What Is the Size Difference in a Queen Size Bed and a California King?

The American Queen-sized Mattress

• The standard dimensions of a queen mattress in America is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Depending on your personal size, this is a comfortable mattress for two people, allowing 30 inches per person. A queen mattress sits on a single bed frame and can be attached to both head and foot boards. When encased in a bed frame, the length and width of the entire bed expands slightly.

Bedding for American Queen Mattresses

• Mattresses are available in a variety of fabrications. The traditional inner spring mattress has been joined by memory foam, air and water mattresses. Purchase bedding in the same country as you purchased the mattress and consider the depth of the mattress. Many queen mattresses now have a pillow-top layer that adds height, and sheets must be made deeper to accommodate the additional height. Standard or queen pillows and shams work on a queen bed. For extra length and width in a comforter or bed spread, purchase a traditional king size and use it on the queen bed.

The American California King Mattress

• If you are tall, consider purchasing a California King mattress. With dimensions of 72-by-84 inches, the California king is narrower than the traditional dual king, which measures 78-by-80 inches, but the extra 4 inches in length is appealing. The single top mattress rests on two separate box springs, which sit in a single frame. A bed skirt hides the separation of the bottom mattresses. Most mattress stores either have California king mattresses in stock or can order the size.

Bedding for a California King Mattress

• Bedding for a California king must be purchased specifically for that size bed. Pillows should be king size, and traditional king pillows and shams will fit. A bed skirt must be tailored to the size of the bed as a dual king skirt is too wide and not long enough. A bed frame must also be designed specifically for the California king mattress.