Types of King Size Beds

Standard King

• The most common type of king-size bed is the standard king, also known as the eastern king. This bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it the same length as a queen size bed but a full 16 inches wider. Each person sleeping on a king-size bed will have 38 inches of space, which is about the same amount as on a twin-size bed.

California King

• California king mattresses also are known as western king mattresses. These are 4 inches longer than a standard king and 4 inches narrower, making them 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. California king mattresses are ideal for exceptionally tall people who do not fit comfortably on a standard king. Although the flat sheet and comforter are the same size as those used on standard king beds, the fitted sheet should be made specifically for a California king to fit snugly on all sides.

Split King

• The split king-size bed actually is comprised of two extra-long twin mattresses pushed together. Because extra-long twin mattresses measure 38 to 39 inches wide by 80 inches long, pushing two together results in a bed almost exactly the same size as a standard king, measuring 76 to 78 inches wide by 80 inches long. Some companies sell equipment to help make the split king work better, including a padded piece to cover the crack where the mattresses meet and elastic bands to put around the edge of the mattresses to hold them together. A split king setup is ideal in a guest room because the beds can be pulled apart to accommodate children or other guests who prefer separate beds and pushed back together for couples.