King-size bed mattresses are one of the largest standard mattress sizes available and are the top choice for most couples. While king mattresses are prevalent and easily found on the market, many people don’t know how many types of king mattresses exist. There are ten different types of king mattresses available in the US market. Each offers unique dimensions, sleeping experience, availability, and price points.
In this article, we’ll compare ten different king-size bed mattresses.
A King mattress is a large mattress that measures 76 inches (193 cm) wide by 80 inches (203 cm) long. It’s primarily designed to provide ample space and comfort for two people. King mattresses are larger than queen and double bed mattresses and are a good choice for couples or people taller than 6’2″.
| Bed Size | Size in Inches (Width x Length) | Size in CM (Width x Length) | Surface Area (in²) | Ideal Sleeper Height (ft) | Ideal Room Size (ft) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short King | 72 x 75 in | 183 x 191 cm | 5400 in² | 6' | 10 x 10 ft (3 x 3 m) |
| Super King | 72 x 78 in | 183 x 198 cm | 5616 in² | 6'1'' | 11 x 10 ft (3.4 x 3 m) |
| RV King | 72 x 80 in | 183 x 203 cm | 5760 in² | 6'2'' | 12 x 10 ft (3.7 x 3 m) |
| Standard King | 76 x 80 in | 193 x 203 cm | 6080 in² | 6'2'' | 12 x 12 ft (3.7 x 3.7 m) |
| Split King | 2 x (38 x 80) in | 2 x (96.5 x 203.2) cm | 6080 in² | 6'2'' | 12 x 12 ft (3.7 x 3.7 m) |
| California King | 72 x 84 in | 183 x 213 cm | 6048 in² | 6'4'' | 14 x 12 ft (4.3 x 3.7 m) |
| Wyoming King | 84 x 84 in | 213 x 213 cm | 7056 in² | 6'4'' | 14 x 14 ft (4.3 x 4.3 m) |
| Texas King | 80 x 98 in | 203 x 149 cm | 7840 in² | 6'5'' | 15 x 12 ft (4.6 x 3.7 m) |
| Alberta King | 96 x 96 in | 244 x 244 cm | 9216 in² | 6'5'' | 15 x 15 ft (4.6 x 4.6 m) |
| Alaskan King | 108 x 108 in | 274 x 274 cm | 11664 in² | ~7' | 16 x 16 ft (4.9 x 4.9 m) |
1. Short King
The dimensions of short king bed mattresses are 72″ x 75″ (width x length), and their thickness is about 8 to 12 inches. They’re typically 5 inches shorter and 4 inches narrower than a standard king. Although short kings are shorter than standard kings, they are wider than Full or Queen size.
Short kings are primarily used as RV kings. They are ideal for RVs, campers, and trailers as RV king-size mattresses. They provide a larger surface than a full or queen size while still fitting within the limited space of smaller sleeping areas.
Short kings are an excellent travel mattress option for small bedrooms. People living in smaller spaces can opt for a short king if they want more width than a queen but can only accommodate a partial king.
2. Super King
Super king mattresses offer larger dimensions than short king mattresses. Super kings are 72″ x 78″ (width x length) and 8 to 12 inches thick. They’re typically 4 inches narrow and only 2 inches short compared to standard kings.
Although super kings have a bit less space than standard kings, they still offer more sleeping surfaces than standard queens. Therefore, they can be an ideal option for couples who want more extended sleeping space than a queen mattress.
A super king bed mattress size is uncommon and may be hard to find in certain regions. However, you can place a custom order to have this mattress specially made.
3. RV King
Many people mistakenly believe that RV King and Short King mattresses are the same size, but they are not. They are two different mattress types with distinct dimensions.
The dimensions of RV king mattresses are 72″ x 80″ (width x length) and have a thickness of about 8 to 12 inches. They are the same width but 5 inches longer than the short kings.
RV kings are specifically designed for RVs, campers, and trailers. They are typically the most significant mattresses that fit comfortably in RVs. This king mattress is a good option for RVs and an excellent choice for couples who want to use it in their bedroom.
4. Standard King
Standard Kings, also known as Eastern Kings, are the most significant standard-size mattresses available and are among the most popular on the market.
Standard kings measure 76 inches wide and 80 inches long and have a thickness of 8 to 14 inches. They have the same length but are 16 inches shorter than queens. This mattress is ideal for couples who aren’t happy using a queen mattress and want more sleeping surface. It can also be a great choice for couples who have a child and want to share the bed with the children.
This king mattress is one of the most common types and is widely available in mattress stores. You can easily find this mattress and its bedding accessories.
5. Split King
Split king and standard king mattresses have the exact dimensions (76″ x 80″), but the key difference is the number of mattresses. A standard king is a single mattress, while a split king consists of two separate mattresses, each measuring 38″ x 80″ (width x length). Also, each split king mattress is the same size as a twin XL mattress.
A split king mattress is ideal for couples with different sleeping preferences. Each partner can choose the type of mattress (soft or firm) that suits them best. This mattress also prevents disturbance if one partner tends to move around more in bed. It ensures each can sleep comfortably without affecting the other.
6. California King
The size of California king mattresses is 72″ x 84″ (width x length) and has 9 to 14 inches thickness. Compared to standard kings, California kings are only 2 inches long and 4 inches narrower. This mattress offers extra legroom, ideal for taller individuals or couples about 6’4″ tall.
California King mattresses, also known as Cal King, are not as common as standard king or queen mattresses, but they are still widely available. You may easily find them at stores that specialize in beds or mattresses.
7. Wyoming King
Wyoming king mattresses are square-shaped and measure 84″ on each side (84″ x 84″). They are not small but are called the most miniature oversized mattresses. This mattress offers more width and length compared to the standard king. Although the mattress is a bit big, it doesn’t require much space for bedding in the room.
Couples who co-sleep with their children or pets can choose the Wyoming King for its extra width and length. The bed can easily accommodate 3 to 4 persons and provides a comfortable sleeping surface for each. Wyoming kings are also perfect for taller individuals or couples over 6 feet tall.
8. Texas King
Texas King mattresses are exceptionally large, 80 inches wide and 98 inches long, and 10 to 16 inches thick. They’re typically narrower than Wyoming kings but a bit longer than Alberta kings, making them a good option for a family.
Couples about 6’5” tall who want a mattress with enough legroom can choose Texas Kings. Couples who co-sleep with pets can also prefer this mattress. The bed is also a good choice for families of 3 or 4 people.
9. Alberta King
Alberta king mattresses are the second-largest king mattress and one of the square-shaped mattresses. They measure 96 inches on both sides (96″x 96″) and have a thickness of 10 to 16 inches. Alberta kings are one foot shorter and narrower than Alaskan kings but offer plenty of space for a family of 4 people.
Alberta Kings are ideal for families or couples who co-sleep. The mattress can easily accommodate 4 adults, providing enough legroom to square. This king mattress needs less space for bedding and can be a great compromise over an Alaskan King if you don’t want your bedroom to feel cramped.
10. Alaskan King
Alaskan King is also known as the largest rectangular mattress. It’s named after the largest state in the US. The dimensions of this king mattress are 108″ x 108″ (width x length) with 10 to 16 inches thickness.
Alaskan King is the largest king-size bed mattress available on the market and can accommodate the whole family.
This mattress is not very common on the market and is not as widely available as other standard mattresses. Its uncommon size, higher cost, and maintenance requirements have made it less popular. However, you can order this king mattress from a special manufacturer.