Upgrading your bedroom often comes with the exciting yet sometimes perplexing decision of choosing the right mattress size. If you’re caught between a king and a California king mattress, you’re not alone. These two sizes are often compared, but understanding their key differences is crucial to making the best choice for your sleep and space.
The main distinction when considering a California King Bed Compared To A King lies in their dimensions. A king mattress is wider, offering more horizontal space, while a California king bed is longer, providing extra legroom. Although both are considered large mattresses, a standard king actually boasts a slightly larger surface area than a California king.
Deciding between a king vs. California king bed involves carefully evaluating these size variations and how they align with your bedroom dimensions and individual sleep needs. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you determine which mattress reigns supreme for you.
California King vs. King Dimensions: A Detailed Breakdown
While California king and standard king mattresses are similar in overall size, their dimensions differ significantly, impacting room fit, bedding choices, and sleeping comfort. A California king mattress is designed to be longer and narrower than a king, specifically by 4 inches in each direction. This means you gain valuable legroom but sacrifice some width for spreading out.
Understanding the California king mattress size comparison is essential to assess how these dimensional differences will affect your bedroom and sleep experience. The table below provides a clear side-by-side comparison:
| Standard King | California King | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 84 inches |
| Width | 76 inches | 72 inches |
| Surface area | 6,080 sq inches | 6,048 sq inches |
| Fitted sheet dimensions | 80” x 76” | 84” x 72” |
| Flat sheet dimensions | 102” x 112” | 102” x 112“ |
| Duvet dimensions | 96” x 109” | 96” x 109” |
| Minimum room size | 12’ x 12’ | 11’ x 13’ |
| Average price range | $1,599-$8,995 | $1,999-$8,995 |
| Best for | Couples with co-sleeping kids or pets, individuals under 6’2” | Couples with pets, taller individuals over 6’2” |
| Other names | Eastern king | Western king |
What is a King Mattress? The Epitome of Width
The king mattress stands out as the widest standard mattress size available, boasting generous dimensions of 80 inches in length and 76 inches in width. With a slightly larger surface area than its California counterpart, the king mattress offers ample space for single sleepers who love to sprawl, couples seeking personal space, and families who share their bed with children or furry companions.
When comparing a king size bed vs. a California king, it’s worth noting that while prices are generally similar, standard kings often have a slightly lower starting price. Furthermore, you’ll typically find a wider selection of bedding, bed frames, and adjustable bases readily available for king mattresses compared to California kings.
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Ideal for: Individuals who appreciate extra space to move around during sleep. King mattresses are particularly well-suited for couples, especially side sleepers, who benefit from the added width. If you co-sleep with kids or pets, a king size bed provides significantly more space than a queen or California king, making it a comfortable choice for shared sleeping arrangements.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4 inches wider than a California king | 4 inches shorter than a California king |
| Generally lower starting price point than California kings | May not be long enough for individuals taller than 6’2” |
| Wider availability of sheets, duvets, bed frames, and adjustable bases | Might feel too large for smaller, narrower bedrooms |
| Easier to find in a split king configuration |
What is a California King Mattress? Length for Legroom
The California king mattress, sometimes referred to as a “Cal king,” earned its name from its popularity on the West Coast, particularly in California. It’s specifically designed to cater to individuals, especially those under 7 feet tall, who prioritize extra length over width in their mattress.
California king mattresses measure 84 inches in length and 72 inches in width, making them 4 inches longer than a standard king. This makes the California king the longest standard mattress size commonly available. When comparing a California king vs. king bed, the primary differentiator is this trade-off between length and width.
California king beds excel at providing additional legroom, making them ideal for taller individuals. However, they offer slightly less width compared to a standard king, which might be a consideration for couples who prefer more personal space horizontally.
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Ideal for: Taller individuals between 6’3” and 7’ tall, couples, and those who share their bed with pets. A California king’s narrower width can also be advantageous for fitting into longer, narrower bedrooms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 4 inches longer than a king mattress | 4 inches narrower than a king mattress |
| Better suited for individuals under 7’ tall needing extra legroom | May have a slightly higher starting price point than king mattresses |
| Can fit more easily into narrower bedroom layouts | Potentially less readily available in a split California king configuration |
| Often easier to maneuver and move due to slightly smaller dimensions | |
| Provides ample space for pets to sleep at the foot of the bed |
How To Choose Between a King vs. a California King: Key Factors
When deciding between a California king bed vs. a standard king bed, understanding the distinct features and benefits of each size is crucial. The right choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Here are key factors to consider to guide your decision:
1. Consider Your Height: Length Matters
Your height is a primary factor when choosing between a king and California king. If you fall between 6’3” and 7’ tall, a California king is generally the better option. The extra 4 inches in length can make a significant difference in comfort, preventing your feet from hanging off the edge of the bed and ensuring proper spinal alignment.
For taller individuals who sleep flat on their back or stomach, a California king is particularly beneficial, providing ample space for outstretched legs.
2. Factor in Your Sleeping Position: How Do You Sleep?
Your preferred sleeping position also plays a role. While taller side sleepers can often comfortably adapt to either size as they tend to sleep with bent knees, sleeping position becomes more critical for taller back and stomach sleepers.
Tall individuals who sleep on their back or stomach will likely find the added length of a California king mattress more comfortable, allowing them to stretch out fully without feeling confined by the bed’s edge.
3. Review Your Bedroom Layout: Space Considerations
Bedroom dimensions are crucial. King mattresses, being wider, require a minimum room size of 12 feet by 12 feet to fit comfortably without overwhelming the space. Smaller rooms might feel cramped with a king bed, in which case a queen mattress might be a more suitable alternative.
California king mattresses, while longer, are narrower. They can fit comfortably in rooms that are 11 feet by 13 feet or larger. The reduced width of a California king makes it a better fit for longer, narrower bedroom layouts where maximizing floor space is important.
Always measure your room dimensions before purchasing a new mattress to ensure a proper fit and comfortable bedroom flow.
4. Analyze Your Family Needs: Co-sleeping Arrangements
Both king and California king beds offer ample space for multiple sleepers. However, families with young children or pets who frequently join them in bed might find the extra width of a standard king more advantageous. The additional width provides more space to spread out and accommodate extra bodies comfortably.
For couples with differing firmness preferences, split kings or split California kings can be excellent solutions. A split king mattress is essentially two twin XL mattresses placed side-by-side, allowing each sleeper to customize their side of the bed. While less common, split California kings offer the same customization benefits in a longer format.
5. Determine Your Budget: Price Point Considerations
California king mattresses typically have a slightly higher starting price point compared to regular king mattresses. However, when considering high-quality mattresses, the price difference between the two sizes often becomes negligible, with comparable options costing roughly the same.
When making your budget decision, prioritize your specific needs. For individuals over 6’3” or those wanting extra foot-of-the-bed space for pets, the 4 extra inches of length in a California king might justify a slightly higher initial cost. If width and spreading-out space are more important and you don’t require extra length, a standard king could be a more economical choice.
Is a King or California King Right for You? Making the Final Decision
Ultimately, when you compare king vs. California king beds, your personal needs and sleep preferences should guide your decision. Consider what will contribute most to better sleep for you and your partner – whether it’s extra legroom or more personal space horizontally.
Purple offers both king beds and California king mattresses, both featuring the revolutionary GelFlex® Grid technology. This innovative sleep technology provides exceptional pressure relief and optimal support, while also promoting cooling airflow and adapting instantly to movement. Experience a transformative sleep experience with Purple’s 100-night trial and discover the perfect size for your ultimate comfort.
