King Vs California King : Mattress Size Comparison
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Mar 24, 2023
Mattresses are your comfort pads. It's always exhilarating to jump on your cozy mattress after a 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 dwell on a false notion that the former is much bigger than the latter.
California King vs King Mattress Comparison
A California king bed is 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a King bed is 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.
California King vs King Mattress Size Comparison Chart
| Parameters | California King | King |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 84 inches | 80 inches |
| Width | 72 inches | 76 inches |
| Surface Area | 6,048 sq. inches | 6,080 sq. inches |
| Other Names | Western King | Eastern King |
| Price | $900-$3000 | $600-$2000 |
| Occupancy | 3 people without squishing | 2 People |
| Ideal for | Tall People | Couples |
| Room Size | 13 by 12 feet | 13 by 13 feet |
Not just this, but having to choose between a King and Queen Mattress can be overwhelming and confusing at the same time. Have a look at our King vs Queen size guide to know more about these two mattresses.
What is a King Size?
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 want to ditch the queen size can find the king size mattress an adequate 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. In addition, it is better suited for more extended and narrower rooms. You also need some extra leftover side space in the room, making this mattress the perfect buy for your California king beds.
King vs California King: Pros and Cons
Pros and cons are a part of everything in life. It's needless to say that the king-size and Cal king mattress don't come without their advantages and disadvantages. Let us take a glance at some of the pros and cons of California king vs king.
King Size
The below-mentioned pointers will help you choose the right mattress for your requirement.
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:
- Inadequate for people with 6+ feet height
- Moving and porting is 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:
- Quite an uncommon size
- Difficulty to find the accessories
- Bulky and difficult to move
- Higher pricing
What to Consider When Choosing Between a King or California King Size Mattress?
You need to ensure that you get the proper mattress size before buying a new bed. The king and California king mattresses are great choices for consumers who want a lot of bed space.
Be sure to measure the room dimensions before buying your comfort pad. 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
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.
For your California King mattress requires a minimum of 13 by 12 feet of a room to fit in and the King mattress requires a minimum of 13 by 13 feet of a room to not feel all cluttered.
Cost
Budget is a prime determinant for many buyers, and depending on your requirement and spending capacity, you can choose your mattress. The California King is rare and is more pricey ranging between $900 to $3000 than its counterpart king size bed which ranges between $600 to $2000. The accessories for the California king are also hard to find and often come with a massive 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 apt 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 a regretless buying experience between a California king vs. king.
So if you are a single person, who loves their space both lengthwise and breadth-wise, you can choose the California size bed. Two people who want to sleep closer in comfort can also select the California mattress. But if you are a couple with a family with kids and a pet, the King size bed should be an ideal choice.
Mattress Foundation
The last but equally important factor in deciding the size of your mattress is the mattress foundation. You need to analyze the type of foundation where you will lay your bed before considering the dimensions or other factors.
The mattress warranty specifies the proper foundation for the mattress that can help improve the longevity, and this can go a long way in preserving the mattress's durability. California king vs. king and other mattresses like box spring, platform base, or slatted frames can be laid on adjustable bases.
Our Nectar Sleep Mattresses
Taking advantage of current advancements in mattress and fabric technology, Nectar Sleep mattresses created its unique line of products. The Nectar Sleep mattress can give you the most comfortable and cozy feeling by combining the highest degrees of firmness, coolness, breathability, mattress dimensions, and comfort into one bed, resulting in the best mattress you've ever dreamt of.
1. Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
It is the most suitable, popular, and best-selling nectar foam mattress, ideal for all individuals and ages. It gives you relief from body aches. It regulates the body temperature for the most comfortable sleep all night. No matter what position you sleep in, it accommodates your body shape.
2. Nectar Premier Mattress
If you are a side sleeper, you cannot ignore the comfort offered by a Nectar Premier Mattress. It relieves the pressure points in the body and frees you from any form of body pain.
3. Nectar Premier Copper Mattress
Adding copper-infused foam to a mattress improves its ability to absorb moisture, enhancing the mattress' ability to keep you cool. Known for its antibacterial characteristics, copper is a natural mineral that keeps your mattress free of viruses, bacteria, and odors. The Nectar Premier Copper Mattress is excellent for health freaks.
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.
