What Size Is a California King Size Mattress? Exact Dimensions and FAQs
If you’re asking “What size is a California King size mattress?”, you’re likely comparing it with other mattress sizes or checking if it will fit your bedroom. This guide explains the exact dimensions, how it differs from a standard king, and what to consider before choosing one.
What Are the Exact Dimensions of a California King Mattress?
A standard California King size mattress typically measures:
- 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
- (Approximately 6 feet wide x 7 feet long)
So when you ask “What size is a California King size mattress?”, the key thing to remember is that it is longer but slightly narrower than a regular king.
California King vs. King: What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse the two, but they are not the same.
A standard king mattress is usually:
- 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
Compared to that, a California King is:
- 4 inches narrower
- 4 inches longer
Simple Size Comparison
| Mattress Size | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen | 60" | 80" | Single sleepers or couples in smaller rooms |
| King | 76" | 80" | Couples wanting maximum width |
| California King | 72" | 84" | Taller sleepers, or those wanting extra length |
This means a California King provides more legroom, while a standard king offers more elbow room side to side.
Who Is a California King Size Mattress Best For?
Understanding what size is a California King size mattress helps you decide if it suits your needs.
A California King can be a good match if:
- You’re tall and often find your feet hanging off the end of the bed.
- You share a bed and one or both sleepers are taller than average.
- Your bedroom is longer than it is wide, making a narrower, longer bed easier to place.
- You like extra space at the foot of the bed for pets to sleep comfortably.
However, if you prefer more width to spread out, a standard king may feel roomier.
Will a California King Mattress Fit in My Bedroom?
Before choosing any size, it helps to compare your room’s measurements with the mattress dimensions.
To check fit for a California King (72" x 84"):
- Measure the length and width of your room.
- Leave space around the bed for walking paths, dressers, and nightstands.
- Many people prefer at least 2 feet of clearance on each accessible side of the bed.
A California King often works well in larger master bedrooms, especially those that are somewhat narrow but long.
Is It Harder to Find California King Bedding?
Because the California King is less common than a queen or standard king, some people wonder if bedding will be an issue.
Here are a few practical points:
- Sheets and mattress protectors must be labeled specifically for California King because of the extra length.
- Comforters and duvets are often more forgiving, but sizes can still vary, so checking packaging measurements can be helpful.
- While options may be more limited compared to queen and king, many bedding lines do include a California King size.
If you like a wide range of styles and patterns, you may notice fewer choices than for the most common sizes, but they are still widely available.
How Does a California King Compare to Other Mattress Sizes?
When you know what size is a California King size mattress, it can be easier to picture it relative to other mattresses.
In general:
- It is bigger than a queen in both width and length.
- It has a similar overall surface area to a standard king, but in a different shape (narrower and longer).
- It is smaller than oversized “family” or custom mattresses, which go beyond standard retail sizes.
This makes the California King a specialized option for those who want length without going into completely custom territory.
✔️ Quick Mattress Takeaways
Key points to understand about “What Size Is a California King Size Mattress”
- A California King size mattress is typically 72" wide x 84" long.
- It is 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king.
- Best suited for taller sleepers, couples wanting more legroom, or longer bedrooms.
- It usually fits larger master bedrooms better than small or medium rooms.
- Bedding must be California King–specific, especially fitted sheets and protectors.
- It offers comparable total sleeping area to a king, just in a different shape: narrower but longer.
Understanding what size is a California King size mattress comes down to two main numbers—72" x 84"—and how those dimensions match your body, your sleeping preferences, and your bedroom layout. With these details in mind, it becomes much easier to decide whether this extra-long mattress size is the right fit for your space and your sleep.
