A California king mattress measures 72″ x 84″ (183 x 213 cm). It covers 6,048 square inches, about 42 square feet.
It is four inches longer than a standard king, but four inches narrower. So it adds leg room, not width.
California King Bed Size
California King Bed Size in Inches
A California king bed size is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.The California king mattress provides about 6,048 square inches of sleeping surface.
California King Bed Size in Feet
A California king bed size is 6 ft wide and 7 ft long.This California king mattress size is longer and narrower than a standard king.
California King Bed Size in Centimeters
A California king bed size is 183 cm wide and 213 cm long.These California king mattress dimensions provide a spacious sleeping area for two people.
Surface Area, Thickness and Weight
A standard king covers 6,080 square inches. So a Cal king has 32 square inches less sleeping space.
Most California king mattresses are 9 to 12 inches thick. They often weigh 130 to 180 pounds, depending on the foam, hybrid coil or latex build.
Why It’s Also Called a Western King
The Cal king is also called the western king. Its standard king cousin is the eastern king.
The size is often linked to larger homes in California. It was built for people who needed more length than a regular king.
California King vs King and Other Bed Sizes
Cal King vs Standard King
Is a California king bigger than a king? Not by area. A king is 76″ x 80″. A Cal king is 72″ x 84″.
So the king wins on width. The Cal king wins on length. Pick the one that matches your body and your room.
Cal King vs Queen, Full, Twin XL and Split Cal King
A queen is 60″ x 80″. A Cal king is 12 inches wider and 4 inches longer. A full is 54″ x 75″, so it is much smaller.
A split Cal king uses two 36″ x 84″ halves. It suits adjustable bases. The Alaskan king is the big one at about 108″ x 108″.
| Bed Size | Inches | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38″ × 75″ | 97 × 191 cm |
| Twin XL | 38″ × 80″ | 97 × 203 cm |
| Full | 54″ × 75″ | 137 × 191 cm |
| Queen | 60″ × 80″ | 152 × 203 cm |
| King | 76″ × 80″ | 193 × 203 cm |
| California King | 72″ × 84″ | 183 × 213 cm |
More Posts:Twin Bed Size
Who Should Buy a California King Bed?
Tall Sleepers Over 6 Feet
Taller people often find a king too short. A person who is 6’4″ (76 inches) has about 4 inches to spare on a king. On a Cal king, that jumps to 8 inches.
That means no dangling feet. It also means room for the pillow and a little stretch.
Couples, Kids and Pets
Is a California king good for couples? Yes. Each partner gets about 36 inches of width. That is close to a Twin XL.
The extra length also helps if a dog sleeps at the foot of the bed. A child can curl up there too.
Who Should Choose a Standard King Instead
A king gives each person 38 inches. That is 2 inches more. Wide or restless sleepers may feel it.
If you are under 6 feet tall, the king’s width may help more than extra length. Starfish sleepers often prefer width too.
California King Bed Size FAQs
How big is a California king bed?
It is 72″ x 84″, or 6 by 7 feet. In centimeters, that is 183 x 213. It is the longest standard mattress in the US.
Is a California king bigger than a king?
No, not by area. A Cal king is 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower. A standard king has 32 more square inches.
Do king sheets fit a California king?
No. King sheets are too short for a Cal king. Buy Cal king sheets for a snug fit.
Will a California king fit in my bedroom?
Yes, if your room is about 12 x 14 feet or larger. Leave room to walk around the bed.
Do two Twin XL mattresses make a California king?
No. Two Twin XLs make a standard king (76″ x 80″). A split Cal king uses two 36″ x 84″ halves.