If you’ve ever wondered what a California king bed is, it’s a mattress designed for ultimate comfort, especially for taller individuals or anyone who enjoys extra legroom. Measuring 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, it’s slightly narrower and longer than a standard king mattress. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prioritize length over width.
When considering how big it is, the California king offers 6,048 square inches of sleeping space—perfect for couples or solo sleepers who love to stretch out. As for how wide it is, its 72-inch width provides ample room for two people while maintaining a streamlined feel in the bedroom. However, the California king’s larger size means it needs a suitably spacious room. To comfortably fit this bed along with additional furniture and allow for easy movement, your bedroom should ideally measure at least 13 feet by 19 feet.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about California king bed dimensions, how they compare to other mattress sizes, and why this luxurious option might be the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
If you’ve come across the terms “California king bed” and “California king mattress,” you might wonder if there’s a difference. The good news is, they’re interchangeable—whether you’re shopping for a mattress or accessories, the dimensions remain the same: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This extra-long design makes the California king a favorite for taller individuals.
Unlike shorter mattresses, it provides enough length to prevent the frustration of feet hanging off the edge, offering better alignment and a more comfortable sleeping experience. It’s also a great option for couples who want ample legroom without sacrificing individual comfort.
When choosing bedding, it’s essential to look for sheets, mattress protectors, and other accessories specifically designed for California king mattresses. While they might be less common than standard king options, they’re worth the effort for the added comfort this mattress provides.
Ultimately, the California king mattress is a luxurious choice, combining length and space to create the perfect sleep environment for those who value extra room to stretch out. Whether you’re upgrading your bed or outfitting a spacious bedroom, its thoughtful design caters to both style and comfort.
When choosing a bed, size is a crucial factor, especially if you’re deciding between a king and a California king. But how big is a California king compared to a standard king-size bed? The California king measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard king. This extra length is a game-changer for individuals over 6 feet tall, offering the legroom taller sleepers often crave.
That said, the difference between king and California king goes beyond just dimensions. While the California king prioritizes length, the standard king offers more width, measuring 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. If you’re sharing your bed with a partner, children, or pets, the extra width of a standard king might feel more spacious and accommodating.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs. If you value stretching out and need the length, the California king is an excellent pick. On the other hand, if a wider sleeping surface better suits your lifestyle, the standard king might be the way to go. Understanding these differences can help you choose the bed that fits both your room and your comfort needs.
The primary difference between a California king and a standard king bed lies in their dimensions:
- California King: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long.
- King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
Understanding the difference between king and California King can help you choose the best option for your needs. The California king is four inches longer but four inches narrower, making it a better choice for taller individuals who need the extra legroom. On the other hand, a standard king bed offers more width, making it an excellent option for couples who prefer more personal space while sleeping.
Whether you prioritize length or width depends on your sleeping preferences and the layout of your bedroom. Both sizes cater to different needs, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
If a California king isn’t big enough, there are several oversized options to consider:
- Alaskan King Bed: Measures 108 x 108 inches – perfect for large families or co-sleeping.
- Wyoming King Bed: 84 x 84 inches – offers more width than a California king.
- Texas King Bed: 80 x 98 inches – balances additional width and length.
These custom beds require spacious rooms and specialized bedding.
- Queen: 60 inches wide by 80 inches long – more compact and suitable for smaller rooms.
- Full: 54 inches wide by 75 inches long – great for single sleepers.
- Twin XL: 39 inches wide by 80 inches long – perfect for taller kids or single sleepers in tight spaces.
- Crib: 27 inches wide by 52 inches long – designed for infants and toddlers.
The California king is the longest of all these mattress sizes, offering unparalleled legroom.
- Extra Length: Perfect for individuals over 6 feet tall, offering unmatched legroom and comfort.
- Luxurious Sleeping Space: Plenty of room to stretch out comfortably, making it a favorite for those who prioritize a spacious sleep environment.
- Great for Master Bedrooms: Its size complements larger spaces, adding a touch of elegance and luxury to your room.
If you’re considering this bed size, you might be wondering how much a California King Bed is. Prices vary widely depending on the brand and features, but you can expect to pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for a quality mattress, with premium options costing more.
Knowing where you can buy the California king is equally important. Many furniture stores, specialty mattress shops, and online retailers offer this size. Shopping online often gives you access to a wider range of options, along with customer reviews to guide your decision. However, it’s worth noting that the narrower width may feel restrictive for some couples who prefer maximum space. If width is your priority, a standard king bed might be a better fit. But for those who value length and luxury, the California king is an excellent choice.
- Requires a Large Room: Needs a minimum room size of 13 feet by 19 feet.
- Difficult to Move: Its size and weight can make transportation challenging. A split California king is a practical solution for this, as it divides the mattress into two pieces, making it easier to handle and maneuver during moves.
- Higher Cost: Bedding and frames for California kings are often more expensive.
Despite these drawbacks, its benefits often outweigh the cons for tall individuals or those seeking extra sleeping space.
- Measure Your Room: Ensure there’s enough space for the bed and additional furniture.
- Consider Your Height: If you’re over 6 feet tall, a California king is a great option.
- Sleeping Style: Couples who need more width may prefer a standard king bed.
- Budget: Factor in costs for the mattress, bed frame, and bedding.
Shopping for bedding for a California king bed requires a little extra attention to detail. Since this bed is longer and narrower than a standard king, it’s important to choose sheets, comforters, and mattress protectors specifically labeled for California king beds. Standard king bedding won’t fit properly because the proportions are different, leaving you with ill-fitting linens that disrupt your comfort.
When selecting your bedding, don’t forget to consider how deep a California king is. Mattress depths can vary significantly, especially with the growing popularity of pillow-top and hybrid designs. Measure the height of your mattress to ensure the fitted sheets have deep enough pockets to stay snugly in place. Many manufacturers list the pocket depth on the packaging, making it easier to find the perfect fit.
Additionally, California king comforters and duvets should be long enough to provide ample coverage, even for the taller dimensions of the bed. Specialty stores, both online and in-person, often have a wider selection tailored to this size. With the right bedding, your California king bed will feel luxurious and perfectly outfitted, offering the ultimate sleeping experience for those who value comfort and spaciousness. Take the time to find bedding that fits well and complements your bedroom’s style.
A California king bed is a luxurious option that provides exceptional comfort, especially for taller individuals or anyone who values extra legroom. Measuring 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, it’s the longest standard mattress size available, offering plenty of space to stretch out without sacrificing comfort. Although it’s slightly narrower than a standard king bed, the added length makes it a popular choice for those over six feet tall or couples who prefer more room to sprawl.
This bed is best suited for large master bedrooms, as its size can overwhelm smaller spaces. Ideally, your room should be at least 13 feet by 19 feet to accommodate the bed comfortably, along with other furniture like nightstands and dressers. Before purchasing, consider both the size of your bedroom and the layout to ensure the California king fits seamlessly into your space.
By understanding its dimensions and comparing it to other mattress sizes, like the standard king or queen, you can confidently choose the bed that best suits your lifestyle. Whether you’re upgrading your current mattress or designing your dream bedroom, the California king is a statement of both comfort and luxury that promises a restful night’s sleep.
