California King vs King Mattress
A California king is not bigger overall. It trades four inches of width for four extra inches of length, which is exactly what many tall sleepers need.
| California king | King | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm) | 76 x 80 inches (193 x 203 cm) |
| Surface area | About the same, slightly less | About the same, slightly more |
| Best for height | Sleepers over about 6 feet 2 inches | Sleepers up to about 6 feet 2 inches |
| Room fit | Suits long, narrow bedrooms | Suits wider, square bedrooms |
| Bedding choice | Fewer options | Widest choice |
| Couples | Each person gets 36 inches of width | Each person gets 38 inches of width |
Choose California king if
- Your feet hang off a standard king
- Your bedroom is longer than it is wide
- You sleep stretched out
Choose King if
- You share the bed and want width
- You want the widest bedding selection
- You are tall but not very tall
The bottom line
If your feet reach the end of a standard king, a California king is worth the smaller bedding selection. If width for two people matters more than length, stick with a king.