The Complete Guide to International Mattress Sizes
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Have you ever booked a room while traveling internationally, only to learn that the bed is smaller than you expected? Or maybe you’re moving abroad and considering taking your bed and other essentials. Just like the US has its own standard sizes, different countries have standardizations of their own. Find out more by reading this comprehensive guide to the mattress size differences across the world, whether you’re traveling in Asia, Europe, or the Americas.
Mattress Sizes in US, Canada, and UK
American Mattress Sizes
In the US, mattress sizes follow a standardized system with clear dimensional differences between each category:
Twin (Single)
- The smallest standard mattress size for adults .
- Twin Dimensions: 38″ W × 75″ L (96.5 cm × 190.5 cm)
Twin XL
- Same width as a Twin but 5 inches longer
- Twin XL Dimensions: 38″ × 80″ (96.5 × 203.2 cm)
Full (Double)
- Same length as a Twin (75”), but 16 inches wider.
- Full Dimensions: 53″ × 75″ (137.2 × 190.5 cm)
Queen:
- The most popular mattress size in America.
- Wider and longer than a full size mattress.
- Queen Dimensions: 60″ × 80″ (152.4 × 203.2 cm)
King (Eastern King):
- A King mattress is twice as wide than a twin (76”), and same length as a Queen (80”)
- King (Eastern King) Dimensions: 76″ W × 80″ L (193 × 203.2 cm)
California King:
- Longer but narrower than the standard King size mattress
- California King Dimensions: 72″ W × 84″ L (182.9 × 213.4 cm)
Special and Non-Standard Sizes
Beyond the standard sizes, you might encounter several specialty mattress dimensions:
- Olympic Queen: 6 inches wider than a standard Queen (66″ × 80″)
- Texas King: An oversized mattress measuring 80″ × 98″, providing even more length than a California King.
- Wyoming King: A square mattress measuring 84″ × 84″, offering additional width compared to a California King while maintaining generous length.
- Alaskan King: The largest residential mattress available at 108″ × 108″, perfect for families who simply want maximum sleeping space.
Canadian Mattress Sizes
Generally, Canadian mattress sizes follow the US system, with minor differences in the actual naming.
- Single: Same dimensions as the US Twin.
- Twin XL: Identical to the US Twin XL.
- Double: Same as the US Full/Double.
- Queen: Matches US Queen dimensions.
- King: While called a King, this mattress has the same dimensions as a US Eastern King.
- California King: Same dimensions as the US California King.
United Kingdom Mattress Sizes
UK mattress sizes follow a different system than the US, with unique names and dimensions:
Small Single:
- The narrowest standard UK mattress, primarily designed for children.
- Small Single Dimensions: 30″ × 75″ (75 × 190 cm)
Single:
- Equivalent to the US Twin size but slightly narrower.
- Single Dimensions: 36″ × 75″ (90 × 190 cm)
Small Double:
- Wider than a Single but narrower than a Double.
- Small Double Dimensions: 48″ × 75″ (120 × 190 cm)
Double:
- The UK Double is slightly smaller than a US Full mattress.
King:
- A UK King is smaller than a US King but larger than a US Queen.
- UK King Dimensions: 60″ × 78″ (150 × 200 cm)
Super King:
- The largest standard UK mattress size, comparable to a US King but still slightly smaller.
- Super King Dimensions: 72″ × 78″ (180 × 200 cm)
| Size | US | UK | Canada |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38" × 75.5 (96.5 × 190.5 cm) | 36" × 75 (90 × 190 cm) | 36 × 75.5 (96.5 × 190.5 cm) |
| Twin XL | 38" × 80 (96.5 × 203.2 cm) | -- | 38 × 80.5 (96.5 × 190.2 cm) |
| Full/Double | 54" × 75 (137.2 × 190.5 cm) | 54" × 75 (137 × 190 cm) | 60 × 80 (137.2 × 203.2 cm) |
| Queen | 60" × 80 (152.4 × 203.2 cm) | 60" × 78 (150 × 200 cm) | 76 × 80 (183 × 200.2 cm) |
| King | 76" × 80 (193 × 203.2 cm) | 72" × 84 (180 × 200 cm) | 72 × 84 (182.9 × 213.4 cm) |
| California King | 72" × 84 (182.9 × 213.4 cm) | -- | -- |
Global Mattress Sizes: Europe, Asia, and Beyond
Beyond North America and the UK, mattress sizes vary significantly across the world and reflect cultural preferences, available space, and local manufacturing standards. Many European countries use metric measurements and have their own standards. For instance, European Single mattresses often measure 90 × 200 cm, which is narrower but longer than US Twin mattresses.
European Mattress Sizes
European mattress sizes generally follow metric measurements and are standardized differently from US sizes. Here’s a look at how sizes differ across European countries.
Germany, Austria, Netherlands
- Single (Einzelbett): 90 × 200 cm (35.4″ × 78.7″)
- Double (Doppelbett): 140 × 200 cm (55.1″ × 78.7″)
- Queen (Queensize): 160 × 200 cm (63″ × 78.7″)
- King (Kingsize): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
- Super King: 200 × 200 cm (78.7″ × 78.7″)
France
- Single (Lit Simple): 90 × 190 cm (35.4″ × 74.8″)
- Double (Lit Double): 140 × 190 cm (55.1″ × 74.8″)
- Queen (Grand Lit): 160 × 200 cm (63″ × 78.7″)
- King (Très Grand Lit): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
Italy
- Single (Singolo): 80 × 190 cm (31.5″ × 74.8″)
- Large Single (Una Piazza e Mezza): 120 × 190 cm (47.2″ × 74.8″)
- Double (Matrimoniale): 160 × 190 cm (63″ × 74.8″)
- King (Matrimoniale Grande): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
Spain and Portugal
- Single (Individual): 90 × 190 cm (35.4″ × 74.8″)
- Double (Matrimonio): 135 × 190 cm (53.1″ × 74.8″)
- Queen (Matrimonio Grande): 150 × 190 cm (59.1″ × 74.8″)
- King (King Size): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
Scandinavian Countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland)
- Single (Enkelsäng): 90 × 200 cm (35.4″ × 78.7″)
- Long Single: 90 × 210 cm (35.4″ × 82.7″) – common for taller individuals
- Double (Dubbelsäng): 140 × 200 cm (55.1″ × 78.7″)
- Queen (Queen): 160 × 200 cm (63″ × 78.7″)
- King (King): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
- Super King: 210 × 210 cm (82.7″ × 82.7″) – particularly in Sweden
Mattress Sizes Throughout Asia
In many countries throughout Asia, mattress sizes often reflect both traditional sleeping customs and the influence of Western standards. Below are some of the most commonly found bed sizes.
Japan
- Single: 97 × 195 cm (38.2″ × 76.8″)
- Semi-Double: 122 × 195 cm (48″ × 76.8″)
- Double: 140 × 195 cm (55.1″ × 76.8″)
- Queen: 160 × 195 cm (63″ × 76.8″)
- King: 180 × 195 cm (70.9″ × 76.8″)
- Traditional Futon: Various sizes, typically smaller than Western mattresses
China
- Single (Einzelbett): 90 × 200 cm (35.4″ × 78.7″)
- Double (Doppelbett): 140 × 200 cm (55.1″ × 78.7″)
- Queen (Queensize): 160 × 200 cm (63″ × 78.7″)
- King (Kingsize): 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
- Super King: 200 × 200 cm (78.7″ × 78.7″)
South Korea
- Single: 100 × 200 cm (39.4″ × 78.7″)
- Double: 140 × 200 cm (55.1″ × 78.7″)
- Queen: 150 × 200 cm (59.1″ × 78.7″)
- King: 180 × 200 cm (70.9″ × 78.7″)
India
- Single: 91 × 198 cm (36″ × 78″)
- Double: 137 × 198 cm (54″ × 78″)
- Queen: 152 × 198 cm (60″ × 78″)
- King: 183 × 198 cm (72″ × 78″)
**Regional variations exist with traditional beds like charpoys having custom sizes
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand generally follow their own standard sizes, which are similar to but distinct from both North American and European standards:
- Single: 92 × 188 cm (36.2″ × 74″)
- Long Single: 92 × 203 cm (36.2″ × 80″)
- King Single: 107 × 203 cm (42.1″ × 80″)
- Double: 138 × 188 cm (54.3″ × 74″)
- Queen: 153 × 203 cm (60.2″ × 80″)
- King: 183 × 203 cm (72″ × 80″)
- Super King: 203 × 203 cm (80″ × 80″)
Latin America
Mattress sizes in Latin America vary by country but often follow these general measurements:
- Individual (Twin): 80-100 × 190 cm (31.5-39.4″ × 74.8″)
- Matrimonial (Full): 135-140 × 190 cm (53.1-55.1″ × 74.8″)
- Queen: 150-160 × 190-200 cm (59.1-63″ × 74.8-78.7″)
- King: 180-200 × 200 cm (70.9-78.7″ × 78.7″)
Middle East
Middle Eastern countries often follow European standards but may have regional variations:
- Single: 90-100 × 190-200 cm (35.4-39.4″ × 74.8-78.7″)
- Double: 135-140 × 190-200 cm (53.1-55.1″ × 74.8-78.7″)
- Queen: 150-160 × 200 cm (59.1-63″ × 78.7″)
- King: 180-200 × 200 cm (70.9-78.7″ × 78.7″)
Cultural Considerations
Beyond standard measurements, several cultural factors influence mattress sizes globally:
- Traditional Floor Bedding: Many Asian cultures traditionally use floor bedding (Japanese futons, Korean yo, etc.) rather than raised mattresses.
- Co-Sleeping Practices: In countries where family co-sleeping is common, larger mattress sizes or custom family beds may be more prevalent.
- Height Adaptations: Northern European countries often offer longer mattresses to accommodate taller average heights.
- Space Constraints: In densely populated urban areas like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and major European cities, compact mattress sizes are more common due to smaller living spaces.
- Climate Factors: In tropical regions, thinner mattresses with better ventilation are preferred for temperature regulation.
Shopping Internationally
When purchasing a mattress from another country or region, consider:
- Exact Measurements: Always check the precise centimeter measurements rather than relying on size names.
- Bedding Compatibility: Sheets and bedding designed for one regional standard may not fit mattresses from another region.
- Room Dimensions: Ensure your bedroom can accommodate a mattress sized to different standards.
Foundation Differences: Bed frames and foundations may be designed specifically for regional mattress dimensions. - Thickness Variations: Beyond length and width, mattress thickness can vary significantly between regions.
This diverse range of mattress sizes across the globe reflects the unique sleeping preferences, available living spaces, and cultural traditions that shape how we rest across different regions.
International Comparison
When comparing across countries, it’s important to note that even similarly named sizes can have different dimensions. For example, a UK Double is smaller than a US Full/Double, and a UK King is smaller than a US King.
Choosing the Right Size
When selecting a mattress size, consider:
- Room dimensions (allow at least 2 feet of walking space around the bed)
- Sleeper height (taller individuals should consider XL or California King options)
- Number of sleepers (couples typically need at least a Queen)
- Sleeping style (active sleepers need more space)
- Future needs (children, pets, or family changes)
By understanding the differences between mattress sizes across these countries, you can make a more informed choice that suits your sleeping needs, room dimensions, and budget constraints.
