Texas King vs California King Size Mattress: What’s the Difference?
Written by Nectarsleep editorial team
Last Updated on Mar 29, 2023
If you are looking for something more than a standard king size bed, then oversized mattresses can be a great choice. Today, we will tell you everything there is to know about Texas king vs California king, so you buy the perfect mattress suitable for your needs.
California King vs Texas King Mattress Size Comparison
The main difference between Texas king and California king is, the Texas King is 14 inches wider and 8 inches longer than a Cal King mattress. Where a Texas king measures 84 inches wide and 98 inches long; the cal king measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
California King vs Texas King Size Comparison Chart
| Parameters | California King | Texas King |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 84 inches | 98 inches |
| Width | 72 inches | 84 inches |
| Surface Area | 6,048 square inches | 7,840 square inches |
| Price | $1349 - $2549 | $2000-$3500 |
| Occupancy | 2 adults + 1 pet or child | 4 adults |
| Ideal for | Small families, stomach or back sleepers | Tall people who wish for extra legroom |
| Recommended Room Size | 12 feet by 10 feet | 12 feet by 14 feet |
Not just this, families who love cosleeping have various other options for oversized beds. Read our article on Wyoming King vs Texas King vs Alaskan King to learn about the various oversized mattresses.
What is a Texas King Mattress?
Texas mattress is the second-largest mattress in the US. So, if you are looking for something more than standard size mattresses, this is an excellent option. Usually, the Texas King can be great for a taller family.
Pros :
Ideal For Tall Sleepers
If you are a tall individual over 6 feet and love to sprawl when you are asleep then the Texas king offers you more room than a California king bed. In fact, a couple can also accommodate their child or a pet on a Texas King.
Suitable For Bigger Rooms
The surface area of a Texas King is 7,840 square inches, which is bigger than a standard King size bed or even a Cal King. Therefore, if you have a large master bedroom that measures at least 12 X 14 feet, Texas King will seamlessly fit into it.
Can Accommodate Multiple Sleepers
If you and your partner sleep with your kids then this can be an ideal mattress for you because a Texas King can accommodate a couple with two children and even a pet. So, all of you can comfortably sleep on this mattress.
Cons :
Now that you know all the advantages of a Texas King, let’s look at the drawbacks of the same.
Not Easily Available
A Texas King is not a standard size; hence, not many people purchase a Texas king compared to a queen or a king. So, it becomes challenging to find the mattress very easily. For some brands, you may also need to place an order for the same, and it will take about a week or 10 days for the mattress to get ready. Next, finding accessories for the Texas King is also not an easy chore. Only selected brands offer them.
You now know all the benefits and drawbacks of a Texas king mattress. Now, let’s move on and find out more about one of the popular types of the king bed, Cal King.
What is a California King Mattress?
Usually, when people look for something bigger than a king, they opt for a California King. The extra inches of length make this mattress so enticing for taller individuals.
Pros:
Suitable For Taller People
Since the Cal King mattresses are bigger than a standard king size mattress, this is perfect for individuals who are over 6 feet tall. With this mattress, you will no longer worry about your feet dangling in the air. It is ideal for a tall couple and a small child.
Ideal For Narrower Rooms
A Cal king is not as big in its width as a Texas King or a Standard King, so it can easily fit into narrower rooms while boosting the room’s aesthetic appeal.
Easy To Find
A California King is one of the most popular oversized mattress types. Therefore, it is not very difficult for you to find one. If you want to bring home the mattress on the same day, you will be able to do it. Finding all the accessories, like sheets for your Cal King, is easy.
Cons :
Not For Large Families
Like with a Texas King, a couple will not be able to comfortably sleep with two children and a pet on a Cal King because it is not very wide. So, it can get very congested.
Difficult To Move
Since the mattress is large and also heavy, you will require some help when it comes to moving them from one room to another.
May Not Suit All Rooms
Since Cal Kings are narrowers, it may not look good in every type of room and can sometimes look like the odd one out. However, with proper decor, this can be rectified.
How To Choose Between Texas King And California King Mattress
Now that you are familiar with all the pros and cons, let’s understand all the other important factors that play an essential role in choosing the right mattress.
Size of Bedroom
Before you choose the perfect mattress, it is important to check the room's dimensions. For instance, if you think a Texas King mattress is ideal for you, you will need a room that’s at least 12 feet by 14 feet. The thumb rule here is to have at least three inches on all three sides of the mattress.
Budget
The next imperative factor is the budget. Oversized mattresses like Cal King or Texas King can be expensive when compared to smaller ones like a queen or a king.
Sleeping Partner
When it comes to mattress shopping, you must consider who will be sleeping on it. Will it just be you and your partner? Or do you also make sure your children sleep with you? Considering this will make sure you all enjoy a comfortable snooze. For instance, a Texas King is wider than a Cal King, so it is an ideal choice if you are co-sleeping with your children.
Height
You must consider your height when you are in the process of finalizing a mattress. If you are taller than 6 feet, a Cal King will be the perfect choice because it gives you 4 extra inches compared to a king.
Sleeping Position
If you like to sprawl or move around too much, your partner will need ample space to ensure they enjoy a deep slumber. Therefore, choose the mattress width accordingly.
Other Variations of King-Size Mattress
Apart from a standard, Texas, and California King, there are other variations of a king bed. They are;
Wyoming King
The Wyoming King size mattresses are 84 inches wide and 84 inches long. While it matches the length of a California King, it is 12 inches wider than the same. If you are looking for the same length as a Cal King but want something wider, this is the perfect mattress for you. The ideal room size for a Wyoming mattress is at least 12 feet by 12 feet.
Alaskan King
The biggest mattress you will come across is the Alaskan King, which measures 108 inches in both directions. This is an excellent mattress for families who co-sleep along with their furry babies. The recommended room size for an Alaskan King is at least 16 feet by 16 feet.
Conclusion
Both Texas King and a California King come with their advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on which one seamlessly suits your requirements. If you are looking for something even bigger, you can always choose an Alaskan King bed or a Wyoming too.
