Split King vs King Size Mattress: What Is the Difference?

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Last Updated on Mar 05, 2024

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If you are looking for a larger mattress, you're likely considering a King or a Split King. So, what's s the difference between a Split King vs. King? This article will walk you through the differences between a King vs. Split King mattress to know which one best matches your needs. Read ahead to learn more about these two mattresses.

What Is the Difference Between King Vs. Split King?

There is no difference in dimensions between King size and Split King size mattress. The Split King mattress just has split down from the middle to make 2 separate beds.

Both the King and Split King mattress measure 76 inches in width and 80 inches in length.

This size chart will demonstrate the difference between a Split King vs King size mattress.

Split King Vs King Size Comparison Illustration

King Vs Split King Comparison Chart

Parameters	King Mattress	Split King Mattress
Length	80 inches	80 inches (per mattress)
Width	76 inches	38 inches (per mattress)
Surface area	6,080 sq. inches	6,080 sq. inches combined
Recommended Room size	12 X 12 feet	12 X 12 feet
Ideal For	Couples with a child or a pet	Couples with different sleeping preferences
Price	$1,349- $2,549	$1,698- $3,898

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What Is a Split King Bed?

A split king mattress is simply a king size mattress that is split in the middle into two separate beds. It measures 38 inches by 80 inches on each side, the same as a Twin XL.

When you put together two split king mattresses, it allows couples to personalize their side of the bed to their own unique needs to avoid any disturbance as they sleep.

Pros

Perfect for couples with different sleep needs

One of the benefits of a split king is that it is perfect for couples with different sleep needs. Perhaps your partner is a hot sleeper but you can't get into a deep sleep without lots of blankets.

While a hybrid or cooling mattress could suit your partner, memory foam may be more suitable for you. With the help of a split king, you can each enjoy the right mattress build and firmness that caters to your specific needs.

No motion transfer

While you enjoy a deep sleep but your partner is waking up with raccoon eyes, it can mean that they are experiencing disturbed sleep. Sometimes your tossing and turning affects your partner's sleep, too, if you're sharing one mattress without good motion isolation. Here, a split mattress can help you both sleep better because it stops motion transfer.

Personalized space for each sleeper

Your side is your own in a split bed. You can customize it according to your requirements, including firmness and comfort preferences.

Perfect for an Adjustable Base

To customize your comfort even more, opt for an adjustable bed frame where you can change the elevation for your head and feet. Whether you want to stay up watching a movie, enjoy Zero Gravity, or sleep in an elevated position, you can do so without disturbing your partner with an Adjustable Split King Base.

Cons

More expensive than a standard King mattress

A difference between a King and a Split King is a higher price tag. A Split King can be more expensive when compared to a standard King mattress because of all the unique features attached to it.

You can't use the whole bed

Even if your partner isn't in bed, you still have to sleep on your side only because of the gap in the middle, which can be uncomfortable to lay on.

What Is a King Bed?

Also known as the Eastern King bed, a standard King mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A King size bed is the same dimensions as two twin XL mattresses placed side by side. Among all the mattress sizes, the King size is the most popular size on the market for large families and big rooms.

It fits well in a primary bedroom or rooms bigger than 12 by 12 feet. A King size bed is a perfect size for couples who share their bed with kids or pets.

Pros

Perfect for families and couples

Since a King mattress size is the largest on the market, it's perfect for couples who enjoy more space or for those who sleep with their children or pets.

Best for primary bedrooms

A King bed looks perfect in a master bedroom and seamlessly fits any room that measures 12 by 12 feet or bigger.

Widely available

A King size bed is very common in the market, and you don’t have to custom order it or buy custom size accessories.

Cons

Big for restricted spaces

While a King bed offers a large sleeping space, it's not suitable for smaller rooms as it can feel too claustrophobic.

Hard to move because of size & weight

Moving a split is easier you're moving two separate Twin XL mattresses, but that’s not the case with a King. Due to its weight and size, you may find it difficult to move.

Split King vs California King

A Split King is great if you're looking for individualized sleep space and the width of the mattress matters more than the length. If you are over 6 feet or looking for a mattress that offers more length, Cal King is your best choice. A California King Mattress measures 72 X 84 inches. Again, just like a King mattress, it is suitable for large bedrooms that are at least 12 X 12 feet. If you want the length of a California King Bed and the concept of a Split King, you can always choose a Split California King Bed. Just like a Split King, California Split also comes with two separate mattresses.

While the King and Split King both are exceptional, it all depends on your personal preference and needs. Now that you know all the advantages and drawbacks of them both, we hope it's easier for you to make a decision.

This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

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","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EA split California is a California King that\u2019s split in the middle. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"b7323d0","title":"What kind of sheets do you put on a split king bed? \n","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EFor a split king mattress, you can either opt for customized sheets or use two Twin XL sheets.\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"c2061ba","title":"Do two twin XL make a king?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EYes, two twin XLs make a king. \u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E"},{"_id":"e52b252","title":"How to keep split king mattresses together?","content":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ETo keep a split king mattress together, you can make use of the following methods;\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cul\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EYou can add mattress pads\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ECan use a connector\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EBring home a fitted frame\u00a0\u003C\/span\u003E\u003C\/li\u003E\u003Cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003EUse a bed connector 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