How to Measure Bed Size

Co-authored by Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 20, 2024 Fact Checked

Beds are made in standard sizes, such as twin, full, queen and king sizes. It is recommended that you find a bed size that is at least four inches (10cm) longer than the tallest person who will sleep in it. The following measurements can be taken to ensure you get the right bed size.

Quick Guide: Measuring Your Bed Size

Strip the bedding and measure the length and width with a tape measure. A twin bed is 39 inches wide and 75 inches long. A full bed is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. A queen bed is 60 inches wide and 84 inches long. A king bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. If it's 84 inches long, then it's a California king.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Measuring a Bed

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You will want to measure it from the exact edge.
You may ask a friend to help you hold the measuring tape if it does not lock into place.

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You will be able to use these measurements to see what type of bed you have in the next step. Alternatively, you can measure a space in your house to see what size bed will fit comfortably in the room.
Pull the tape out until it reaches the right edge of the bed. Write down this width measurement.
Extend the tape till you get to the middle bottom of the bed. Write down this length measurement.

Part 2

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Determining Bed Size

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1
Determine if your small bed is a twin. Most twin beds are 39 inches (99 cm) wide, while a “narrow” twin is 36 inches (91 cm) wide. Standard length will be 75 inches (191 cm) long.
- In the UK, a single bed is 36 inches (91 cm) wide.
- An extra-long twin, like the beds in most dorm rooms, is 80 inches (203 cm) long. Look for sheet sets that say “x-long twin.”
- This bed size is used for most standard bunk beds.
2
Move on to a full size bed if the bed is 54 inches (137 cm) wide. It should also be 75 inches (191 cm) long. In England and occasionally in the US, this is referred to as a “double” bed.
- While a twin bed fits one person, a full bed is best for one large person or two small children or adults.
3
Increase your size to a queen bed if the width is 60 inches (152 cm). The length should be 80 inches (203 cm). If the length is 84 inches (213 cm), it is a California queen sized bed.
- There is no equivalent to a queen sized bed in the UK. The next largest size is a king.
- Another type of queen, called the “super,” or “expanded” queen is 66 inches (168 cm) wide and 80 inches (203 cm) long. The expanded is also thicker than the super or the standard queen.
- Queen sized beds and larger are designed with enough room for two adults.
If it is 76 inches (193 cm) wide and 80 inches (203 cm) long, it is a standard king. A UK king sized bed is much smaller at 60 inches (152 cm) wide and 78 inches (198 cm) long.
A California king is 72 inches (183 cm) wide by 84 inches (213cm) long and a Grand king is 80 inches (203 cm) wide and 98 inches (249 cm) long. A super king bed in the UK is 72 inches (183 cm) wide and 78 inches (198 cm) long.^{[1]
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My bed is 38 1/2" wide and 74 1/2" long. What size bed do I have?

Community Answer

You have a twin bed. The exact measurements are 75" x 38" But not all mattresses (or measurements) are exact.

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What size bed would be best for a room that is 9 feet long and 10 feet wide?

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Buy the largest bed that is best for whoever will be sleeping in the room. You could also put a full or queen size futon or sofa-bed in there. I have a queen bed in my guest room that is about the same size as your room; it literally takes up more than half the room, but my guests are comfortable.

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How do I find out what size sheets I should buy for my bed?

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Usually, when you buy your bed it's labeled with the size. You can compare that to the sheet sizes. Another option is to measure your bed and match it to the sizes of the sheets.

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Tips

It is a good idea to measure the depth of your mattress before you purchase sheet sets. Pillow-top or extra thick mattresses require deeper pockets. Look for an indication that your sheet sets will fit a pillow-top or extra-thick mattress.^{[2]
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If you are choosing a bed for a room based on these measurements, remember that you should have a foot or two of space on each side for easy movement about the room.

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Warnings

It is harder to find non-standard sheet sets, like those for the California queen, super king, or expanded queen. They are likely to be more expensive because of their large size and scarcity.

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