How Wide Is a California King Mattress?

Dimensions

• A California king mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, while a standard king mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. So although you lose 4 inches of width by going with a California king instead of a standard king, you gain 4 inches of length.

Benefits

• If you are on the tall, slender side, a California king mattress may be the best size for you. If you sleep on a 75-inch-long twin or full mattress or an 80-inch-long queen or king mattress and could use a little extra head or foot room, the California king's additional length may be all you need to sleep more comfortably. Also, if a king-size bed is a tight fit in your bedroom, the slightly narrower width of a California king may fit more easily.

Drawbacks

• If you tend to toss and turn when sleeping or are a larger person, you might not appreciate losing 4 inches of mattress width. Also, California king mattresses require beds and bedding sized just to fit them. So, if you already own a standard king bed frame and bedding, they'll be obsolete and you'll have to purchase additional bedding and furniture. Additionally, California king is considered a specialty size, so these items are not as readily available at retail stores.

Bedding

• Because blankets, sheets and comforters lay flat on the bed, you may be able to use these in standard king sizes on a California king bed. If you already own them, try them out on your California king bed to see if they work for you before going to the expense of purchasing new bedding. On the other hand, fitted sheets, mattress pads and bed skirts are fitted precisely to a mattress, so you'll have to purchase them in the same size as your mattress in order for these items to fit properly.