As far as mattress dimensions go, a lot of confusion exists between the California king and king size mattresses. Despite having different names, both mattress sizes offer sleepers almost the same surface area. The key distinction lies in the length and the width of the mattress. A California king size mattress is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than a standard king size.
With a longer shape than a king bed, a Cal king mattress offers a unique range of benefits to sleepers with its rectangular structure. We’ve covered the key features and benefits of both these mattress sizes so you can easily find your way towards the best mattress.
King vs California King: Mattress Dimensions
| King Mattress | California King Mattress | |
| Mattress Dimensions | 76" X 80" | 72" X 84" |
| Price | $1000 - $3000 | $1000 - $3000 |
| Best for | Couples, without crowding the bedroom. | Couples, like to sleep close to each other. |
| Room Size Recommendations | 12 x 10 feet | 12 x 12 feet |
A standard king size mattress has a traditional square-ish shape and is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A split king mattress is the same size as a king bed - it consists of two twin XL mattresses combined to create a split king. A split king is used when two people have different mattress firmness preferences, so they use two mattresses instead of one.
As for a California king size mattress, it is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, taking a narrow rectangular shape. California kings are designed to accommodate sleepers taller than 6 feet, who need the extra legroom.
In terms of surface area, king size beds offer a little more, measuring at 6,080 square inches. California kings provide 6,048 square inches. Despite this difference, most people are not as concerned with surface areas when they upgrade their bed—other factors include the size of the bedroom and sleeping arrangement.
King vs California King: How To Choose?
If you’ve reached the stage of weighing up between a California king vs king size mattress, then our best guess is that you have a pretty large master bedroom. Similar to how much space you have to work with, many other factors come into play when comparing king vs California king size mattresses.
Here are some key points to consider:
Height
Having your feet hanging off the edge of the bed can cause a lot of discomfort. If you are over 6 feet tall, the longer length of a California king size mattress will suit you more than a regular king size mattress. With an additional 4 inches of length, a Cal king bed is popular for taller sleepers who need the extra legroom.
Top tip: if you are over 6 feet tall a California king is a better option for you.
Your partner & family
Everyone has a unique style of sleeping, especially couples with kids, so it helps to consider the entire family's needs when deciding between a California king vs king size mattress. Couples who like to cuddle don’t generally take up the whole bed, so in this case, a Cal king may be the best choice as it’s not as wide.
Couples who love the space to sprawl across the bed prefer a regular king mattress because of the extra width. King-sized beds also suit families with younger kids who like to crawl into bed with mom and dad from time to time. And let’s not forget pets! A king size is the best option when you need to cater to the needs of everyone, including your pup!
Top tip: for big families with kids and pets, a standard king may be better as you’ll enjoy extra width.
Bedding
People find it quite surprising when they transition between a king and California king mattress because they can’t use the same bedding. Due to the size variance, it’s not always ideal to use the same size bedding for the two mattresses as it won’t fit perfectly. Each mattress size has a slightly different surface area, length, and width. So when you upgrade from a king size to a Cal king mattress or vice versa, keep in mind that you will need to upgrade your bedding too.
Top tip: keep in mind that California king and standard king bedding isn’t the same, so you may need to buy a new set once you upgrade.
Check out all the different blanket sizes to suit your needs.
Room dimensions
The minimum room size required for a comfortable fit in a bedroom is 10 by 12 feet. Ideally, to comfortably fit a set of nightstands and other bedroom furnishings, you will need at least 13 x 13 feet of space in your bedroom.
The last thing you want to do is buy a bed that is way too big for your space. Your bedroom will begin to feel cramped, and this may impact your mood and the quality of your sleep each night. If you think that your room size may not be big enough for a California king mattress or a standard king, a queen size mattress might be a better option.
Queen size beds still offer a generous amount of sleeping space, but you will be able to save a ton of floor room for other furniture. Be sure to take accurate measurements of your bedroom before you commit to upgrading to a bigger mattress size.
Top tip: to avoid your bedroom feeling cramped, measure the room and ensure it’s at least 10 by 12 feet before you upgrade to a California king vs king size bed.
Budget
Most of the best mattress brands stock both king size and California king size mattresses at the same price. Each Puffy mattress model comes in both king and cal king sizes. When it comes to budget, you’ll find a big difference between queen beds and king beds.
If you are working with a tight budget, consider a mattress financing option. Nowadays, you can not only get a great deal on a new bed, but you can also find exceptional financing rates which allow you to sleep better now but pay over time.
Check out The Puffy King Mattress Size Guide to find the perfect mattress for you.
Top tip: you will be able to find a California king and king size for the same price. If you are on a tight budget, you can consider a flexible mattress financing plan.
Puffy King vs California King Mattress Options
Are you looking for America’s most comfortable mattress? You can find a top-rated king or California king mattress in both memory foam and hybrid mattress options. All Puffy mattresses come with a 101-night sleep trial to try the mattress in the comfort of your home, lifetime warranty, and free shipping!
Check out Puffy mattress reviews, from real customers and see how we compare Puffy vs Nectar, and Puffy vs Purple.
Puffy Cloud Mattress
| Mattress Type | Memory Foam |
|---|---|
| Firmness Level | 6 - 8 Medium-Firm Comfort |
| Mattress Height | 10 inches |
| Layers | 6-Layer Sleep System |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
| Price Range | $599 - $1,498 |
As our range’s original memory foam mattress, the California king and standard king mattress offer incredible support with Puffy’s classic cloud-like feel. Voted for numerous best mattress awards, the original Puffy is an excellent choice for sleepers who like an all-foam mattress.
It is perfect for all sleeping positions and versatile enough to contour your body while providing total comfort from all sides. The high-density foam mattress is designed to offer structured full-body support as your back shifts throughout the night. Our all-foam mattress has a medium-firm feel that provides total motion isolation so you’ll sleep soundly without any interruptions.
Puffy Lux Mattress Hybrid
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Firmness Level | 5 - 7 Medium-Plush Comfort |
| Mattress Height | 12 inches |
| Layers | 8-Layer Sleep System |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
| Price Range | $899 - $2,098 |
Our best-seller and most reviewed mattress, the king size Puffy Lux Hybrid is the perfect choice if you want the combined benefits of memory foam and a contour-adapt coils base. The advanced contouring foam works together with the pocketed coils to minimize strain from the body’s pressure points - this option is ideal for sleepers with back pain.
With a luxurious medium-plush feel, it creates the perfect balance between comfort and support. This mattress features special high-density memory foam so you won’t sink in addition to a cooling gel-infused layer to regulate your temperature as you sleep and prevent overheating.
Puffy Royal Mattress Hybrid
| Mattress Type | Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Firmness Level | 4 - 6 Ultra-Plush Comfort |
| Mattress Height | 14 inches |
| Layers | 10-Layer Sleep System |
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King |
| Price Range | $1,249 - $2,898 |
For a king or Cal king mattress that is designed for royalty, the Puffy Royal Hybrid features 10 layers of memory foam and coils for premium cooling, contouring, and support. Our premier hybrid mattress offers unparalleled comfort and pressure relief with zoned full-body support.
With 5 zones of targeted support for full-body pressure relief, the Puffy Royal is tailored to offer ergonomic comfort to the back and hips. The mattress’s ultra-plush feel softens to adapt to the unique curves of your body for unbeatable support and stability.
Check out our mattress comparison with other brands Puffy vs Purple and Puffy vs Nectar.
FAQ
What is the right mattress size for my bedroom?
The best mattress size for your bedroom will ensure there’s still plenty of space for you to move around. Most interior designers recommend you account for two feet of space around every side of your bed for the ideal mattress size. Before shopping for a mattress, it is important to consider the room size and number of sleepers. For example, a king size is ideal for two people with enough sleeping space, but a queen size may be a better option if it’s a small room.
Is a California king better than a king sized mattress?
A California king mattress is better for taller sleepers, who require a little more legroom during their sleep. It is four inches longer than a standard king sized mattress, and four inches narrower as well. But since standard king beds are wider, they provide more surface area, making them a better choice for two adults and a child or pet.
What are the benefits of a California king mattress?
California king mattresses are one of the biggest beds you can get for a master bedroom, so they’re a great option if you’re looking for something luxurious. They work best in bedrooms that come in at 12 by 12 feet, or 12 by 14 feet. Cal kings are an excellent option for tall sleepers looking for extra legroom, as they’re an extra 4 inches longer than a standard king size bed.
Do California king sheets fit king sized beds?
California king mattresses are four inches narrower and longer than king sized mattresses, so their sheets cannot be used interchangeably. When transitioning between these two mattress sizes, it’ll help to remember that the bedding will also need to be changed.
Is a California king bed more expensive than a king?
Since both mattress sizes are somewhat similar in the surface areas, their prices are usually within the same price range. A king or California king mattress price ranges from $1000 to $3000, depending on the mattress type. Memory foam mattresses will cost around $1000 while advanced hybrid mattresses will range from $2000 to $3000.
What is the biggest bed you can buy?
King sized mattresses are great for couples looking for luxurious and refined comfort. They provide you with more sleeping space and allow you to share the bed with a child or pet. King size mattresses measure 76 by 80 inches, and they’re the largest mattress size you can buy according to the US standard manufacturing.
What mattress size is bigger than a king?
There are a few mattresses that are bigger than a king mattress, like the Alaskan King, Wyoming King, and Texas King mattresses. The Alaskan King is the largest mattress available - it measures 108 by 108 inches. This mattress size provides plenty of space for two adults and can even accommodate three sleepers. The extra legroom is great for sleepers taller than 6.5 feet.
Conclusion
King and California king sized mattresses offer a stack of benefits and spacious comfort for the whole family. But before you go and select your favorite mattress style, be sure to consider how much space you have to work with, your bedding, budget, and your height.
Now that you have read this comprehensive guide covering all the essential points of consideration when comparing a California king vs king size mattress, you can make an informed choice.
If you want to go with the best, don’t forget that you can try any Puffy mattress for 101 nights in the comfort of your own home. Start your sleep trial today!
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