King vs. California King: What’s the Difference?

Many people assume California king mattresses are bigger than standard king beds—but that’s not necessarily the case. While California king mattresses have more length, they’re four inches narrower than a regular king.

A king mattress, also called the Eastern king bed, measures 76 inches by 80 inches, with a total surface area of 6080 square inches. A California king mattress, also called Western King, measures 72 inches by 84 inches, with a total surface area of 6048.

King Size Overview

King Size Mattress Dimensions: 76 inches x 80 inches = 6080 square inches

• Also called “Eastern King”
• Pros: Extra width is great for couples, fits easily in most master bedrooms
• Cons: Heavy and difficult to move, too large for bedrooms smaller than 12 feet by 12 feet

As the largest mattress size, a king mattress is the bed of choice for anyone seeking more personal space for better sleep. It’s excellent for couples who can’t sleep too close without feeling overheated or cramped, but who still want the proximity of their partner.

However, a king mattress isn’t without its drawbacks. Moving the mattress can be a challenge, whether it’s just to change the sheets or as a more-involved process of moving house. The large size also means a king bed costs more than smaller mattresses, as do corresponding king size accessories.

The AS3 from Amerisleep is our top recommendation for two people who want to harmoniously share a king size mattress. The trouble with picking out a king bed, or for that matter a queen bed, for couples is that two individuals rarely have 100 percent compatible sleeping styles. For example, one may be a side sleeper, the other a back sleeper.

If they want to share a mattress, then, they need one with a versatile feel that contours to the body in most positions. A medium feel memory foam mattress like the AS3, carefully constructed to feel comfortable to sleepers with different preferences and body types, is a logical choice.

The AS3 is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty. Couples who are more interested in a buoyant mattress with a springy feel might want to consider the AS3 Hybrid.

How It Feels

As we noted, the AS3 has a medium feel surface designed to promote near-universal comfort. The plant-based memory foam feels cool thanks to an airy structure. However, the advanced open-cell design doesn’t make the bed less supportive by providing space for airflow. Indeed, the AS3 reacts faster to movement than the average memory foam mattress, regaining its shape within seconds.

Inside the Mattress

What surrounds the AS3 mattress is a soft, cooling Refresh fabric cover. This cover fabric is woven to reduce the surface temperature by as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit, a cooldown that helps individuals fall asleep faster and sleep deeper and longer.

Refresh also relies on minerals to transform body heat into infrared energy, which can penetrate the body and boost blood circulation for improved restoration.

The first layer of the AS3 is Bio-Pur® foam. What separates this memory foam from traditional memory foam is its partly plant-based formula, with certain petrochemicals receiving more natural substitutions. This recipe creates a responsive and breathable cushion that adapts to changes in body positions within seconds.

The second foam layer is the Affinity foam with HIVE® technology. Hexagonal cutouts make up the five support zones implemented in this layer, ensuring the bed feels softer and firmer at alternating points under the body.

The third and final layer is Bio-Core® foam, a material used to establish a durable mattress that won’t sag. This is especially helpful for couples, as lower-quality king and queen mattresses tend to sink in the middle after extended use.

SEE ALSO: Most Comfortable Mattresses – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide 

California King Size Overview

California King Size Mattress Dimensions: 72 inches x 84 inches = 6048 square inches

• Also called “Western King”
• Pros: Offers four extra inches of legroom, can comfortably accommodate sleepers over 6 feet tall
• Cons: Accessories are costly and harder to find, may not be wide enough for parents to co-sleep with their children

As the name suggests, the California king mattress was conceived of in California as an alternative to the popular king size mattress. The added length ensures that tall sleepers don’t have to deal with their legs hanging over the ends.

Some sleepers mistakenly believe a California king size mattress is more luxurious than a king mattress, but it is not. What makes a luxury mattress usually comes down more to high-quality materials than mattress size along.

The Zoma Hybrid is our top recommendation when it comes to a bed for tall sleepers that sleep hot. The hybrid has a simple design that packs a lot of value, keeping a king size hybrid mattress extremely affordable for most sleepers.

Purchase of a Zoma Hybrid includes a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

How Lying Down Feels

When stretching out on a California king size Zoma Hybrid, what might first strike a sleeper is how pleasantly soft the bed feels. It’s rated a medium, so the mattress yields well to pressure while still feeling supportive under the body.

Inside The Mattress

Four layers make up the Zoma Hybrid, all of which are encased in an airy, plush AirCloth cover. As the name suggests, AirCloth was woven to promote airflow through the mattress, increasing heat dispersion.

The top layer is gel-infused memory foam, a pressure-relieving material that moves heat swiftly away from the body. The gels infused inside the first layer also ensure the mattress not only feels cool when lying down but stays cool throughout the night.

The middle layer is a buoyant transition foam known as Reactiv™, named for its flexibility and responsiveness. The material possesses a lift that keeps sleepers from bowing too far into the mattress, limiting the chances of misalignment and making movements easier.

The main support core is pocketed coils, with every coil wrapped to keep movements from bouncing across the mattress surface. The coils wrapping around the side are thicker than the rest, establishing firm edge support. These coils rest on a supportive foam base to ensure they stand strong after years of use.

Should I Buy a King or a California King Size Mattress?

How do you determine the best mattress size for you? Below we breakdown some key factors to consider before purchasing your new bed.

Cost

Although king and California king mattresses are typically around the same price, the bedding and accessories for a Cal king can be more costly and harder to find. Items such as bed frames, box springs, comforters, bedsheets, and mattress protectors may cost more with a Cal king size bed. Since California king mattresses are not as popular as regular kings, these items are also not as readily available.

Room Size

In the US, a standard size bedroom will measure 11 feet by 12 feet (132 square feet). A master bedroom will offer more space; these rooms measure 14 feet by 16 feet (309 square feet).

When considering a king or a California king size mattress, you should be sure you have adequate space to accommodate a mattress of this size. At least 2 feet of space on all 3 sides of the bed will give you enough space to move around the bed comfortably. It will also keep the room from feeling overcrowded.

If your room measures more narrow, a Cal King might be the best bet for you. However, if your bedroom is wider, a standard king size mattress should work well.

Your Height

A California king bed is great for taller people–especially those over 6 feet. This extra length can give you more legroom and ensure that your feet never hang off the end of the bed. Based on your personal preferences, this may help you feel more supported during sleep. If you have the room to accommodate this size bed, it is worth it to opt for the Cal king if you are on the taller side.

Couples

Although a queen mattress is a popular choice for many couples, a king or a California king mattress offers even more sleeping space. Maybe your partner frequently tosses and turns during the night, or you have kids who like to climb into bed with you–a bigger mattress will help you stay comfortable.

When looking for a mattress for couples, you can’t go wrong with either a king or California king. If you and your partner prefer to sleep closer together, but also like extra legroom, a Cal king is your best option. If you prefer more space between you and your partner, you will want to go with the wider, standard king size bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a split king mattress?

A split king is simply two twin XL beds placed side by side. A split king is a good option for couples who have different firmness preferences. You each decide the perfect firmness for you, then the two twins are fitted together to create one king-size bed. A split king mattress with an adjustable base allows couples to individually raise or lower the head and foot area on their side of the bed.

Can I have a king or a California king size mattress delivered?

Yes, most bed in a box mattress brands will ship their king and California king size mattresses directly to your door. You can also find plenty of mattress options in these sizes on Amazon. You may even be able to add on white glove delivery, where the delivery team sets up your new mattress and hauls away your old one.

How do king and California king beds compare to other mattress sizes?

California king and king size beds are larger than any other bed size. Queen size beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches, while full size mattresses measure 54 inches by 75 inches. However, there are non-standard sizes that are larger than king and California king mattresses, such as the Alaska king.

Will king sheets fit a California king mattress?

No. Unfortunately, king sheets will not fit a California king size mattress. A fitted sheet made for a king mattress will not be long enough to cover a Cal king.

What is the point of a California king bed?

A California king mattress is primarily marketed toward tall people, particularly those over 6 feet. Such a person may feel cramped on a smaller mattress, even a standard king mattress. The extra 4 inches ensure they aren’t sleeping with their feet dangling over the edge.

Is it Worth it to Buy a King or a California King?

The factors outlined above can help you determine whether or not a king or a California king is right for you. Ultimately, unless you are taller than average (6 feet and up), a regular king mattress will likely feel roomy enough for you.