King Vs California King  : Mattress Size Comparison

King Vs California King : Mattress Size Comparison

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Last Updated on Mar 04, 2024

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    Mattresses are your sleep sanctuary and crash pads. It always feels good to jump on your cozy mattress after a long day of tedious work. But have you ever come across the different shapes and sizes of the mattresses available in the market? The difference between California king and king size mattresses are a common topic of debate among consumers, and many believe the former is much bigger than the latter.

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    California King vs King Mattress Comparison

    A California king bed is 4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower than a King bed, and is typically preferred by people taller than 6 ft. California King measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, whereas the standard King is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it perfect for a couple.  

    King Vs California King Size Comparison Illustration

    California King vs King Mattress Size Comparison Chart

    ParametersCalifornia KingKing
    Length84 inches80 inches
    Width72 inches76 inches
    Surface Area6,048 sq. inches6,080 sq. inches
    Other NamesWestern KingEastern King
    Price$1349 - $2549$1349 - $2549
    Occupancy2 People2 People
    Ideal forTall PeopleCouples
    Room Size13 by 12 feet13 by 13 feet

    Choosing between a King and Queen Mattress can be a tough choice, too. Check out our King vs Queen size guide to know more about these two mattresses.

    What is a King Size Mattress?

    A king size mattress also known as an Eastern king: a joint combination of two twin mattresses that is ideal for a small family with two parents and a child. 

    Those who have outgrown queen size may find the king size mattress a great alternative. The king mattress is best for the master bedroom measuring 13 by 13 feet, for these can accommodate the largest mattress size of 76x76 inches with a surface area of 6080 square inches. It is a popular choice for couples as compared to the queen mattress.

    What is a California King Size?

    The California king mattress, or Western king, is one of the largest mattress sizes available. A few inches of width are sacrificed for what is arguably the world's tallest mattress and is best suited for individuals who desire more foot space. 

    California king beds are the second-largest mattress size, with a surface area of 6,080 square inches. These are perfect for master bedrooms measuring at least 12 feet by 14 feet.

    If you are taller, you may find that a conventional bed size isn't long enough, making a California king bed the perfect mattress match. In addition, it is better suited for more extended and narrower rooms. You also need some extra side space in the room as well.

    King vs. California King: Pros and Cons

    Pros and cons are a part of everything in life. Both a king size and Cal king mattress have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a glance at some of the positives and negatives of California king vs king.

    King Size

    These pointers will help you choose the right mattress for your needs.

    Pros:

    • Perfect for a small family and couples
    • Accessories are easily available
    • Fits nicely in the master bedrooms 
    • Split king options available for sleepers with different sleeping preferences

    Cons:

    • May be too short for people taller than 6 feet
    • Moving can be difficult
    • Not a great choice for smaller rooms

    California King Size

    Here is the list of advantages and disadvantages of a California King mattress. 

    Pros:

    • Beneficial for tall sleepers
    • Consumes less space
    • Convenient to stretch while sleeping
    • Good for couples and single sleepers
    • Second largest standard mattress sizes

    Cons:

    • Not a common size
    • May be difficult to find  accessories
    • Bulky and heavy to move
    • Higher price

    What to Consider When Choosing Between a King or California King Size Mattress

    Make sure you decide on the best mattress size before buying a new bed. The king and California king mattresses are great choices for consumers who want a lot of room.

    Be sure to measure your room dimensions before buying your mattress. A California King can be the best pick for a narrower room, and for more spacious and broader rooms, you can choose the King size. 

    Check out the following factors to analyze California king vs king sizes and choose between these two.

    Room Dimensions

    King Vs California King Size Room Layout Comparison Illustration

    Though they may look similar from a distance, there is a lot of difference between the king and California king bed.

    Before you consider Cal king vs. king size mattress, you must consider the room dimensions. At least three sides of your bed should have a 24-inch gap from your room's surrounding walls to allow more space to move around in the bedroom.

    A California King mattress requires a minimum of 13 by 12 feet of a room to fit in, while the King mattress needs a minimum of a 13 by 13 foot room to not feel cramped.

    Cost

    Budget is an important factor for many buyers, and may influence which size mattress you choose. The California King is rare and is more expensive, ranging between $1,349 - $2,549.Its counterpart king size bed ranges between $1,349 - $2,549. The accessories for the California king are also hard to find and often come with a higher price tag. 

    But a king size mattress is relatively light on the pocket. It is a commonly found mattress size, and you can also grab it in yearly clearance sales at a much cheaper cost. 

    Height

    The California King is longer and narrower, making it the perfect choice for tall sleepers. People over 6 feet in height can have a night of sound sleep on a California mattress, but the compact width makes it less suitable for more than two people. 

    When comparing the California king vs. king, the King size is not as long as the California king mattress, but it is ideal for regular height people. The adequate width also allows enough space for parents and children to sleep together on the same bed.

    Sleeping Partner

    Are you a single sleeper or a married couple? Do you have a small child or a pet at home who loves to snuggle between you? You must consider the number of sleeping partners to have the best buying experience when choosing between a California king vs. king

    So if you're a single person who loves their space both lengthwise and width-wise, you can choose the California size bed. Two people who want to sleep closer comfortably can also select the California mattress. But if you're a couple with kids and/or a pet, the King size bed should be the best choice. 

    Mattress Foundation

    The last but equally important factor in deciding the size of your mattress is your mattress foundation. Decide the type of base where you will lay your mattress before considering  dimensions or other factors. 

    The proper foundation for your mattress can help improve the longevity and preserve the mattress's durability. California king, king mattresses, and other mattresses can use a box spring, platform base, or slatted frames on adjustable bases.

    The Nectar Mattress Collection

    Nectar created its unique line of products with your best night's rest in mind. Nectar mattresses combine firmness, coolness, breathability, and comfort into one amazing bed, resulting in the best mattress you've ever dreamt of.

    1. Nectar Classic Mattress

    This is our most popular and budget-friendly Classic foam mattress, ideal for all individuals and ages. It provides pressure relief, while the cooling cover wicks excess heat for a comfortable sleep all night.

    2. Nectar Premier Mattress

    If you're a side sleeper, consider the extra comfort offered by a Nectar Premier Mattress. It has more therapeutic gel memory for enhanced pressure point relief and more plush comfort.

    3. Nectar Premier Copper Mattress

    Adding a copper infusion to the  cover plus ActiveCool HD phase change material to the gel memory foam gives you triple action cooling. Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is excellent for hot sleepers and anyone seeking a premium sleep experience.

    Conclusion

    Sleep is an integral part of staying fit and healthy, and choosing the right mattress becomes all the more vital for a sustainable existence. It may seem simple, but choosing the correct mattress between California king vs. king is not as easy as it may seem. It involves quite a few considerations, and the better you assimilate your needs, the more appropriate and accessible the choice between a king and a California king mattress.

    This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.
    {"faq":[{"_id":"94dcbb4","title":"Is a California king bigger than a king?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ENo, a king-size bed has about 32 inches more surface area than a California bed. So, even if the name \u201cCalifornia\u201d gives you a feeling of being larger, it\u2019s not.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"46a5575","title":"Do king sheets fit a California king bed? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ENo, a king-size sheet won\u2019t fit a California bed as the length and width of the two differ. Hence, you\u2019ll have to buy a sheet for your California bed separately.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"e09d459","title":"Are king-size beds square? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EThe standard size for a king-size bed is 76 by 80 inches. Hence, it is square in shape.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"e6862b1","title":"Why is it called a California king?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EAfter World War II, a mattress merchant from Los Angeles said that Californians had big houses and lifestyles and slept in big beds. So, he decided to build a bed that was 6 feet wide and 7 feet long, i.e., 72 inches by 84 inches. This was called a California bed.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"dabb991","title":"What is an Alaskan king bed? ","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EAn \u003C\/span\u003E\u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nectarsleep.com\/posts\/alaskan-king-bed\/\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EAlaskan king bed\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/a\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003E is the most giant king bed available out there. It measures 9 feet by 9 feet, i.e., 108 inches by 108 inches. Thus, it is even bigger than a California bed, which is usually purchased as a bed frame.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"5982795","title":"How much bigger is a California king than a queen?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EA queen-size bed measures 60 by 80 inches. Whereas a California king-size bed is about 72 by 84 inches. Not just this, a Cal king and a queen has various other differences that might confuse you. Hence, read our comparison on the same to make a wise choice\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"16ba4e2","title":"Can I put a California king mattress on a king frame?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EIf your king bed frame has a headboard with metal rails, it can accommodate large mattresses by replacing the king rails with California size rails to extend the frame.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"f3b4ebf","title":"Is there a bed wider than a king?\n","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EThe \u003Ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nectarsleep.com\/posts\/texas-king-vs-wyoming-king-vs-alaskan-king\/\"\u003EWyoming king, Texas king, and Alaskan king\u003C\/a\u003E are the three biggest king-size beds. If you enjoy sleeping in more space, these are perfect for you. They are about 8 to 32 inches wider than Eastern king-sized beds.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"}],"__globals__":{"main_title_typography_typography":"globals\/typography?id=3e436c6","main_title_color":"globals\/colors?id=c758e82","question_typography_typography":"globals\/typography?id=9134c8d","answer_typography_typography":"globals\/typography?id=e88d36c","question_color":"globals\/colors?id=2f337da","answer_color":"globals\/colors?id=2325efb"},"main_title_typography_typography":"","main_title_typography_font_family":null,"main_title_typography_font_size":null,"main_title_typography_font_weight":null,"main_title_typography_text_transform":null,"main_title_typography_font_style":null,"main_title_typography_text_decoration":null,"main_title_typography_line_height":null,"main_title_typography_letter_spacing":null,"main_title_typography_word_spacing":null,"main_title_color":"","question_typography_typography":"","question_typography_font_family":null,"question_typography_font_size":null,"question_typography_font_weight":null,"question_typography_text_transform":null,"question_typography_font_style":null,"question_typography_text_decoration":null,"question_typography_line_height":null,"question_typography_letter_spacing":null,"question_typography_word_spacing":null,"question_color":"","answer_typography_typography":"","answer_typography_font_family":null,"answer_typography_font_size":null,"answer_typography_font_weight":null,"answer_typography_text_transform":null,"answer_typography_font_style":null,"answer_typography_text_decoration":null,"answer_typography_line_height":null,"answer_typography_letter_spacing":null,"answer_typography_word_spacing":null,"answer_color":"","_title":"","_margin":{"unit":"px","top":"","right":"","bottom":"","left":"","isLinked":true},"_padding":{"unit":"px","top":"","right":"","bottom":"","left":"","isLinked":true},"_element_width":"","_element_width_tablet":"","_element_width_mobile":"","_element_custom_width":null,"_element_vertical_align":null,"_position":"","_offset_orientation_h":null,"_offset_x":null,"_offset_x_end":null,"_offset_orientation_v":null,"_offset_y":null,"_offset_y_end":null,"_z_index":"","_element_id":"","_css_classes":"","motion_fx_motion_fx_scrolling":"","motion_fx_translateY_effect":null,"motion_fx_translateY_direction":null,"motion_fx_translateY_speed":null,"motion_fx_translateY_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_translateX_effect":null,"motion_fx_translateX_direction":null,"motion_fx_translateX_speed":null,"motion_fx_translateX_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_opacity_effect":null,"motion_fx_opacity_direction":null,"motion_fx_opacity_level":null,"motion_fx_opacity_range":null,"motion_fx_blur_effect":null,"motion_fx_blur_direction":null,"motion_fx_blur_level":null,"motion_fx_blur_range":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_effect":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_direction":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_speed":null,"motion_fx_rotateZ_affectedRange":null,"motion_fx_scale_effect":null,"motion_fx_scale_direction":null,"motion_fx_scale_speed":null,"motion_fx_scale_range":null,"motion_fx_transform_origin_x":null,"motion_fx_transform_origin_y":null,"motion_fx_devices":null,"motion_fx_range":null,"motion_fx_motion_fx_mouse":"","motion_fx_mouseTrack_effect":null,"motion_fx_mouseTrack_direction":null,"motion_fx_mouseTrack_speed":null,"motion_fx_tilt_effect":null,"motion_fx_tilt_direction":null,"motion_fx_tilt_speed":null,"sticky":"","sticky_on":null,"sticky_offset":null,"sticky_offset_tablet":null,"sticky_offset_mobile":null,"sticky_effects_offset":null,"sticky_effects_offset_tablet":null,"sticky_effects_offset_mobile":null,"sticky_parent":null,"_animation":"","_animation_tablet":"","_animation_mobile":"","animation_duration":null,"_animation_delay":null,"_transform_rotate_popover":"","_transform_rotateZ_effect":null,"_transform_rotateZ_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateZ_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_rotate_3d":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_rotateY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_perspective_effect":null,"_transform_perspective_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_perspective_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_translate_popover":"","_transform_translateX_effect":null,"_transform_translateX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_translateX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_translateY_effect":null,"_transform_translateY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_translateY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scale_popover":"","_transform_keep_proportions":"yes","_transform_scale_effect":null,"_transform_scale_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scale_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scaleX_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_scaleY_effect_mobile":null,"_transform_skew_popover":"","_transform_skewX_effect":null,"_transform_skewX_effect_tablet":null,"_transform_skewX_effect_mobile":nul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