King vs. California King Mattress Size
91What 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
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.
Mattress Size Chart
California King Sheets
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Pinzon 400-Thread-Count 100% Egyptian Cotton Hemstitch California King Sheet Set, Plum
Price: $54.99
List Price: $120.00 |
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1000-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton 1000TC Sheet Set, California King, Gold Damask Stripe 1000 TC
Price: $69.99
List Price: $318.99 |
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Pinzon 500-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sateen California King Sheet Set, Indochine Blue
Price: $79.99
List Price: $200.00 |
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LinenSpa Deep Pocket 600-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheet Set, CAL KING KHAKI
Price: $49.99
List Price: $249.99 |
King Mattress
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Protect A Bed BRAND Waterproof Mattress Pad NEW 4 sizes
Current Bid: $49.00
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BRAND NEW TEMPURPEDIC ALLURA BED KING MATTRESS 20% OFF
Current Bid: $3699.00
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California King Mattress
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SERTA ULTIMATE 4 INCH 4 LB MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS KING
Current Bid: $226.99
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Anti Allergy Mattress Cover California King Bedding Cal
Current Bid: $37.99
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Comments
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!
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.
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
This is a great hub. Thanks for sharing.
gredmondson says:
6 months ago
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.