What Size Is a Cal King Mattress? Exact Dimensions & How It Compares
If you’re asking “What Size Is a Cal King Mattress”, you’re usually trying to figure out whether this extra-long king option will actually fit your room, your bed frame, and your height. This guide breaks down the exact dimensions, how it compares to a standard king, and when a California king makes sense.
What Are the Exact Dimensions of a Cal King Mattress?
A standard California king mattress measures:
- 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
- (Approximately 6 feet wide x 7 feet long)
So when you ask “What Size Is a Cal King Mattress”, the simple answer is:
It is narrower but longer than a regular king mattress.
For comparison, a standard king mattress is 76 inches wide x 80 inches long.
How Is a Cal King Different From a Regular King?
Many people assume a California king is the “biggest” king size, but that’s not quite accurate. It’s longer, not larger overall.
Cal King vs. King at a Glance
| Mattress Size | Width (in) | Length (in) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| King | 76 | 80 | Couples who want maximum width |
| Cal King | 72 | 84 | Taller sleepers or long, narrow rooms |
Key differences:
- Width: A Cal king is 4 inches narrower than a standard king.
- Length: A Cal king is 4 inches longer than a standard king.
- Total surface area: Very close, but the king has slightly more surface area because of the extra width.
Who Is a Cal King Mattress Best For?
Understanding what size is a Cal King mattress also helps you understand who it suits best.
A California king can be a good fit for:
- Taller sleepers who want more legroom and less chance of feet hanging off the edge.
- People with a long, narrower bedroom, where extra length is easier to accommodate than extra width.
- Couples who don’t mind giving up a few inches of width in exchange for more length.
On the other hand, if you:
- Often share the bed with kids or pets,
- Or simply value maximum elbow room side-to-side,
then the wider standard king might feel more spacious.
Will a Cal King Mattress Fit My Bedroom?
Once you know what size is a Cal King mattress in inches, the next step is seeing how it fits your space.
A general guideline for a comfortable layout:
- Leave at least 2–3 feet of walking space on the sides and at the foot of the bed.
For a California king (72" x 84"), many sleepers find it works best in rooms that are roughly:
- At least 12 feet long, so there’s space beyond the 7-foot bed length.
- Around 10–12 feet wide or more, depending on furniture.
These are not strict rules, but if your room is much smaller, the bed can dominate the space and make it harder to move around comfortably.
Do I Need Special Bedding for a Cal King?
Yes. Because the California king is longer and narrower than a standard king, many bedding items are size-specific.
Here’s what to expect:
- Fitted sheets: Must be labeled California king to match the 72" x 84" surface.
- Flat sheets and comforters: Some are sold as “king/Cal king,” but others are specific, so checking labels matters.
- Bed frames and foundations: You’ll need a Cal king–sized frame, base, or foundation to support the mattress correctly.
Trying to use a standard king fitted sheet on a Cal king usually results in loose corners and poor fit.
How Does a Cal King Work for Couples?
When couples wonder “What size is a Cal King mattress and will it be big enough?”, they’re often comparing usable space.
Some helpful points:
- Side-to-side space: You get 4 fewer inches of width than on a standard king.
- Head-to-toe space: You gain 4 extra inches of legroom, which many taller sleepers appreciate.
- Sharing comfort: Couples who sleep closer together or don’t mind less width often find a Cal king perfectly comfortable.
If both partners are average height and prefer more width, a standard king may feel roomier. If one or both are tall and often feel cramped on shorter beds, a California king can feel more natural.
✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points to understand about “What Size Is a Cal King Mattress”
- Standard Cal king size: 72" wide x 84" long (about 6' x 7').
- Shape difference:Narrower and longer than a standard king (76" x 80").
- Best for: Taller sleepers and long, narrower bedrooms.
- Room fit: Works most comfortably in rooms roughly 12 feet long or more.
- Bedding: Requires California king–specific fitted sheets, frames, and many accessories.
- For couples: Slightly less width than a king, but more legroom from head to toe.
Understanding what size is a Cal King mattress—down to its exact dimensions and how it compares to a standard king—makes it much easier to decide if this extra-long option fits your height, your room layout, and your everyday sleep needs.
