a breakdown of all the characteristics you should consider when deciding between these two sizes.
To check out some great mattress options, make sure to check out our best king mattress list as well as the California king mattresses our experts recommend.
King vs. California King Mattress Comparison Chart
| California King | King | |
| Width | 72 inches | 76 inches |
| Length | 84 inches | 80 inches |
| Surface Area | 6,048 sq. inches | 6,080 sq. inches |
| Other Names | “Western King” | “Eastern King” |
| Pros | It’s better if you are taller | It’s great for couples because it’s wider |
| Cons | May be harder to find bedding in this size | It’s challenging to move |
Get More Info:
Sleep Experts Discuss Mattress Sizes
King-Size Mattress Pros & Cons
California King-Size Mattress Pros & Cons
What to Consider When Choosing a King or California King Mattress
Dimensions
These two are the largest among the standard mattress sizes, but they have variations in their dimensions.
To start, there’s the king size, which measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Kings are more well-known and might be the first choice people think of when they want to upgrade from a queen.
A California king, on the other hand, is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. California kings aren’t as popular, but they have an important feature: they’re 4 inches longer than a king. On the flip side, the king is slightly shorter but wider than the California king.
Price
Even though these two sizes are usually priced the same, the additional costs of maintaining them can vary. For instance, California king beds are less popular and may be harder to come by.
This could make purchasing spare parts such as bed frames, box springs, and bedding more challenging or costly. So, if you are looking for affordability and convenience, you may prefer the standard king size.
Comfort
Comfort is key when shopping for any mattress size. The benefit of these mattress sizes is that they’re more roomy, especially if you sleep with a partner. Most solo sleepers don’t need beds these large, but for those who toss and turn a lot, a larger mattress could make you feel more secure.
Bedding
California kings are slightly longer, and kings are wider. This means that if you buy a California king, you’ll need to find California king sheets so they fit correctly. While many companies carry the California king size, you might find more available designs in king-size sheets.
Since a top comforter doesn’t need to fit the bed as precisely, you could probably get away with using a king comforter on a California king bed, and vice versa. However, if you want the bed to look as nice as possible, we’d recommend buying the comforter that goes with your bed size.
Room Size
Both California and standard king beds should be in a room at least 12 feet by 12 feet. That said, the extra length of a California king might be even better in a slightly larger room that’s 12 feet by 14 feet. Still, a 12 feet by 12 feet room should be fine for both.
Couples
Couples typically purchase California or regular king beds for the extra surface space. However, deciding between the two may come down to you and your partner’s body type and how much space you want to spread out.
California kings are longer, so if either of you is very tall, this is probably going to be a better choice. Conversely, if you both value the most space possible for spreading out, the wider king size would be ideal.
Bed Frames/Adjustable Bed Frames
California kings aren’t as common as kings, which could make finding a quality bed frame or a highly rated adjustable base for one more difficult. Although the prices of these two frame sizes are usually somewhat similar, the lack of demand for California king bed frames can make them more expensive.
If you think you’ll save some money by using a king frame with a California king mattress, we don’t recommend it. Since a California king is 4 inches longer, it will hang off the end of the frame. This can lead to additional wear and tear on the mattress, and it could void your warranty. Also, kings are 4 inches wider, so it won’t fit as securely on the frame.
What’s Bigger than a California King?
- Wyoming king – Measuring 84 inches by 84 inches, these beds provide an additional foot of width compared to a California king.
- Texas king – Those with spacious bedrooms and taller folks may want to consider a Texas king. It is 80 inches by 98 inches, which is 8 inches wider and 14 inches longer than a California king.
- Alaskan king – These mattresses, measuring 108 inches by 108 inches, are the largest retail mattresses sold in America. They are 2 feet wider and more than 3 feet longer than a California king.
FAQs About King vs. California King Mattresses
What is the biggest bed size?
California kings and kings are the biggest of the standard sizes. There are beds larger than these, including Wyoming king, Texas king, and Alaskan king. Alaskan king is the biggest of the oversized ones.
Do California king sheets fit a king-size bed?
No, California king sheets wouldn’t be wide enough and would be too long for a king bed.
Who should buy a California king?
California kings are excellent beds for taller couples since they are 4 inches longer than their king counterparts. Those with narrower bedrooms may also want to consider a California king since they can give you more space to walk around the bed.
Which is better, a California king or a king bed?
Deciding which bed is better for you will depend on your height and sleeping situation. California kings are longer and narrower, while standard kings are shorter but wider. This makes California Kings a good choice for those who are exceptionally tall and who don’t need as much width. Standard kings provide more space for couples sharing the bed and are the better choice for those who aren’t extremely tall.
Can I put a California king on a king frame?
You’ll need to buy a California king frame to properly support this size mattress. This is also true the other way around – a king mattress won’t fit correctly on a California king bed frame.
What is the advantage of a California king mattress?
The California king is designed for taller people who don’t feel comfortable on a standard, 80-inch-long mattress. It includes 4 inches of extra length, so those who are 6 feet and over should be able to stretch out and sleep comfortably without their feet dangling off the bed.
This bed type is also slightly narrower than a regular king-size mattress, which may be a plus depending on the dimensions of the room you’re putting it in.
Is a California king-size bed wider or longer?
The California king-size bed is longer and narrower than the standard king-size bed.
Final Word of Advice
As you can see, there is a slight yet defining difference when it comes to choosing between a California king and a standard king-size bed. King beds offer more width, while California kings offer more length.
So, with that in mind, it’ll come down to your preferences and needs and those of your partner. Are you taller? Do you like more space to spread out? Answering these questions and other considerations can help you narrow down your decision.
The Advisor Says
Compare the king and California king sizes to see which dimensions fit your needs the most. You can even visit a nearby mattress to try the bed sizes in person, which should help you figure out which one is better for you.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Senior Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the senior editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach