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If you’re buying a mattress in the UK for the first time and you don’t know what size to choose then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we give you everything you need to know about UK mattress dimensions (both length and width) and how they compare to US sizes.
Dimensions of UK mattress sizes
| Size | Dimensions (inches) |
|---|---|
| UK Small Single | 30" x 75" |
| UK Single | 36" x 75" |
| UK Small Double | 48" x 75" |
| UK Double | 54" x 75" |
| UK King | 60" x 78" |
| UK Super King | 72" x 78" |
The British are very straightforward when it comes to mattress sizes.
It’s usually a single bed for kids, a double bed for adults, and a King size bed for couples. Americans have unique options including larger sizes like the Texas King or Family bed, but the UK isn’t quite so lucky.
While UK mattress sizes generally have a US equivalent, American mattress sizes tend to be just a tad bit longer.
Take the following into consideration when shopping for a mattress in the UK:
- You and your partner’s height and weight
- Bedroom size
- Bed frame size
- Budget
Now let’s go into more detail about the six standard UK mattress sizes, their exact dimensions, and which type of person should choose each size.
UK Small Single
A UK small single mattress is 30 inches wide and 75 inches long.
This size is the best mattress for small kids and smaller, narrower bedrooms. You can also put this bed in a guest room, but keep in mind that it won’t be wide enough for a heavyweight person who weighs 300 pounds or greater.
A small single mattress is by far the cheapest mattress size you can buy in the UK.
UK Single
A UK single mattress is 36 inches wide and 75 inches long.
This mattress is close in size to a US twin and it can pretty much accommodate just one average-sized person. It’s narrower than a US twin mattress which means you will have less space and you won’t be able to stretch out as much (assuming you’re an adult).
But if you’re looking to use it for kids or young teens, it may provide enough sleeping space and it can also fit into most rooms.
Single mattresses are also a viable option for guest beds since they don’t take up too much space.
UK Small Double
A UK small double mattress is 48 inches wide and 75 inches long.
A small double is a relatively average-sized mattress that’s best suited for a single sleeper. You can try to share a UK small double bed with a partner, but you’ll each only have approximately 24 inches of space. That’s going to be an extremely tight fit and very uncomfortable.
UK small double mattresses are great for small to average-sized bedrooms.
UK Double
A UK double mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long.
How big is a double bed mattress? It has the exact same dimensions as an American full-size mattress and it’s most commonly used by single adults in the UK. It was the most popular UK bed size until the King-size mattress knocked it out of the top spot.
A UK double bed is a great option if you want a comfortable mattress that gives you extra room.
It is not the best choice for couples, but it can work for those who have smaller body types.
UK King
A UK King size bed is 60 inches wide and 78 inches long.
If you’re familiar with the dimensions of a US Queen mattress, it has the exact same width but is two inches shorter. It’s now the most popular of all UK bed sizes after recently dethroning the double bed, the former favorite.
A UK King is suitable for couples because it provides plenty of space for both you and your partner.
UK Super King
A UK Super King size bed is 72 inches wide and 78 inches long.
This luxurious option is the biggest UK mattress size. It’s best for couples who want more room than a standard King size mattress provides. UK Super King beds are mostly used in master bedrooms and high-end hotels.
The main problem with a super king size bed is its length. Unlike the US California King, the UK Super King isn’t a great fit for taller sleepers who need extra leg room.
US vs. UK mattress size comparison
The main difference between US and UK mattresses is length. Their widths are not that much different but UK mattresses lack options for taller individuals, while in the US you have options such as King mattresses, California King beds, and even oversized mattresses like the Alaskan King.
If you’re buying a mattress in the UK for the first time, your life will be a lot easier if you know how UK mattress sizes differ from American sizes.
Let’s take a look at how UK and US mattress sizes differ.
Twin
Twin mattresses are 38 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Its closest equivalent in the UK is a single bed which has the same length but is two inches shorter. Both twin and single mattresses are best for children and young teenagers.
Twin XL
A twin XL mattress is 38 inches wide and 80 inches long.
This mattress size doesn’t really have a counterpart in the UK. Twin XL mattresses are great for young adults, especially college students who need a mattress for their dorm room.
This mattress size is also a great option for a guest room.
Full
A full mattress is 54 inches wide and 75 inches long (the exact same as a double mattress).
A full mattress is best for adults who want something that bigger and more comfortable than a twin.
We don’t recommend full mattresses for couples. A Queen or King mattress is a much better option if you share your bed with a partner.
Queen
A Queen mattress is 60 inches wide and 80 inches long.
King is the UK mattress size which is most similar to a US queen, although it’s two inches shorter. Excellent for couples and more than enough for most single people, UK King and US queen mattresses are the best-selling sizes in the UK and US respectively.
One thing to keep in mind is that UK mattresses aren’t available in a Queen size.
King
A King size bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.
If you want something a bit more luxurious and spacious, get a King mattress. It provides tons of additional space for couples and it’s great for co-sleeping with children.
The UK Super King, which is the biggest bed size in the UK, is still smaller than an American King size bed. American King beds also come in a Split King option.
California King
A California King mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long.
It has the same exact width as a UK Super King, but it’s 6 inches longer. This makes it a great choice for couples that are significantly taller than average. It gives you extra leg room and the mattress is wide enough to comfortably fit two people.
FAQs
Yes, mattress sizes in the UK are different from those in the US. They’re also different from the standard EU mattress sizes.
A 3/4 bed is also known as a small double bed in the UK. It’s 48 inches wide and 75 inches long.
Conclusion
UK mattress sizes are much different from what you can find in the EU and the USA. The sizes usually have something that’s comparable in both of those regions, but the measurements may vary a bit.
If you’re buying a mattress in the UK for the first time, use our handy comparison chart to make your life easier.
Next step: Read our Emma mattress review. Emma’s mattresses are available in all of the standard UK sizes including double, king, and super king. If you’re shopping for a new mattress then Emma is the brand to go with.
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