The Difference Between King and California King
King vs California King – The main difference between a standard King size and a California king mattress resides in both the length and width. A California king bed is slightly longer at 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. A standard king aka Eastern King’s 80 inches long by 76 inches wide.
King vs California King Technical Specifications
| King vs Cal King Mattress Dimensions | Feet | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| King Size Mattress Dimensions | 6’3″ x 6’6″ | 76″ x 80″ |
| California King Dimensions | 6’0″ x 7′ | 72″ x 84″ |
Table Of Contents
King vs California King Dimensions • Queen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King Dimensions • King vs California King FAQ’s
King vs California King Dimensions Differences
The main difference between a standard King size and a California king mattress resides in both the length and width. A California king bed is slightly longer at 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. A standard king aka Eastern King’s 80 inches long by 76 inches wide.
There is no standard height for a King size mattress or California king size mattress. The height variance differs from each mattress model, brand, and manufacturer.
However, if you calculate the total surface area of both beds, a California aka Western King measures 6,048 square inches while the standard king size mattress will measure 6,080 square inches.
Thus, most mattress advice would recommend a cal king for taller people and a standard king for people who want more bed space.
Table Of Contents
King vs California King Dimensions • Queen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King Dimensions • King vs California King FAQ’s
What is the size difference between a King mattress and a Queen mattress?
A King mattress is 16 inches wider and but the same length as a standard queen at 80 inches.
Queen vs King Technical Specifications
| King vs Queen Mattress Dimensions | Feet | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Size Mattress Dimensions | 5’0″ x 6’8″ | 60″ x 80″ |
| King Size Mattress Dimensions | 6’3″ x 6’6″ | 76″ x 80″ |
Table Of Contents
King vs California King Dimensions • Queen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King Dimensions • King vs California King FAQ’s
What is the difference between a Queen size vs California King size mattress?
The California king mattress size is 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer than a standard queen.
Queen vs California King Technical Specifications
| Queen vs Cal King Mattress Dimensions | Feet | Inches |
|---|---|---|
| Queen Size Mattress Dimensions | 5’0″ x 6’8″ | 60″ x 80″ |
| California King Dimensions | 6’0″ x 7′ | 72″ x 84″ |
Table Of Contents
King vs California King Dimensions • Queen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King Dimensions • King vs California King FAQ’s
King vs California King Frequently Asked Questions
I’m upgrading from a Queen size bed to a King vs California King bed. I’m 6’3″ tall, what is the best option for me?
For taller people, this California King is the ideal choice. One widespread misconception is that a California King is the largest mattress size available so it must be the best option for everyone. The California king is an excellent option for taller individuals. The California King has an additional 4″ in length compared to a King size mattress. It’s important to understand that the California king size lacks 4″ in width compared to the standard King size.
However, shopping for bed accessories for a California King is can be more difficult because this size is less common. This also includes bed frames and boxes, not only bed sheets and comforters. Lastly, because of the unique sizing, California King bed accessories have been found to be more expensive, and design choices may be limited. You should plan your full design while evaluating bed sizes.
Are box springs required for King vs California King size mattresses?
The use of a box spring is dependant on the build and design of the mattress; not the size of the mattress. Most mattresses, like Tomorrow Sleep’s Hybrid and All Foam options, work with a box spring (also known as a foundation) but work equally as well with slats, adjustable bases of even on the floor.
If I currently have a King size bed and foundation, can I upgrade to a California King but keep my current furniture?
No. If you change for King to Cal King, you will need to replace your bed as they have different height and width dimensions.
Is there a difference between motion transfer on a King vs Cal King mattress?
Motion transfer (aka motion isolation) is directly attributed to the construction of a mattress not relative to the size of the mattress. It is important to note that with a Cal King size you will have four fewer inches in width, thus causing you to be physically closer to your sleeping partner which can cause slightly greater disruption due to a closer proximity.
Will my King size sheets work on a California King size mattress?
No. As the length and width of these two popular mattress sizes differ greatly, you will not be able to use your existing king size sheets if you elect to purchase a California King bed.
Table Of Contents
King vs California King Dimensions • Queen vs King Dimensions
Queen vs California King Dimensions • King vs California King FAQ’s
Mattress Dimension & Size Guides
- Twin vs Twin XL : Mattress Size Comparison
- Full vs Queen – Complete Mattress Size Guide Comparison
- King vs California King : Mattress Size Guide Comparison
California King vs King Resources;
[1] PR Newswire; Tomorrow Sleep, Powered by Serta Simmons Bedding, Launches with Innovative Direct-to-Consumer Sleep System.
