King vs. California King: Which Bed Size Is Best for You?

Are you remodelling your bedroom and upgrading your tired queen size bed? You might be wondering how king vs California king beds stack up against each other.

The size of your bed is more important than you might think. Research suggests adults should get at least seven hours of sleep a night. Despite this, over one-third of us get less than this. I sleep longer and sounder with a weighted blanket, the right bed sheets, a firm mattress, and a healthy nighttime routine. However, as a sprawling sleeper with a dog that curls up beside me, the right size of bed also plays a part.

I spoke to two mattress experts to understand when a king vs California king bed is better.

Why Is It Called a California King Bed?

The exact reason the California king bed got its name is up for debate. Some say it was invented in LA by a long-legged entrepreneur. Others say it’s related to the demand for bigger beds in sprawling California homes. These West Coast roots mean it’s also known as the Western bed.

Whatever the reason, super-sized mattresses grew in popularity among the Hollywood celebrities of the 1930s, and by the 1960s, research showed adults were growing taller and bedroom sizes were getting larger. However, it was the king size (or Eastern) bed that really took off in popularity when mattress sizes were standardized.

King vs. California King Bed: What Size Are They?

“A California king mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while a standard king mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long,” says mattress industry expert Byron Golub.

Contrary to popular belief, California kings aren’t bigger than king size beds. A king size bed actually has a slightly larger square footage. Basically, you’re getting slightly more length when you select California king vs king size beds, but they’re narrower.

King vs. California King Bed: How Much Do They Cost?

Arin Schultz, another industry expert working for organic mattress manufacturer Naturepedic, explains there’s no difference in cost between their king vs. California king bed sizes. “However, prices can vary based on the brand,” he says. “Some manufacturers charge a little more for a California king because it’s a specialized size and not in as high demand.”

King Bed Pros and Cons

Still weighing whether a king vs. California king bed is best for your room and nighttime rituals? Here are some benefits and drawbacks of selecting a king size bed to help you decide.

Pros of king size beds

• More space to sprawl: “A king size bed offers ample space for couples, providing approximately 38 inches of personal space for each sleeper,” Golub says. “It’s an excellent option if one partner tends to be a restless or active sleeper, as it allows you to move around comfortably without disturbing the other.”
• Perfect for pets and kids: If your kids or pets like to snuggle with you, a wider bed saves you from perching on the edge of the mattress to make room.
• Wide selection of bedding: Because king size beds are more readily available than California king sizes, there are more options for bed sheets, and they can be more reasonably priced.

Cons of king size beds

• Space constraints: If you have a narrow bedroom, a wider king size bed could be a tight fit and make the space feel more cramped.
• Not ideal for long legs: “King size mattresses may not be long enough for taller-than-average sleepers,” Golub says. There’s nothing worse than feet hanging over the bottom of the bed.

California King Bed Pros and Cons

Considering trading in your king size bed for a California king? Check out these advantages and disadvantages before taking the plunge.

Pros of California king beds

• A better fit for tight spaces: The longer-than-wide shape makes it a good bed for a small room when you still want space for night stands.
• Offers more legroom: “A California king mattress is a good choice for 6 ft or taller people,” Golub says.
• Can still work for pets: If your pet lies at the foot of your bed, the longer shape saves you from sleeping at an awkward angle.

Cons of California king beds

• Cost: Expect to pay more for California king frames and mattresses compared to more widely-available king size versions.
• Crowded with kids: The narrow width makes it a tighter squeeze when kids want to cuddle in.
• Less bedding options: “Accessories like sheets and frames are more challenging to find—and more expensive,” Golub says.

King vs. California King Bed: Which Is Right for Me?

Picking a California king bed could be the smart choice if you have a narrow bedroom, long legs, or a pet that loves to snuggle at your feet.

Schultz suggests a standard king-size bed for couples or individuals prioritizing width over length. It means you’re less likely to steal the covers from your partner, and the kids, kitties or canines can curl up beside you. Plus, you have more budget-friendly mattresses and matching accessories to choose from.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do king sheets fit a California king bed​?

Even if you see a dream bedding set that’s only available in king size, don’t buy it with a view to squeezing it onto a California king bed. “King sheets typically do not fit a California king bed due to the 4 inches of additional length,” Schultz says.

Are any beds bigger than a California king?

There are beds bigger than the California king, but think carefully about whether you need one before buying. “Super King and Alaskan king mattresses [coming in at a whopping 108 inches by 108 inches] are much less common and are typically custom made,” Schultz says. It might be a luxurious bedroom idea, but the frame, mattress and bed sheet costs will be steep. Plus, the extra floor space it takes up might be cramped or even impossible in smaller bedrooms.

What size rug should I put under a California king?

The best California king bed rug size depends on the look you want to achieve. However, ensuring it extends at least 18 inches beyond the frame on either side of the bed while maintaining at least a foot of rug-free space around the wall edges helps the room look balanced and spacious.

About the Experts

• Byron Golub is the Vice President of Product and Merchandising at Saatva. Saatva’s handcrafted, eco-friendly mattresses are made to order in the USA; email interview, Dec. 3, 2024.

• Arin Schultz is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Naturepedic, a leading manufacturer of certified organic mattresses. He has been involved in the industry for over a decade; email interview, Nov. 26, 2024.

Sources

• “MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep: Prevalence of healthy sleep duration among adults” (2016)