How European Size Mattresses Compare to US Sizes
Did you know that a king-sized bed in Europe isn’t the same as a king size bed in the US? Same for the UK. It seems as though everyone put their own spin on “standard” mattress sizes, which means if you’ve moved across the pond or simply have an heirloom antique from your ancestors, you’re going to run into fitting issues with your bed unless you do your research first.
Finding the right mattress is one of the most important things for a good night’s sleep. It can prevent tossing and turning all night, waking up every time your partner moves, or waking up in pain the following day. But, if you have an odd-sized bed on the wrong side of the Atlantic, you may find your off-the-floor options limited.
Here’s the problem with that: many people in the US have beds from Europe. So, just like you need to know how to convert centimeters to inches and back, you need to learn about standard European sizes vs US mattress sizes so that you can get a fitting mattress that perfectly complements your bed and your sleep quality.
Our Sleepify mattress can be customized for European size beds.
Standard UK and European Mattress Sizes
There are a few differences between standard mattress dimensions in Europe vs the UK. Ireland and Scotland fall on the UK’s preferred mattress sizes as well. Is there an island-mainland rivalry? Although the sizes may vary a bit between different countries in Europe, these are largely the standard mattress sizes for the EU and UK:
| Size | EU | UK |
| Single / Small Single | 36" x 78" | 30" x 75" |
| Single - Extra Long | 36" x 82" | 36" x 75" |
| Small Double | 48" x 78" | 48" x 75" |
| Double | 54" x 78" | 54" x 75" |
| King | 63" x 79" | 60" x 78" |
| Grand / Super King | 71" x 79" | 72" x 78" |
To make things a bit more complicated, often, in mainland Europe, these mattress sizes aren’t even referred to by their names, but just by their length and width – in centimeters of course. When are we finally just going to switch to metric? An example, the EU small double mattress, 48 inches wide by 78 inches long, would be called a 120 centimeter by 190 centimeter bed. Which, coincidentally, is a typical size of vintage-American bed mattresses, also known as four-foot beds.
How Does that Compare to the US Mattress Sizes?
Unfortunately, a few centimeters here or there can render a beloved bed frame useless, your sheets ill-fitting, and your sleep uncomfy. So, yes, that 78” (198 cm) vs 79” (200 cm) inch long mattress is kind of a big deal. And once you get back to the US, the comparable size is 80” (202 cm).
Here is a list of standard US mattress sizes for a visual comparison:
| Size | Dimensions |
| Twin | 38" x 75" |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" |
| Full | 53" x 75" |
| Queen | 60" x 80" |
| King | 76" x 80" |
| California King | 72" x 84" |
When we compare this table to the UK and EU one, we start to see how it can be a nightmare to find a ready-made mattress for a European bed. So, let's discuss a few simple tips that can make your search for a tailor-made foreign-sized mattress a little easier:
Tips for Buying a European Size Mattress
1. Measure your bed frame.
Yes, your mattress tag may say king size, but as you’ve seen, that can mean a lot of different things in Europe. So, the best thing to do is take exact measurements. You should measure the inside of your bed frame, where the mattress goes. Or you can directly measure your current mattress if the new one is a replacement.
Once you have your length and width, it is time to compare it to the table above. If you don’t see your exact measurements, don’t panic. Many mattress companies make custom-sized mattresses that perfectly fit your bed frame, and they'll also make custom bedding to match. You only need to make sure to take exact dimensions, and if the size is odd, you can round it down to the nearest inch or half of an inch. Sometimes sending a rough schematic of your bed frame in is helpful, too.
2. Consider other aspects besides size.
You want your mattress to fit into your bed frame perfectly, but don’t ignore other vital things like comfort, support and durability.
Learn about how different materials affect those aspects and find solutions that can fit your body type, sleeping position, temperature preferences, sleeping arrangements, and other things. For instance, latex mattresses are excellent for people who like a firmer mattress and those who sleep warm, as it doesn’t retain body heat. Latex is also the best option for boat foam mattresses, as it resists moisture.
On the other hand, memory foams mattresses are perfect for people who like a softer feel and a mattress that contours to their body shape. Although memory foam typically retains body heat, gel-infused options are great for those who sleep hot. Breathable cotton bedding never hurts, either.
3. Think about who’s going to sleep on this mattress.
Are you sleeping with your partner, kids, or pets? Consider how much space, and support you are going to need. For instance, mattresses for heavier people need stronger support layers, as an ill-fitting mattress, or one that's short on support, can quickly deteriorate.
If you're sharing the bed with your partner, and one of you is a light sleeper, look into mattresses that are quiet and absorb movement, such as memory foam ones. Memory foam mattresses are known for their ability to nearly eliminate motion transfer, which is especially great for oversize mattresses like 12-foot-wide family beds.
Where to Find a Tailor-Made European-Size Mattress
If you have worked out all the details and are ready to shop for your European size mattress, CustomMattress.com can make it happen. We make custom mattresses that will fit your European bed frame like it was made for it... because it was.
Focusing on quality, comfort, and durability, our custom foam and coil mattresses selection has something for everybody and every bed.