King vs California King Mattress Sizes

For bigger bedrooms, king-size mattresses are usually the best choice, as they offer a luxurious sleep experience. There are other options and variations of a King mattress that might suit you more.

This article will guide you through the differences between both mattresses and the factors you need to consider when buying a new one.

King vs California King Mattress’s Dimensions

King-Size Mattress Overview

Description

The king-size mattress is ideal for couples, offering lots of space for them to sleep comfortably and toss around without disturbing each other. This is thanks to its wider surface area.

Pros

• Larger total surface area: Because of King Mattresses' large surface area of 80” by 76”, you won't have to worry about running out of space when you stretch. You'll have a cozy room to spread your arms and legs for comfortable sleep.
• Wider width: King Mattresses' offers a larger width than most mattresses on the market; this helps to accommodate your sleep if you co-sleep next to your child or pets, resulting in more comfortable and restful sleep.
• More readily available: One of the most common mattress types available is the king-size bed, so hunting it down won't be a hassle. This implies that whether you're searching to get king-sized sheets, covers, or comforters, there is certainly no problem.

Cons

• Shorter than California King: Taller sleepers may find them too short for legroom and stretching space because, compared to California King mattresses, they are 4 inches shorter.
• Requires a larger bedroom. King-size mattresses take up a huge room if your bedroom is smaller. So keep that in mind when choosing other pieces of furniture in your room.

Best For

• Couples: If you choose king-sized mattresses, you’ll be able to enjoy more space as a couple for an extra sleeper, whether it is a child or if you co-sleep with a pet.
• Spacious bedrooms: If you have a spacious room, a king-sized bed will offer the best of both worlds: a huge sleeping surface with extra room for other pieces of furniture.
• Budget-conscious buyers: King-sized mattresses are a very easy and more affordable option to find, as they are one of the most demanded mattresses on the market.

California King-Size Mattress Overview

California king-size Description

King-sized mattresses have a few variations, one of which is the California King. It's ideal for taller individuals or those who want more space to spread out lengthwise because it offers 4 inches more than the King-sized mattress.

California king-size Pros

• Longer length: You get to enjoy 4 extra inches when choosing the Cal King mattresses, giving you more sleeping surface.
• Can accommodate pets or children: Cal King offers more space for those who enjoy cuddling with their pets at the foot of the bed or sharing it with their children.

California king-size Cons

• Requires an even larger bedroom: One of the biggest drawbacks for Cal King mattresses has got to be how big their surface area is. If you do not have an extra large room, this might not be the best choice for you as it will eat up much space in your room.
• Expensive: One of the downsides of obtaining a California King mattress is that it is slightly more pricey than a King mattress, and of course, this entails that all that comes with purchasing a mattress, including bedding, sheets, toppers, and more, is also more costly.
• Availability: The California Kings’ accessories are also harder to find; linens, bedding, a bed frame, a box spring, and an adjustable base may take more time and effort to hunt, which isn’t the case for the King mattresses.

Best For

• Tall Couples: California King mattresses are one of the best choices for taller sleepers as they offer 4 more length inches, giving the sleeper a very suitable perimeter to sleep on.
• People who value legroom over width: If you sleep next to a pet that stays at the foot of the bed, the California King mattress size is your best choice as it offers 4 extra inches in length.

Size and Layout of The Room

The size of your room will determine which mattress is ideal for it; for larger rooms, king-sized mattresses, and their variations will fit perfectly. Just keep in mind that there are differences in proportions between the King 76" x 80" and the California King 72" x 84". Also, remember to choose a mattress that will not take up much room and will accommodate more pieces of furniture.

Sleeping Position

You should consider your preferred sleeping position and sleeping style when deciding between a King and a Cal King mattress, particularly if you're tall, because taller side sleepers typically choose the length of a Cal King mattress over the King as it gives more sleeping surface to spread out.

Budget

Since King mattresses are more popular and in demand, they are also slightly cheaper than a California King mattress, so keep that in mind when comparing the two. Double-check your budget and determine the price range that best suits you. If you are on a tight budget, a Cal King mattress and box spring might cost you more than a King mattress.

The Height of The Sleepers

Since California King bed mattresses offer 4 extra inches of length, they are more suitable for taller individuals as they give them more sleeping area, allowing them to stretch.

Family Needs

King and California King bed mattresses are both considered “family” mattresses because of their sizes; they can easily accommodate more than one sleeper, with extra room for a child or a pet as well. It is also important to determine which mattress type will best suit your family after you choose the suitable bed sizes, whether it is a hybrid mattress that includes memory foam, latex, coils, or a foam mattress, a luxury mattress.

More About Split King and Split California King Mattresses

A split mattress is a choice you can make when you and your sleeping partner do not have the same mattress preferences. In this case, this is where split mattresses come into play; they are mattresses divided equally in the middle to provide each sleeper with their own preferences.

In the case of the Cal King split mattresses, each mattress will be 36” x 84", and for the King split, each mattress is the size of a twin XL, as in 38” x 80”. It would be ideal if your bed frame were adjustable, because this gives the sleepers even more options if they want to lie down horizontally or keep an inclination to their bed frame.

FAQs

What are the key distinctions between the California King vs. King mattress’s dimensions?

King and California King mattresses are quite similar for the most part; one of the main differences has got to be their overall shape and size. King mattresses come in a 76" x 80" size, while California King mattresses are 72" x 84", making the King size wider with 4 extra inches, while the California King bed size is longer with 4 inches.

Are California King bed mattress sheets suitable for a King-sized mattress?

No, it is not ideal to place a California king sheet on a king mattress as they are not the same width or length, so sticking with a bed sheet made specifically for the king mattresses will save you the hassle.

Is it possible to use a King bed frame with a California King-size mattress?

Bed frames are usually specifically designed to fit certain mattresses. Fitting your mattress on a bed frame that does not fit its proportions will most likely affect your mattress as it might sag; therefore, it is not recommended to use a King bed frame with a Cal King bed, nor can you use a California King bed frame to fit a King mattress.

Are there larger mattresses available than the California king bed size?

A California king bed size is less wide than a king, as the king bed's sleeping surface area is considerably larger, but length-wise, it is the longest option available.

How much is a California King mattress?

The material, brand, and preferences are what determine how much a California King bed costs, as it varies if it includes layers of coils, latex, an innerspring mattress, or even a California King memory foam mattress.

However, the price range is between $1,800 and $2,000, and of course, these prices are subject to mattress sales. You can always try your king mattress or California king-size mattress during the sleep trial period, and remember to always double-check the mattress warranty before purchasing.

How do you protect your mattress against moisture and dust?

You can always use a mattress protector or a pillow top mattress, keep your room ventilated, and make sure your mattress fits your bed foundations and bed frame to always have a refreshing, plush mattress, especially if you have a luxury mattress.

Conclusion

There are a lot of things to keep in consideration when switching to a new mattress. You may get the finest sleep of your life by setting aside time to consider your needs, your budget, and your sleeping preferences. When purchasing a mattress, pillows, headboards, or foundations, make sure to check the warranty and use the sleep trial period.