You walk into a mattress store or start browsing online and see the words “California King.” It sounds luxurious—maybe even a little mysterious. But before you imagine yourself stretching out like royalty, you might be wondering: How big is a California King, really?
In this blog, we’ll break down the exact dimensions of a California King mattress, how it compares to other sizes, and whether it’s the right fit for your space, your sleep style, and your dreams of extra legroom.
What Are the Dimensions of a California King Mattress?
A California King mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. That means it’s four inches longer and four inches narrower than a standard King mattress, which measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
If you need more legroom, perhaps you're over six feet tall or your pet loves to curl up by your feet, the California King provides the extra stretch space you need. Just keep in mind, you’ll sacrifice a bit of width compared to a regular King.
California King vs. Other Mattress Sizes
Here’s how California King mattresses stack up against other popular sizes:
|
Mattress Size |
Dimensions (inches) |
Best For |
|
Twin |
38 x 75 |
Kids, small guest rooms |
|
Full |
54 x 75 |
Solo sleepers with limited space |
|
Queen |
60 x 80 |
Couples in standard-size bedrooms |
|
King |
76 x 80 |
Couples who want maximum width |
|
California King |
72 x 84 |
Tall sleepers, longer rooms |
Who Is a California King Mattress Best For?
If you're taller, a California King mattress is designed just for you, with its extra length ensuring your feet don’t hang off the edge. This makes it ideal for tall people, as noted by the Sleep Foundation, since the additional 4 inches in length accommodates those over six feet tall
It’s also a smart pick for:
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Couples who want length more than width.
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People with long or narrow bedrooms who don’t want to overwhelm the space.
-
Pet owners with large dogs who love to sleep at the end of the bed.
That said, if you prefer a wider mattress to roll around, the standard King mattress might be a better fit.
Things to Consider Before Buying One
Before you bring one home, think about:
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Room size: You need at least 4-5 ft of clearance on each side for walking and adding furniture.
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Bed frames & bedding: Make sure your bed frame supports the 84” length, and you can find bedding, sheets, and comforters in this size.
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Moving and setup: California Kings are heavy and wide. You'll need help getting it through doors and around corners.
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Price difference: This size usually costs more than a Queen or standard King, both for the mattress and accessories.
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Future moves: Ensure your current or future rooms can accommodate this size.
Final Thoughts
So, how big is a California King? It’s 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making it the longest standard mattress available for purchase. If you’re tall, share your bed with a pet, or simply want a little more room to stretch out, a California King mattress can be a smart upgrade. Just ensure your bedroom has enough space to handle it comfortably.
Upgrade Your Sleep with a California King Mattress
If you’re tall, share your bed with pets, or simply crave more legroom, a California King mattress is the spacious solution you've been looking for. It offers the perfect blend of comfort and extra length, without overwhelming your room.
Explore premium California King mattresses for sale at Ortho Mattress and find a size that truly fits your sleep.
FAQs
Does a California king mattress fit a king bed frame?
No, a California king mattress won’t fit a standard king bed frame. It’s longer and narrower, so it needs a frame made specifically for California king size.
What’s the difference between a king and a California king mattress?
A king mattress is wider (76" x 80"), while a California king is longer but narrower (72" x 84"). King is better for width; California king is better for taller sleepers.
How much does a California king mattress weigh?
A California king mattress usually weighs between 130 and 180 pounds, depending on the materials and thickness.
Do king sheets fit a California king mattress?
No, king sheets are too short and wide for a California king. You need sheets made specifically for a California king size.
Do 2 Twin XL mattresses make a California king?
No, two Twin XL mattresses make a standard king, not a California king. A California king is longer and slightly narrower.