The UK Bed & Mattress Size Guide

Finding the perfect size bed should be a dream, not a dilemma. We've put together a helpful guide to help you measure for the perfect size bed and compare all the different options, all in one place.

First, let's clear up any confusion. In the UK, bed sizes are primarily determined by the mattress, which has standard dimensions. However, the bed frame itself can vary in size, often causing headaches when measuring for your bedroom. To ensure you order the right bed the first time, always check the dimensions of the bed frame, not just the mattress.

So, what are the UK bed sizes? We'll break down the options, from cosy singles to spacious super kings.

• Cot/Kids: The smallest of the bunch, perfect for tiny tots.
• Toddler and Small Single: A step up from the cot, ideal for growing children.
• Single: A classic choice for one person, often used in guest rooms or children's bedrooms.
• Small Double: A good option for couples with limited space.
• Double: The standard size for most couples.
• King: Offers extra space for couples who love to stretch out.
• Super King: The ultimate in luxury, perfect for those with ample room.

But it's not just about width and length. The depth (or height) of your mattress and the overall height of the bed frame are also important. Factor in your height and sleeping style when making your decision. Do you toss and turn? Are you taller than 180cm? These considerations can influence your choice too.

In this guide, we'll dive deeper into specific measurements and help you compare different bed sizes to find the ideal fit for your bedroom and your sleep.

Let's get started!

How are beds in the UK measured?

There are three types of measurements you'll need to decide on when you buy your new bed frame and mattress. These are:

1. The length and width of the mattress to ensure it fits the bed frame. This is also where you decide how much surface area you need based on who will be using the bed.
2. The depth or height of the mattress, which is important if you're buying a bed frame with side rails.
3. The outer length, width and height of your bed frame, so you know how it's going to fit in the room.

UK bed size chart

Here's a table to compare the size differences in dimensions and measurements for all the most popular types of beds in the UK in both cm (metric), and feet and inches (imperial) sizing, according to the UK's National Bed Federation.

*Please note: Metric and imperial sizes are not always exact equivalents, and there may be slight variances depending on the manufacturer.

Larger sizes such as Emperor (EU sizing) or California King (USA sizing) are also available in the UK, but these are uncommon and typically require a custom build.

What size bed should I buy?

It may seem obvious, but your bed must fit correctly in your room. Buying a bigger bed sounds nice, but if your measurements are all wrong, you won't leave yourself enough room to walk around or fit other furniture in.

1. The size the mattress needs to be, determined by the space you need while sleeping.
2. The dimensions of the outer widths of the bed frame, which will be unique for each frame and you will need to measure your room based on this.
3. Checking if you have enough space surrounding the bed, opening any cupboard or drawer that will be near the bed, as well as ensuring there's enough walkway to get past it comfortably on all sides.
4. Checking it can fit it through your house without damaging anything along the way, if you've got a staircase, lift or tight corners, a bigger mattress may not be an option unless you're willing to knock out some walls or windows to get it there.

What size is a UK single bed?

The dimensions of a standard UK single bed are 90 cm wide x 190 cm long (or 30 wide x 63 long in feet and inches). This is the size of the mattress that is made to fit a single bed frame, not the measurements of the frame itself.

Single beds, as the name suggests, aren't built for sharing. They're the most common sized bed for children and can see them through to their teenage years.

Perfect for: 1 adult, child or teenager if you've not got space for anything bigger.

Expert tip: Although single beds cost less, you should always consider who might need to use it. These beds don't lend themselves to sleepovers, no matter what age.

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What size is a UK small double bed?

The dimensions of a standard UK small double bed, also known as a 3/4 or four-footer bed, are 120 cm wide x 190 cm long (or 40 wide x 63 long in feet and inches). This is the size of the mattress that is made to fit a small double bed frame, not the measurements of the frame itself.

Perfect for: 1 adult, child or teenager in a smaller bedroom.

Expert tip: Small double beds are a perfect space-saving option and are often cheaper than a standard double, but they're not ideal for 2 adults to share. It might work for 1 night as a guest bed for a small couple, but if you're looking for a bed that will need to be shared, go one size up to a standard double.

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What size is a UK double bed?

The dimensions of a standard UK double bed are 135 cm wide x 190 cm long (or 46 wide x 63 long in feet and inches). This is the size of the mattress that is made to fit a double bed frame, not the measurements of the frame itself.

Perfect for: 2 average or shorter people to share, teenagers, students or a great addition to larger guest bedrooms.

Expert tip: Double beds can comfortably fit 2 average size adults who sleep on their backs, fronts or sides. For people who like to spread out a bit, or to get you through those hot summer nights, we recommend upsizing to a king bed if you have the room for it.

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What size is a UK queen size bed?

Many people ask for the dimensions of a queen-size bed, but the truth is, there is no such thing as a queen-size bed in UK sizing. A queen size bed is a standard European or USA size, and it is the size between a double and a king. Some stores in the UK use the term queen size when they're talking about a small double, which is the size between a single and double, but this is very confusing as a queen everywhere else in the world is larger than a double, not smaller.

Expert tip: If you're familiar with European or US sizing and want to buy the UK equivalent of a queen, you should choose a king-size bed. Double beds in the UK are usually 10 cm shorter than European beds anyway, so you're best to upsize here if you have the space.

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What size is a UK king size bed?

The dimensions of a standard UK king size bed are 150 cm wide x 200 cm long (or 50 wide x 66 long in feet and inches). This is the size of the mattress that is made to fit a king size bed frame, not the measurements of the frame itself.

Perfect for: 2 people sharing, with a comfortable amount of space side-by-side, as well as people who are taller than 180cm so your feet don't hang off the end. King size beds are also perfect if you have kids that love to jump up and snuggle too!

Expert tip: The length of the bed should never match your height. There should be at least 15-20 cm of space above your height where possible so you can have both space between the top of your head and the headboard, as well some space between your feet and the end of the bed. Thats why the king size bed is the perfect option for tall people.

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What size is a UK super king size bed?

The dimensions of a standard UK super king size bed are 180 cm wide x 200 cm long (or 60 wide x 66 long in feet and inches). This is the size of the mattress that is made to fit a super king size bed frame, not the measurements of the frame itself.

Perfect for: 2 people sharing, with plenty of space side-by-side for the starfishes and any other sleeper who loves to spread out. King size beds are perfect if you have kids that love to jump up and snuggle too!

Expert tip: Whilst super king beds have a huge amount of surface area, they're almost always too big for most standard size bedrooms in the UK. Super kings are also more difficult to buy bedding for, so be sure to measure your room first and make sure you have enough space so it doesn't take over your entire bedroom. In many cases, a standard king size bed is more than enough for most bedrooms. You can shop our range of king size beds here.

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Other helpful tips and considerations

Tips for tall people (above 180+ cm)

The length of the bed should never match your height. If you're on the taller side, you'll have extra considerations when buying a new bed. Ensure you have space between the top of your head and the end of the bed, and you also don't want to have your heels on, or hanging over, the end of the bed.

To find out the ideal length, put your pillow on the floor against a wall or hard surface. Place a measuring tape extended out from the wall to your feet and lay down on your pillow like you would on the bed. Keeping your feet as still as possible, carefully sit up and look at the measurement, then add a couple of centimetres longer than where your feet finish. This should give you your ideal length. If the length you get is above 200 cm, you may need to go for a custom size so your heels don't hang off the end.

Tips for people with staircases, lifts or skinny hallways

Your bed might fit in your room, but can you get it to its final resting place without knocking out a door frame, wall or window, scratching your paintwork, or moving shelving or ornaments? This is something lots of people forget to check, and it's the corners that end up being your worst enemy.

Your bed frame will most likely come flat-packed so you can assemble it yourself in the room you plan to have it in, so if you're concerned about how this will come, you can always contact us before you buy.

Unless you buy a boxed or rolled-up mattress (which we don't currently sell), the dimensions of it need to fit around every corner without bending the mattress as this can damage the internal springs. A thicker-depth mattress also makes it harder to manoeuvre corners. To check if your mattress will get to where it needs to go, grab a measuring tape and a friend, and extend the measuring tape to the length of the longest side of the mattress specified (e.g. for a king size bed, this will be 200cm). With one person at either end of the measuring tape, walk from your homes entrance through to your bedroom where the bed will be. As you walk, take note of how much clearance you have between the measuring tape and any door frames/obstacles as you go. Most mattresses will be anywhere between 12 cm to 25cm wide, so your clearance needs to have this much width to clear through every door and corner with ease.

If you've got a staircase, measure the distance between your bulkhead (i.e., the lowest point of the ceiling) and the nearest step in a straight line. Either the length or the width of the mattress will need to fit through this gap too. If youve got a bend in your staircase, ensure you'll be able to get it around this bend somehow.

We hope this guide has helped you understand what size bed to buy. Always remember, the standardised sizing (e.g., king, double, small double, single, etc.) refers to the mattress size, not the size of the bed frame.