King vs. California (Cal) King Mattress Size
By Robin
What is the difference between a California King and an Eastern King Mattress?
The California King, sometimes called a Western King, is longer and narrower than the Eastern King, usually referred to as a King or Standard King.
The California or Western King is 4" longer and the Standard King is 4" wider.
California/Western King Mattress
- 72" wide x 84" long
- 4" longer and 4" narrower than a Standard King - the longest and best bed available for tall people. (My husband, who is 6'7" had to sleep diagonally on a Queen [which is the same length as a Standard King] and is able to sleep straight on our California King).
- 12" wider and 4" longer than a Queen
- Comes with two box springs and one mattress
Standard King Mattress:
- 76" wide x 80" long
- 4" shorter and 4" wider than California/Western King
- 16" wider than a Queen mattress but the same length - this is the widest available bed
- Also comes with two box springs and one mattress
What kind of mattress do you have?
See results without votingShould I buy King or Cal King Sheets?
When you buy sheets for your King mattress, make sure you are buying the correct size. Your flat sheet should fit either the California King or the Standard King, but the fitted sheet needs to fit your specific mattress size.
Unless you're very tall, most people go with the Standard King bed. Bedding is easier to find and the extra width is preferential over the extra length.
 | Amazon Price: $479.99 List Price: $749.00 |
Mattress Size Chart
California King Sheets
 | Amazon Price: $59.98 List Price: $349.99 |
Comments
I have been searching the internet for a cotton California King blanket. The king blankets just aren't long enough if you have a thick mattress. Does anyone know of a manufacturer who actually makes California king blankets (not comforters or duvet covers, just blankets)? Thanks!
Shela, yes a king and cal king blanket will work the same 99% of manufactures wont make different ones so its all the same to them...
Nicole Nope sorry, 72"*84" vs 76"*80" even turnes side ways you cant cet the inch #'s to match.... but pretty close. enjoy
Cannot find a cotton blanket for a California King mattress that is not overly priced. Will a King size one fit okay??
So relly u can make a king into a cal king just by turning the matteress
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Sleepys Mattress Co
can you use a standard king mattress on a california king bed
thanks!! very helpfull!!
If you really want the ultimate you can look into the Grand King by sleep number. It measures 80X98 inches!!! It used to be hard to find bedding for it even through sleep number but it seems that bedding is becoming more available. The salesman in the sleep number store told me that macys will soon be offering bedding for this HUGE bed.
I had no idea that a regular King was wider than a Cal King! Thanks for sorting out my confusion.
Hmm...I have a california king, I thought that it was wider, but am finding out that it is actually longer, I have just been sleeping on it wrong. Oh well.. I like it
Thanks for the info, I didn't realise the subtle difference in the sizes of the 2 mattresses. I'm in the UK and we sleep on what we call a 'super-king' sized bed which I thing is the same as an Eastern King.
Unless you are very tall, The wider bed is always the better option IMHO......
I always wondered what the difference was between those. Thank you great article. Love it!
This is a great hub. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, James. I'm surprised you're not in an extra long twin. I know there are a few in the family. ;) Paul and I slept in a Queen for years. It was quite snug. xo R
Glad to see you hubbing again Rob.I will never get confused about king size beds again!
Right now, I sleep on a full, and let me tell you, for someone 6'6", it's far too small.
I think you're right, George. It's a lot easier to find California King bedding on the West Coast. I actually prefer the Cal King because of the length, but I've heard from friends on the East Coast that they've never heard of a Cal King. Interesting. Thanks for the comment!
Robin, this is so good. It has been my experience that the California King (or Western King) is much more available in (surprise!) California. Years ago, Eastern King sheets were not even carried in the stores I shopped in. Both sizes of sheets are widely available now, and since many people shop online (accessible to the whole country) both sizes are marketed.
kmaskreations 3 months ago
Thanks for sharing. Very helpful and just what I needed to know.