California King vs Full Size Mattress: What Is the Difference?
Last Updated on Mar 29, 2023
Shopping for a mattress these days is a nightmare. With so many terms and so many names, how do you even figure out which of these is best suited for you? In addition, so many shoppers get confused between common mattress sizes like California king and full size. If you have the same doubt, this guide is for you.
Today we will share the key differences between a California king vs a full-size mattress and help you pick the one best for you.
California King vs Full Size Comparison
A standard California King mattress is 18 inches wider and 9 longer when compared to Full size mattress. Below is a table for reference to help you undermine the differences between the two beds. Have a look.
California King vs Full Comparison Chart
| Parameter | California King | Full Size |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 84 inches | 75 inches |
| Width | 72 inches | 54 inches |
| Surface Area | 6048 sq inches | 4050 sq inches |
| Price Range | $1349 - $2549 | $899 - $2099 |
| Occupancy | 2 people and a kid or pet | 1 adult and a kid |
| Ideal for | Tall couples | Single adults |
| Minimum Room Size | 12 x 12 sq.ft | 9 x 9 sq.ft |
| Also Known As | Western King | Double Size |
California King Vs Full Room Sizes
As you can see, California King mattresses have quite a high surface area and need an equally bigger room to fit in. Therefore, they are perfect for your home, whereas full size mattresses are best for one's starter home.
What Is a California King Size Mattress?
A California king mattress is a longer version of king-size mattresses. Measuring 72 inches x 84 inches, it is 4 inches narrower and 4 inches longer than regular king-size mattresses, making it perfect for tall sleepers with small rooms that cannot fit in larger mattresses.
Cal king mattresses are perfect for couples, even if they sleep with their kids sometimes. A 12X12 sq. ft room would be enough to fit in a Cal king bed.
These mattresses are, however, quite costlier than a traditional full-size mattress. And since they are not as mainstream as king-size mattresses, you might have a hard time looking for the perfect sheets and bedding accessories.
The average price of a California king mattress depends on the brand, quality, and mattress material, but you can expect to find a quality piece for $1349 - $2549.
Get the ultimate blend of space and luxury with California king mattresses.
Pros
Here are some benefits of using a California king size mattress:
- They are taller than king-size and full-size mattresses, making them perfect sleepers taller than 6 ft
- Cal king mattresses being narrow, can fit into smaller rooms that cannot accommodate bigger mattresses
- They offer enough space for both couples and families with kids to sleep together
- Can accommodate sleepers taller than 6 ft with its additional legroom
Cons
Here are some drawbacks of using a California King mattress:
- Being hefty, installing these mattresses is a tough job
- Finding the right size accessories for these mattresses is challenging
What Is a Full-Size Mattress?
Full-size mattresses are one of the first commercial mattresses designed for couples. Measuring 54x75 inches, these mattresses are also known as double beds.
The introduction of double beds in the bedding industry was revolutionary. Until then, people were mostly sleeping on Twin mattresses that were neither spacious enough nor comfortable for couples. Double beds enjoyed immense popularity until the second world war. The changing physical traits and better economic conditions in the 1940s made people seek out better mattresses, which led to the introduction of the queen and king-size mattresses.
Even in contemporary times, full-size mattresses do not offer enough space for two sleepers. So if you want to have a comfortable night, the best it can offer is a space for one adult and a child.
These days, it's mostly used by single adults or young couples living from paycheck to paycheck.
The best part is that full-size mattresses can easily fit into smaller rooms of 10x12 sq. ft. For the same reason, these mattresses are popularly used in children's rooms or bunk beds. So if you are looking for a budget mattress for your guest room, full-size mattresses are a great choice. You will easily find an average full-size mattress $899 - $2099.
Pros
Here are some benefits of using a full-size mattress
- Full-size mattresses aren't too heavy. That's why installing them is a breeze.
- They offer enough space for single adults to spread out and get a good night's sleep.
- Since they are smaller than most commercial mattresses, they are quite affordable.
Cons
Here are some drawbacks of using a full-size mattress
- Aren't big enough to accommodate heavier couples or families with kids and pets.
- Not long enough to accommodate tall sleepers
Other Standard Mattress Sizes
Not sure if California king or full-size mattresses are perfect for you? Check out these other standard mattress sizes and find your perfect sleeping base.
Twin
Twin-size mattresses are one of the oldest commercial mattresses introduced in the 1920s. Measuring 38 x 75 inches, they are pretty narrow and small, which makes them a popular mattress for kids and college students,
Even single adults who cannot afford a queen or king mattress can opt for twin-size mattresses.
Twin mattresses can fit into super small rooms measuring 7 x 10 sq. ft. So if you cannot spare a lot of space for your bed at the moment, a twin mattress is a great pick. The only problem is, it won't accommodate tall sleepers.
Twin XL
Although Twin mattresses are small and come with their benefits, they cannot help tall sleepers. That's what led to the popularity of Twin XL mattresses. Measuring 38 x 80 inches, it has the same width as a twin mattress which allows it to fit into smaller rooms, but the additional 5 inches at the foot makes it perfect for tall sleepers.
After all, many single adults and college students would love to benefit from Twin Xl mattresses. The only thing they need is the extra legroom of 5 inches.
Queen
Just like single adults look for mattresses that won't take up unnecessary space, couples are always on the lookout for quality mattresses that will be spacious enough for two sleepers to spread out for the night; that's where Queen mattresses step in.
Measuring 60 x 80 inches, these mattresses offer a personal space of 30 x 80 inches for individual sleepers, which is enough for both heavy and tall sleepers.
Queen mattresses are a popular choice among couples. But if you have kids or pets that love to sleep with you, these mattresses might not be enough.
King
Try a king-size mattress if you want the ultimate comfort from a spacious bed. These mattresses are known to be one of the largest commercial mattresses available worldwide.
Measuring 76 x 80, king-size mattresses are large enough for heavy couples, families with children and pets, and sleepers with fussy partners.
If you want to put in extra furniture and the king-size bed in your room, make sure your room is at least 13 x 13 sq. ft. Otherwise, it will be too crowded.
King size mattresses are 4 inches wider yet 4 inches shorter than a Cal king mattress. So in a way, they complement each other. While Cal king mattresses are best for tall sleepers, king size mattresses are best for people who need a wider bed.
Conclusion
California king and full-size mattresses are starkly different. While Cal king is much bigger and longer and caters to couples and families, full mattresses being small works best for single adults or kids. Both bring their perks to the table. Ultimately, it depends on what you are looking for in a mattress that will decide which of these two is a better match for you.
