Comforter sizing is not standardised the way mattress sizing is. A queen mattress is 60 by 80 inches everywhere in the United States. A queen comforter can be anything from 86 by 86 to 96 by 98 depending on the brand, and that 10 inch spread is the difference between a comforter that drapes properly and one that leaves your ankles exposed. This guide gives the usual ranges, then explains how to work out what you actually need.
Standard comforter size chart
| Bed size | Mattress dimensions | Typical comforter dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 x 75 in | 66 to 68 x 86 to 90 in |
| Twin XL | 38 x 80 in | 68 x 90 to 92 in |
| Full (Double) | 54 x 75 in | 81 to 84 x 86 to 88 in |
| Queen | 60 x 80 in | 86 to 90 x 90 to 96 in |
| King | 76 x 80 in | 102 to 108 x 90 to 96 in |
| California King | 72 x 84 in | 102 to 108 x 96 to 98 in |
Two things stand out. First, comforters are always much wider than the mattress, because the extra width becomes the drop down each side. Second, king and California king comforters are usually sold at the same width even though the mattresses differ by four inches. That works because a Cal King is narrower but longer, so the same comforter gives a little more side drop and a little less foot coverage. If you want the exact mattress measurements, see our mattress size guide.
How to work out the size you need
Do not start from the label. Start from your mattress.
- Measure the width of your mattress.
- Measure the height (depth) of your mattress, from the top surface to the bottom edge.
- Decide how far down the side you want the comforter to hang. Most people want it to cover the mattress side entirely and hang a few inches past it.
- Add the drop twice (once per side) to the mattress width.
An example: a queen mattress is 60 inches wide. A 12 inch mattress with a 4 inch overhang past the bottom edge means a 16 inch drop per side. 60 + 16 + 16 = 92 inches. So an 86 inch queen comforter would fall well short, while a 92 to 96 inch one is right.
This is why mattress depth matters so much. Beds have grown taller over the last two decades, and a 14 or 16 inch pillow-top on a foundation can easily need a king-sized comforter on a queen bed. If you are shopping for a plush, tall mattress, factor the bedding cost in. Browse pillow-top mattresses to see how deep those profiles run.
When to size up
Buy one size larger than your mattress if any of these apply:
- Your mattress is 13 inches deep or more, especially on a tall foundation.
- You share the bed with someone who pulls the covers.
- You want the comforter to reach the floor for a fuller look.
- You are using it on an adjustable base, where raising the head shortens the effective length.
Size down, or at least stay exact, if you use a bed skirt you want visible, or if the bed sits in a tight room where extra fabric will drag on furniture.
Comforter versus duvet sizing
A comforter is a finished quilted piece you use as-is. A duvet is an insert that goes inside a removable cover. The sizing logic is the same, but there is one extra rule: the insert should be the same size as the cover or an inch or two larger. An insert smaller than its cover shifts and bunches at one end no matter how well you tie the corners. If you are choosing between the two systems, our comparison of duvets and comforters lays out the trade-offs.
Oversized and non-standard beds
Some sizes have no dedicated comforter at all. Full XL, Olympic queen, short queen and three-quarter beds are the common ones. The practical approach is to buy the nearest standard size that is at least as long as your mattress, then accept slightly more or less side drop. For a Full XL, a queen comforter works well. For an Olympic queen, a king comforter is the safer choice. For an RV short queen, a standard queen comforter is fine and the extra length simply tucks.
A note on warm-climate bedding
In Los Angeles, size is only half the decision. A heavy winter-weight comforter is unusable here for most of the year. Look for a lower fill power or a lightweight all-season fill, and rely on layering rather than one thick piece for the handful of genuinely cold nights. Our guide to making a bed like a hotel covers how to layer so the bed works year round.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a queen comforter?
Most queen comforters measure between 86 and 96 inches wide and 90 to 96 inches long. The narrower end suits a standard-profile mattress. If your mattress is deeper than about 12 inches, choose from the wider end or move up to a king.
What are the dimensions of a king size comforter?
Typically 102 to 108 inches wide by 90 to 96 inches long. That width covers a 76 inch king mattress with roughly 13 to 16 inches of drop per side, which is enough for most mattress heights.
What size is a twin comforter?
Usually 66 to 68 inches wide by 86 to 90 inches long. For a Twin XL, look for 90 inches or more in length so the extra five inches of mattress stays covered.
Can a queen comforter fit a full bed?
Yes, and many people prefer it. A full mattress is 54 inches wide, so a queen comforter adds about six extra inches of drop per side. That reads as generous rather than oversized. Going the other way, a full comforter on a queen bed will look noticeably skimpy.
What size washer do you need for a king comforter?
A king comforter generally needs a washer with a drum of at least 4.5 cubic feet, and it needs room to tumble rather than being packed in. If your machine is smaller, a laundromat is the better option. Cramming a king comforter into a standard top loader with an agitator tends to tear seams and shift the fill.
Should a comforter touch the floor?
That is a style choice, not a rule. Covering the mattress side and hanging a few inches past it is the most common look. A floor-length drape looks fuller but hides a bed skirt and is more likely to get stepped on.
Get the mattress right first
Bedding is easy to change. The mattress under it is not. If your comforter is the least of your problems, take our sleep quiz or visit one of our five Los Angeles showrooms and lie on a few options. Every mattress comes with our 120-night comfort guarantee, and same-day delivery ($100 upgrade, order by 4pm) is available across most of the city. You can also browse twin and full size mattresses if you are outfitting a guest room or a kid's room.
