At times we are compensated for the links you click at no cost to you. Learn more about why you should trust our reviews and view our disclosure page.
A kingdom can only be ruled by only one king but not in the world of oversized mattresses. There are actually 5 different types of supersize King beds – all named after some of the biggest states in the USA (of course). But right now, we’ll be focusing on the two most popular oversized king beds – the Texas King vs. the California King mattress and see how they both match up, what their biggest differences are and which one is the best one for you.
What’s the difference between a Texas King vs California King?
The main difference between a Texas King and a California King is size. The Texas King mattress measures 80 inches wide and 98 inches long while the California King mattress measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
For comparison, a standard King-size bed measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.
| Mattress Size | Texas King | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 80" x 98" | 72" x 84" |
| Can fit | 2 adults and 2 small children | 2 adults and one small child |
| Bed frame availability | Not common | Common |
| Bedding availability | Not common | Common |
| Mattress types | Memory foam, latex, innerspring and hybrids | Memory foam, latex, innerspring and hybrids |
Both the Texas King and California King bed can fit 2 people very comfortably – along with a 3 small children and you can even squeeze in a pet should you want to. For a single sleeper, both types of oversized King beds can offer so much room to move around but most people choose them because they want to share the bed with a partner (or they just want a really big bed).
Benefits of a Texas King
If you’re substantially taller than 6 feet, than the Texas King mattress is a great option for you. The Texas King bed is also pretty wide and if you have a large family that likes to practice co-sleeping, there’s certainly a lot of space for you and your family to spread around (not as much as a Family Bed mattress, but pretty close).
The Texas King mattress is also a good choice for those who have a larger master bedroom. A smaller mattress size would look out of place in a huge master bedroom. Texas King beds are large and in charge, just like their namesake, and would certainly act as a grand centerpiece in any spacious bedroom.
Downsides of a Texas King
But of course there are also downsides when it comes to a Texas King size bed. It can be difficult to find bedding and bed frames for oversized beds like the Texas King mattress since they are not very common. You would need to go to specialty mattress stores or have a customized bed frame made.
Texas King mattresses are also more difficult to transport if you live a more transient lifestyle. They are pretty heavy and would need more than two people to move.
A Texas King mattress also requires a lot of space and if you have a smaller space, it would certainly not be able to fit – it might not even be able to get through the door.
Benefits of a California King mattress
Much like the Texas King bed, the California King size mattress is a great choice for taller individuals. In fact, it is the most preferred mattress size of NBA players and other professional athletes, so much so that it has been immortalized in a song by Rihanna called (what else) ‘California King Bed’. For some reason, some people also believe that having a California King mattress elevates them to baller status, even though they are neither an NBA player nor a football pro. Depending on how you look at it, this could either be a pro or a con.
Smaller than most oversized mattresses, California King mattresses can fit into most master bedrooms and even though it takes up ample space, it won’t be as large or imposing as a Texas King bed.
Most mattress brands also offer California King beds which makes compatible bedding, bed frames and other bed accessories much easier to find.
Downsides of a California King
Although smaller than most oversized mattresses, California King beds are still pretty big and can be difficult to move and transport, just like Texas King mattresses. So it’s best to bear that in mind if you find yourself moving houses often and you have a California King size mattress.
A Cal King mattress also works best with rectangular rooms rather than ones that are square shaped but this is purely from an aesthetic standpoint. But again, just like any other oversized mattress such as the Wyoming King or a Texas King mattress, you also would need a large enough bedroom to be able to accommodate a California King bed.
How to choose between a California King and a Texas King mattress
Similar in so many ways, you may find it hard to decide between getting a Texas King mattress or a California King (or any other oversized mattress for that matter). But there are a few key differences you could use to gauge whether you should opt for California King beds or Texas King beds.
Size of your bedroom
Both the Texas King mattress and the California King mattress require a large enough space to be able to fit into so you need to make sure that your bedroom has the right dimensions to fit an oversized bed.
Should you choose to go the Texas King route however, you need a fairly large master bedroom that suits a Texas King’s width, both functionally and aesthetically.
Sleeping partner
Both the Texas King bed and the California King bed can comfortably fit a couple (either of average weight or even those with heavier body types) with a lot of sleeping space to spare. But the Texas King size mattress was made to fit a family so if you want a mattress that would allow you and your family to co-sleep in peace, the Texas King mattress is the way to go.
Height
Both the Cal King and the Texas King are great for tall sleepers but the Texas King bed has a good 18 inches on the California King when it comes to length. This means the Texas King has a slight advantage for those individuals who are 6’4″ and above as well as those who prefer a lot of legroom.
Weight
Oversized King beds are made to withstand a lot of weight so both the Texas King bed and the California King bed allow those who are heavier than average (even people who weigh 400 pounds) to sleep comfortably.
Price
The bigger the bed goes, the higher the price range so of course the Texas King is a bit more expensive than the California King mattress. If you want an oversized mattress but are on a budget, you might want to opt for Cal King mattresses.
Sleeping position
Both the Cal King bed and the Texas King bed can accommodate every sleeping position as most mattress brands that offer oversized mattresses also offer different firmness options. Please refer to our mattress firmness level for the best firmness option for your preferred sleeping position.
FAQs
There are more than a few mattress sizes that are bigger than a Texas King. This includes the Vermont King bed, the Family Bed, the Family Bed XL and the Alaskan King bed. Some mattress brands even offer customizable options that will allow you to have an even bigger mattress made.
The biggest King-size mattress is the Alaskan King bed.
Although it is already a large enough mattress, the California King mattress is not the largest oversized mattress. That title belongs to the Alaskan King mattress.
The Texas King mattress was named after the second largest state in the USA which is Texas (where everything from the hair to mattresses to a platter of fried pickles is big).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for something larger than a standard King bed, you might want to give California King mattresses and Texas King mattresses a try. Oversized beds like these two were made to accommodate taller individuals and families that like to co-sleep.
Both the Texas King and the California King have their pros and cons but in the end, it is up to you and your needs and preferences to decide which one is best.
Next step: Read our Saatva mattress review. We think that Saatva makes the #1 California king mattress in the world. We rate it highly for comfort, durability, and ease of use (including free assembly). If you aren’t sure which Cal king mattress to get, go with Saatva.
Michelline loves nothing more than a cozy bed, with a stack of books at her side. She loves getting lost when she travels, can bake an entire British afternoon tea from scratch, is obsessed with all things analogue and does calligraphy on the side. She currently suffers from mild insomnia and is more than happy to be your guinea pig, so you won’t have to go through all the trouble of finding out what works best for you.
- Is buying a floor model mattress worth it? - September 2, 2025
- Best mattresses with Affirm financing – data-backed performance tests - August 27, 2025
- Best mattresses – data-backed performance tests on 20+ brands - August 17, 2025
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?