California King Bed Size in Feet (Complete Guide)
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With most of the world now using metric units of measurement for virtually anything, you may still come across folks and traders who are more accustomed to using the traditional IS or imperial system. You may find this to be especially true when it comes to bed measurements. If you happen to be looking for a complete reference of California King bed dimensions in feet as well as its metric equivalents, then this guide is for you!
So, what is a California King bed size in feet? The ISPA standard for a California King bed size is 6’0″ by 7’0″ (183 by 213 centimeters) – the measurement used by U.S. manufacturers. Other regions may differ slightly in bed length, width, or name given to the said bed type name.
Let us take a closer look into different California King bed measurements per region, name variations, and standard mattress sizes used in other countries. I will even throw in a bonus section on how to correctly measure your bed as well as the Cal-King’s origin. So, read on till the end of this article!
What Is a California King?
The California King bed is the longest out of all standard mattress sizes. Lengthwise, it is four inches longer but also four inches narrower compared to the standard King bed. Although you lose some in terms of width, the bed’s extra length more than compensates for the narrow breadth and makes it suitable for slim to average-built, tall sleepers. It is likewise a good choice for small families. California King beds or Cal-Kings can comfortably accommodate two sleepers – sometimes, even an extra sleeper as well, like a child sleeping with parents.
California King bed size in feet is 6’0″ by 7’0″ or 183 by 213 centimeters. This size is standard but may differ, depending on several factors. Embellishments, amount of padding, and manufacturing tolerances all affect the size of the bed. Technology is another thing. In the case of Sleep Number beds or any other type of smart bed, the length and width of a Cal-King may not be affected as much as its depth. Typically, standard and split-type California King mattresses have the same dimensions. Both would fit a same-sized frame or spring box regardless of their thickness.
California King Bed Sizes
The amusing thing about a California King bed is that its size is not universal – a U.S. Cal-King will not measure exactly as another bought in Taiwan or Australia. Heck, they may not even be called the same way!
To eliminate any confusion caused by these variances, I have put together the California King size bed dimensions in feet per region. While this information is non-exhaustive, it should give you an accurate description and measurement of California King beds for countries outside the U.S.
Africa
In South Africa, the California King bed is called the Super King. This mattress size is the largest in the region and is very similar to box-shaped Kiwi and Aussie Cal-King beds. It measures 6’7″ by 6’7″ (or 200 by 200 centimeters) and is available with those exact measurements only.
Asia
Unlike in other locations where their version of the Cal-King is slightly larger than the U.S. standard, California King bed sizes in Asia tend to be smaller. For example, China’s largest bed size is 5’11” by 6’7″ feet (or 180 by 200 centimeters), falling short in both width and length compared to a California King. India’s King Bed measures 6’0″ by 6’6″, slightly shorter but perfectly matching the Cal-King width. Conversely, Japan’s King Long bed size is wider but shorter when compared with its U.S. counterpart. The only country with a King bed that matches the U.S. California King bed size in feet is probably Taiwan.
Europe
Unlike North America and other Asian countries, bed or mattress sizes in Europe do not go by names – they are told apart merely by their actual measurement. For instance, a California King bed would not be called a Cal-King. It would be referred to as a 6’0″ by 7’0″ bed or mattress. Traditionally, Europe used monikers to distinguish one bed from the other – a good example of this would be the 80- or 140-cm-wide bed sizes called the Piazza e Mezza Francese (meaning “French 1 ½ places”) in Italy and Casal (meaning “double”) in Portugal. However, this has changed through the years as the region adapted to more commonly accepted bed standards. The closest thing Europe has to a California King bed is the Super King, measuring at 6’0″ by 6’6″ or 6’0″ by 6’7″ (or 183 by 198/200 centimeters).
Oceania
Most countries in Oceania and the Pacific region take after IPSA (International Sleep Products Association) standard mattress sizes. However, expect slight variances in bed dimensions. In Australia, for instance, the California King is called the Super King and measures at 6’8″ by 6’8″ (or 204 by 204 centimeters). Although slightly wider and square-shaped, it comes closest to the overall dimensions of a Cal-King. The New Zealand California King bed size in feet is almost the same as an Aussie Super King, only 0.033-foot shy in both length and width.
To help these figures make more sense, here is a table that sums up all standard King, Eastern King, and California King bed sizes from around the world, with their respective metric and imperial conversions:
International Standard Mattress Sizes (Unmarked measurements are ISPA-standard)
| Bed Type | Imperial (FT/IN) | Metric (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| California King (CK) **Called a King bed in Taiwan and a Super King in Australia | 6’0″ x 7’0″ 6’0″ x 7’0″ (TWN) 6’8″ x 6’8″ (NZ/AUS) | 183 x 213 cm 182 x 212 cm (TWN) 203 x 203 cm (NZ) 204 x 204 cm (AUS) |
| King (K) or Eastern King **Referred to as King in Australia, Super King in New Zealand, South Africa, Indonesia, and UK, and Queen in Taiwan | 6’4″ x 6’8″ 6’0″ x 6’7″ (UK/Euro) 6’0″ x 6’8″ (AUS/NZ) 6’4″ x 6’5″ (JAP) 6’7″ x 6’7″ (SA/IND) 6’0″ x 6’2″ (TWN) | 193 x 203 cm 183 x 200 cm (UK/Euro) 183 x 203 cm (AUS/NZ) 194 x 195 cm (JAP) 200 x 200 cm (SA/IND) 182 x 188 cm (TWN) |
Standard Mattress Sizes in Other Countries (Unmarked measurements are ISPA-standard)
| Bed Type | Imperial (FT/IN) | Metric (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel King | 6’0″ x 6’8″ | 183 x 203 cm |
| King Long | 6’0″ x 6’6″ (SG) 6’4″ x 6’9″ (JAP) | 182 x 198 cm (SG) 194 x 205 cm (JAP) |
Less Common Mattress Sizes (Unmarked measurements are ISPA-standard)
| Bed Type | Imperial (FT/IN) | Metric (CM) |
|---|---|---|
| Short King or RV King | 6’0″ x 6’3″ | 183 x 191 cm |
North America
The IPSA-standard bed dimensions were established in this region. So naturally, Canada and the U.S. would have similar California King bed dimensions in feet, which is 6’0″ by 7’0″ (or 183 by 213 centimeters). In like manner, their Eastern King beds would exactly measure 6’4″ by 6’8″ (or 193 by 203 centimeters). Unlike non-U.S. regions, the California and Eastern King beds are not the biggest mattress sizes these two countries have. The Alaskan King is the ultimate bed size in the U.S., while in Canada, it would be the Super King, measuring 7’1″ by 7’0″ (or 217 by 215 centimeters).
Getting the Size Right
Now that we have established that not all California King bed dimensions are the same, correct measurement has become not only fundamental but also important. Accurately determining your bed size helps decide whether it is the right type of bed for you. Additionally, you can never go wrong when buying beddings, comfort layers, sheets, and even getting a new mattress.
Here are steps (and some tips) on how to measure your bed:
- Remove all bedding and measure the bed from the edge using a retractable measuring tape. If the measuring tape does not lock in place, ask a friend to help you take the measurements.
- Get the width first by placing one end of your measuring tape at the left side of the bed, pulling it to the right.
- Next, measure the bed’s length. Set the end of the measuring tape at the top middle of the bed, extending until you reach its bottom.
- Write down the bed measurements on a piece of paper for future reference. Taking note of your bed size will come in handy when picking covers or selecting the room that will comfortably fit your bed.
- Determine if you have a California King bed. If it is 6’0″ (72 inches or 183 centimeters) wide and 7’0″ (84 inches or 213 centimeters) long, it is a Cal-King. Otherwise, larger bed space is usually indicative of a different bed type. For instance, an Eastern King would have dimensions of 6’4″ by 6’8″ (76 by 84 inches or 193 by 203 centimeters), while a Super King bed in the UK would measure 6’0″ by 6’6″ (72 by 78 inches or 183 by 198 centimeters).
- If your intention in measuring your bed is to replace an existing bed frame, make sure to factor in your spring box for encasements.
Tips:
- If, after measuring, your bed size ends up being a less-common type, then I recommend switching to a market-standard one. Doing so will provide you with more mattress and bed frame options and also help you cut down on costs resulting from custom-made beds. This is, of course, optional and will be entirely up to you.
- For first-time buyers or those replacing their existing bed or mattress, account for the person who will sleep on the bed. The length of your bed should be at least 4.5 inches longer than the tallest person using it. Not that this would matter with a California King bed (unless you are 7-foot tall).
The California King Bed – A Prelude
Since this read focused mainly on metric and imperial measurements of this Rihanna-famed bed, I thought it would be fun to discover where the California King Bed originated.
Bed manufacturing lore has numerous takes on the origin of the California King bed. According to most furniture and wellness websites, the California King was invented in 1982 by a tall but stubby-armed man named David Bergeson from Concord, California – hence the West Coast moniker. Others state that it was developed in the 1920s for Hollywood celebrities. The Los Angeles Times says California King beds were a post-war invention meant to fit into larger living spaces. While all of these are equally fascinating, the truth is we have the celebrities to thank for the emergence of Cal-King beds (and all other king-type beds, for that matter).
However, the California King Bed is not the first big bed to ever be made. That credit goes to the Great Bed of Ware built-in 1950 for an inn located in Ware, England. Measuring at 10’0″ by 11’0″, this gigantic mattress could sleep 15 people at once. While this famous relic (now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London) did not directly inspire the creation of California King beds almost four centuries later, historians refer to it as an archetype of present-day oversized mattresses.
Nowadays, California king beds are no longer reserved just for stars and athletes. These enormous beds have become a staple for tall sleepers and huge bedrooms that require furniture to balance the space. Furthermore, the Cal-King has inspired the standard king and Eastern King beds, which are also top choices by sleepers worldwide.
Conclusion – California King Bed Size in Feet
To recap, the California King bed measures 6’0″ by 7’0″ (72 by 84 inches or 183 by 213 centimeters). If you live in North America or specific parts of Asia, this will be the standard. Outside of these regions, there may be minor differences in bed length or breadth or both. Luckily, almost all manufacturers now have online platforms where customers can order furniture and have them shipped overseas.
Should you happen to be outside of the U.S, you can still opt for a local version of California King beds – although this may not apply to all. Otherwise, tons of other mattress and bed sizes are guaranteed to give you a good night’s sleep. Ultimately, that is what really matters, right?
