A king mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long — giving you 6,080 square inches of sleep surface. That's 16 inches wider than a queen, which translates to real, noticeable space when you're sharing a bed.
Here's everything you need to know before buying one.
The standard king mattress — also called an Eastern King — measures:
For reference, a queen is 60" x 80". The king adds 16 full inches of width — enough that two adults can sleep comfortably without crowding each other, even if one or both move around at night.
| Dimension | Standard King (Eastern King) | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 76 inches | 72 inches |
| Length | 80 inches | 84 inches |
| Best For | Couples who want more width | Taller sleepers (6'2" and above) |
| Room Fit | Square rooms work well | Better for longer, narrower rooms |
The California King trades 4 inches of width for 4 inches of extra length. If you or your partner is over 6'2", the Cal King is worth considering. For most couples, the standard king provides more usable space.
A king mattress needs a bedroom that can comfortably fit it — and still leave room to walk around, open drawers, and not feel cramped.
Before buying, measure your room and mark out the mattress footprint on the floor with tape. It's a simple step that prevents a frustrating return.
Firmness comes down to your sleep position and body type. Side sleepers generally do best with medium to medium-soft. Back sleepers typically prefer medium-firm. Stomach sleepers usually need firm support to avoid lower back strain.
King mattresses are available in every major construction type:
If one partner moves frequently, look for a mattress with good motion isolation — typically memory foam or foam-topped hybrids. Pocketed coil systems also perform well here.
On a king, edge support matters. Strong edges mean you can use the full surface of the mattress without feeling like you'll roll off. This is especially important for couples who sleep near the edges.
King mattresses typically cost 20–30% more than queen mattresses of the same model. That's expected given the added materials. Financing options are available at LA Mattress Store if you want to spread the cost over time.
The best way to choose a king mattress is to lie on it. Visit any of our LA Mattress Store locations and spend a few minutes on each model you're considering. Our sleep experts can help you compare firmness levels, construction types, and narrow down the right fit for how you actually sleep.
We also offer a 120-night comfort guarantee — so if the mattress doesn't work for you at home, you're not stuck with it.
A standard king (Eastern King) mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Height varies by mattress model, typically between 10 and 15 inches.
A standard king is 76" x 80". A California king is 72" x 84" — narrower but 4 inches longer. The Cal King suits tall sleepers; the standard king gives more width for couples.
A minimum of 12 x 12 feet is recommended. A 13 x 13 or larger room gives you more comfortable clearance around the bed.
Not necessarily. If you like a lot of space, sleep restlessly, or have pets, a king can be great for solo sleepers. That said, a queen is usually sufficient for one person and easier to fit in smaller rooms.
Yes — king mattresses require a king-size bed frame. Most king frames also include a center support leg to prevent sagging in the middle. Make sure any frame you buy is designed for a 76" x 80" mattress.
No. King and California king sheets and comforters are sized differently. Always check the label before buying bedding — Cal King bedding is longer and narrower than standard king.
King mattress prices range widely — from around $500 for a basic model to $3,000+ for premium options. At LA Mattress Store, we carry king mattresses at a range of price points, and financing is available.
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