What Are The Dimensions Of a California King Size Mattress? Exact Measurements and FAQs

If you’re searching for “What Are The Dimensions Of a California King Size Mattress”, you’re likely trying to figure out whether this extra-long mattress will fit your bedroom, your bed frame, and your height. This FAQ-style guide breaks down the exact dimensions, how they compare to other sizes, and what to consider before choosing one.

What Are The Dimensions Of a California King Size Mattress?

A standard California king size mattress measures approximately 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.

• Width: 72 inches (about 6 feet)
• Length: 84 inches (about 7 feet)

In metric terms, that’s roughly 183 cm x 213 cm.

These are the most commonly accepted standard dimensions for a California king in the mattress industry. However, small variations of an inch or so can occur between manufacturers.

How Is a California King Different From a Standard King?

People often assume a California king is bigger in every way, but it is actually longer and narrower than a standard king.

California King vs. King Size Dimensions

• A king is wider (76" vs 72"), offering more elbow room.
• A California king is longer (84" vs 80"), offering more legroom.

So if your main concern is length for taller sleepers, the California king often feels more comfortable. If you want maximum width for sharing the bed, a standard king typically feels roomier.

Why Do the Dimensions of a California King Size Mattress Matter?

Understanding what are the dimensions of a California king size mattress matters for several practical reasons:

• 🛏️ Bedroom fit: A California king can dominate a smaller room. You’ll want enough space to walk around the bed and place furniture.
• 🧍 Sleeper height: Taller individuals often appreciate the extra length to avoid dangling feet.
• 🧩 Bed frames and bases: Frames are built for specific sizes. A king frame won’t properly fit a California king mattress.
• 🛌 Bedding and accessories: Sheets, mattress protectors, and toppers must be labeled specifically for California king.

Knowing the exact measurements helps you avoid sizing surprises once the mattress arrives.

Will a California King Mattress Fit in My Room?

While there’s no single “right” room size, many people find that a California king works best in larger bedrooms.

A simple rule of thumb:

• Leave at least 24–30 inches of walking space on each side and at the foot of the bed where possible.
• Consider space for nightstands, dressers, and doors that need to swing open.

Before deciding, it can help to:

• Use painter’s tape on the floor to mark 72" x 84"
• Walk around the outline and imagine your furniture placement
  This gives a clear sense of how much floor space a California king will occupy.

Do All California King Mattresses Have the Same Dimensions?

Most mattresses sold as California king will be close to 72" x 84", but there can be minor differences, such as:

• Slight variations of up to about an inch in width or length
• Subtle differences caused by pillow tops, quilting, or rounded corners

Because of this:

• Check the exact product dimensions if you have a tight bed frame or a custom base.
• Expect some normal manufacturing tolerance, especially with soft, upholstered edges.

Can I Use Standard King Bedding on a California King?

In most cases, standard king bedding will not fit properly on a California king:

• King sheets are usually too short in length.
• California king sheets are made specifically for 72" x 84" mattresses.

For best results, look for bedding labeled clearly as:

• “California King”
• “Cal King”

This is especially important for fitted sheets, mattress protectors, and tight-fitting toppers.

Who Is a California King Size Mattress Best For?

Based on its dimensions, a California king can be a practical choice for:

• Tall sleepers who want extra legroom
• Partners where one or both are taller than average
• Rooms that are long and narrow, where the extra length fits better than the extra width of a standard king

However, households looking for the widest possible sleeping surface often prefer a standard king instead.

✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points to understand about “What Are The Dimensions Of a California King Size Mattress”:

• A California king size mattress is typically 72" wide x 84" long (about 183 cm x 213 cm).
• It is longer but slightly narrower than a standard king (76" x 80").
• The extra 4 inches of length can be helpful for taller sleepers.
• The reduced 4 inches of width means a bit less side-to-side space compared to a standard king.
• Always check your room size, bed frame, and doorway clearances before choosing a California king.
• Look for bedding labeled “California King”, as standard king sheets usually won’t fit correctly.
• Minor size variations between manufacturers are normal, so checking exact listed dimensions can be useful in tight spaces.

With a clear understanding of what are the dimensions of a California king size mattress, you can better judge whether this long, spacious option matches your room layout, height, and overall sleeping needs.