UK Standard Bed and Mattress Sizes
Entity: UK standard bed sizes
In short
UK standard mattress sizes use width and length in centimetres. A UK Single is 90 × 190 cm, a Small Double 120 × 190 cm, a Double 135 × 190 cm, a King size 150 × 200 cm, and a Super King 180 × 200 cm. These sizes differ from many European retail sizes. Measure before pairing frames or sheets.
How it works
| Size name | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Width (in) | Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cot bed (common) | 70 | 140 | 27.6 | 55.1 |
| Small Single | 75 | 190 | 29.5 | 74.8 |
| Single | 90 | 190 | 35.4 | 74.8 |
| Small Double | 120 | 190 | 47.2 | 74.8 |
| Double | 135 | 190 | 53.1 | 74.8 |
| King | 150 | 200 | 59.1 | 78.7 |
| Super King | 180 | 200 | 70.9 | 78.7 |
Nominal sizes and manufacturing tolerance
UK retailers quote mattress sizes as nominal width × length. Manufacturing tolerances of several millimetres are common. Bed frames, ottoman lids, and divan bases should be checked against the mattress footprint, not the marketing name alone. Browse typology in the Beds A–Z.
Children’s and compact sizes
Before adult Single, common UK footprints include cot bed and Small Single sizes. Cot mattresses must fit the cot snugly for safety. Adult “nominal” tolerance thinking does not apply the same way.
Furniture footprint can exceed mattress plan size — see bed footprint and access for frames, sleigh scrolls and delivery clearances.
Space per sleeper (why size names mislead)
A UK Double at 135 cm wide gives two adults roughly 67.5 cm each if shared evenly — far less personal width than two UK Singles. Couples often move to UK King (150 cm) or Super King (180 cm) for width, not because the name “King” implies a universal standard.
US size names are a different system
US Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King dimensions do not map cleanly onto UK names. Treat US education charts as a separate standard. For UK rooms use centimetres. Cross-border shoppers should open UK vs EU sizes.
Depth is separate from footprint
Width × length define the plan size. Vertical mattress depth controls fitted-sheet pocket fit and headboard reveal.
Cross-border size systems
Related BedGuide entries
Frequently asked questions
- What are the exact UK King and Super King mattress sizes?
- A UK King mattress is typically 150 cm wide by 200 cm long. A UK Super King is typically 180 cm wide by 200 cm long. Both are longer than UK Single and Double sizes, which are usually 190 cm long.
- Is a UK Double the same as a US Full or EU Double?
- No. A UK Double is commonly 135 × 190 cm. US Full and many EU/IKEA doubles use different widths and lengths. See BedGuide's UK vs EU sizes guide before mixing frames and mattresses across markets.
- Why do King mattresses feel longer than Doubles in the UK?
- UK Single, Small Double, and Double mattresses are typically 190 cm long, while UK King and Super King extend to 200 cm. That 10 cm difference affects sheets, bedlinen SKUs, and foot-of-bed clearance.