California King vs. Queen: Mattress Size Comparison Guide

Key Takeaways

• California king mattresses are 72-by-84 inches with a surface area of 6,048 in².
• Queen mattresses are 60-by-80 inches with a surface area of 4,800 in².
• Queen beds are the most popular mattress size among couples while California king beds are the longest standard mattress size on the market.

Choosing the right mattress size for your needs can make a major difference in your sleep quality. When you have enough room, you can stretch comfortably, but if you feel cramped, your sleep posture and comfort level can suffer.

California king and queen beds are some of the largest standard sizes available, and each size can be more comfortable depending on your height, sleeping arrangement, and bedroom dimensions.

No matter which mattress size you choose, Purple offers comfortable, pressure-relieving, temperature-balancing mattresses in all standard sizes so you can get better sleep every night with our patented GelFlex® Grid.

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If you’re stuck between queen and California king mattresses, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll discuss the differences between these mattress sizes and provide tips to help you figure out what size is best for you.

California King vs. Queen Size Comparison

Queen and California king beds are some of the largest standard bed sizes, but they have significant differences in dimensions. The main difference is that California kings are longer and wider than a queen bed, though not as wide as a standard king.

What Is a California King Mattress?

Also known as a western king bed, a California king is a long, large bed that measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This bed size is not as common as the king bed, which measures 76 inches by 80 inches.

This bed size is highly recommended for sleepers who are six feet tall or taller. This is because the extra length of a California king bed gives their legs plenty of room, so they don’t dangle off the edge of the mattress when they sleep.

Before you decide on a California king mattress, be sure to consider the following pros and cons: 

If you’re over six feet tall, you may find yourself curling up to prevent your feet from going over the bed’s edge, but this position can be uncomfortable. With a California king mattress, taller sleepers will have more space to sprawl. California kings are also a good fit for couples who co-sleep with a child or a pet, especially if one or both partners are tall or are larger in build.

These beds may have fewer options for bedding, which can limit your choices for interior decoration and make a bigger dent in your budget. Mattresses of this size can be difficult to move through door frames and around room corners, and they may not fit well in bedrooms smaller than 12-by-12 feet.

Who Should Get a California King Mattress?

A California king bed is best suited for:

• People over six feet tall: A California king bed has a longer frame, making it more suitable for a tall person’s sleeping needs and sleep posture.
• Couples who need more space: A California king bed is longer and wider than a queen bed, giving couples extra room.
• People who co-sleep with pets: If you let a pet sleep at the foot of your bed, the California king offers plenty of space so you can stretch out comfortably.
• Couples with a large bedroom: California kings are the longest standard mattress on the market, so you’ll need a bedroom long enough to fit it.

What Is a Queen Mattress?

A queen size mattress measures 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. Behind a king, a queen bed is the second-largest size commonly available in stores.

If you’re considering a queen mattress size, weigh the pros and cons before buying:

Queen mattresses are the most popular bed size for couples, offering more wiggle room than a full mattress but taking up less room than larger sizes.

Queen mattresses are also common among solo sleepers who want plenty of room to stretch in their sleep, as well as single adults who co-sleep with their child or a pet. 

Who Should Get a Queen Mattress?

Queen beds are great for:

• Couples who sleep close to each other: Queen beds allow couples to feel close to their partners with enough personal space for most individuals.
• Single sleepers who like to spread out: Solo sleepers can get a queen bed if they have a large enough bedroom. These beds offer plenty of room to sleep in any position.
• Adults who co-sleep with kids or pets: Queen beds can often accommodate single sleepers and some couples with a pet or child who co-sleep with them.

California King vs. King vs. Queen: The Best of All Worlds

While there are several different king size beds, the king and California king are the most common. California kings, kings, and queens are the largest standard bed sizes available.

Choosing between these three sizes can be challenging, as they’re all fairly similar in length and width, but the California king is a good middle-ground option, especially if you are over six feet tall, need more personal space, or co-sleep with a pet.

The California king is the longest standard mattress size, adding 4 inches of length compared to a standard or Eastern king, making it a better fit for sleepers over six feet tall. While this mattress size isn’t as wide as a king, it is a foot wider than a queen, offering more room for couples or single sleepers who want to sprawl.

If you’re looking for a mattress that better accommodates your height, gives you more room to spread out, and leaves some space for a furry friend, a California king may be worth considering.

No matter what mattress size you prefer, Purple offers options in all standard sizes so you can enjoy the innovative, instantly adaptive comfort of the GelFlex® Grid.

How To Choose Between a California King Bed and Queen

If you’re deciding between a California king and a queen bed, there are a few key factors to consider. Before you choose a mattress, be sure to determine what size bed will work best for you.

1. Decide on Co-Sleeping Arrangements

Whether you’re a parent with a young child or you’ve got pets who like to cuddle, it’s important to choose a bed that accommodates the number of sleepers you need to fit. Compared to a queen size bed, California kings may be better for co-sleeping, offering more room for each sleeper plus space at the end of the bed for pets.

If a California king still feels cramped for your sleeping arrangement, you can consider a larger family bed, but these sizes are not common and may be significantly more expensive.

2. Account for Sleeper Height and Weight

Sleepers between 6’ and 6’6” may prefer a longer mattress so their feet don’t dangle over the edge. The California king has the longest standard size, so tall sleepers may find this size more comfortable than a shorter mattress.

Larger mattresses may also be a better fit for heavier individuals. While mattress weight limit depends on mattress materials, construction, and quality, larger beds are often designed to support more weight than smaller sizes.

All Purple mattresses are tested to support at least 700 pounds of weight regardless of bed size so you can rest comfortably on whatever size mattress you prefer.

3. Reference Room Size

Most primary bedrooms should be able to fit a queen size bed, but larger sizes may be more of a squeeze. It’s important to measure carefully to ensure you can easily get your new mattress into your room and set it up with enough space to move around it.

Even if you think the biggest bed size would be the most comfortable, you need to make sure it will fit in your hallways, through doorways, and in your bedroom before you buy.

4. Consider Personal Space Needs

Whether you like sleeping curled up against your partner, or you prefer to have your own half of the bed, considering your needs for personal space in bed can affect which size is best for you.

A queen bed may not provide enough space to keep your distance at night, which could be fine for couples who don’t toss and turn or easily overheat. But if you want to make sure you have space to comfortably change positions and stay cool, a California king may be a better choice.

5. Determine Your Budget

Deciding how much to spend on a mattress plays a big role in the size you choose.

In many cases, there isn’t a significant difference in price between California kings and queens, but California kings are typically available at a higher price point. Bedding and accessories for California king beds may cost more, as well. 

Queen vs. California King: Which Size Is Best For You?

Comparing California king and queen beds is an important step in deciding what mattress to get. Both sizes are spacious, but some sleepers may find one type more comfortable than the other.

Finding the right bed size is key to having a good night’s sleep. Whether it’s time to replace your mattress or you’re just looking for an upgrade, check out Purple mattresses in queen, California king, and other standard sizes to elevate your sleep with innovative GelFlex® Grid sleep technology you won’t find anywhere else.

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Regardless of your sleeping style, Purple mattresses adapt to your body contours, ensuring a personalized sleep experience.

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