King Bed Frame Dimensions: Everything You Need To Know

When picking out a bed frame, it's important to get the dimensions right. Not only will this ensure that you have enough space in your home, but it will also help you figure out what kind of mattress to buy. 

Here, we go over everything you need to know about king bed frames, including their dimensions and size comparisons with other similar beds. 

What Are The Dimensions Of A King Bed Frame?

A standard king-size bed frame measures 76 x 80 inches. Which is approximately half an inch to two inches wider than a king-size mattress. Keep in mind that sizes can vary by an inch or two from brand to brand. 

King Bed Size Comparisons

Let’s take a look at how the king-size bed measures up to its closest counterparts:

King-Size Bed vs Queen-Size Bed

The difference between a king-size bed and a queen-size bed is a full 16 inches of width. While king-size beds measure 76 x 80 inches, queen-bed frame dimensions stop short at 60 x 80 inches.

Though many people are perfectly happy to share a queen-size bed, a king-size bed can afford couples much more space to move around without having to worry about getting into their partner’s personal space. Thus, the king-size bed is perfect for couples with different sleeping habits, such as light sleeper-heavy sleeper pairs and couples wherein one partner moves around a lot in their sleep. 

King-Size Bed vs California King-Size Bed

The main differences between a standard king-size bed and a California king are length and width. California king beds measure 72 x 84 inches, making them four inches narrower and four inches longer than standard kings. 

Given the added length, California kings are best for taller couples who want enough space to fully stretch out in bed. 

King-Size Bed vs Super King-Size Bed

The difference between a king and a super king is quite small, with the king-size bed measuring 76 x 80 inches and the super king-size bed measuring 72 x 78 inches. 

Despite what its name may suggest, super kings, are actually slightly smaller than standard kings by just a few inches. Super kings are specialty beds that into bedrooms that are just shy of 12 x 12 feet. 

As a non-standard size, most super king bed frames are custom-built. Super-king mattresses and beddings also are not as readily available in stores as accessories for the standard king and California kings. 

King-Size Bed vs Split King Bed

The difference between a king-size bed and a split king bed is that you get two connected (but separable) twin XL-size mattresses for the price of one with a split king. When connected, two twin XL mattresses measure the same size as a king at 76 x 80 inches.

Why would you want two mattresses instead of one? There are many benefits to owning a split king, including:

• Isolating motion transfer so that you don’t wake your partner up, even if you’re on different schedules or one partner tends to toss and turn at night
• Allowing couples with different sleep preferences to customize their sleeping experience without compromising the comfort of their partner
• Providing an extra bed or mattress at home (this is only possible if you use two separate twin XL bed frames)

Purple Split King mattress can be paired with the Purple PowerBase, an adjustable, remote-controlled bed frame that lets sleepers adjust their sides of the bed separately.

Compare Bed Frame Sizes

Here is a full list of mattress and bed frame dimensions for the most popular bed sizes on the market. If you’re looking for a more in-depth look into how each type of bed differs, check out our extensive guide to bed frame sizes.
 

 

Who Should Buy A King Bed?

With the widest space among all the standard bed sizes, the king-size bed is an excellent choice for:

• Couples who want extra space
• Partners of restless sleepers who don’t want to risk getting elbowed in their sleep
• Families with little kids or even pets who like to snuggle at bedtime

Pros

• Fits two adults with room to spare
• Provides enough space for tossing and turning without disturbing partners
• Spacious and supportive enough for heavyweight and plus-size sleepers
• Provides enough space for young children and pets

Cons

• Takes up more space in a bedroom
• More expensive than smaller beds
• Might be too short for sleepers over 6’5”

Sleep Like A King On A King-Size Bed

A king bed frame is a great investment for your bedroom, providing you with years of comfort and relaxation. But before you start shopping for a new bed frame or mattress, make sure to consider all the different dimensions and sizes available so you can get a bed that is suited exactly to your needs. 

If you’re looking for a king-size bed and frame that can offer comfort, stability, and more, our Purple mattresses pair perfectly with three different bed frames:

• The standard Purple Bed Frame upholstered with versatile gray fabric
• The lightweight and storage-friendly Platform Bed Frame
• The Ascent Adjustable Base, lets you personalize your sleeping experience from head to foot

Whatever you’re looking for, there is a Purple bed frame for you!

Frequently Asked Questions About King Bed Frames

Is king-size the largest bed frame size?

No, the largest bed frame size available in the US is the Alaskan king size, measuring 108 x 108 inches. However, Alaskan king-size beds are hard to find in most retailers – you’ll have to go to a specialty shop to purchase an Alaskan king. 

See the difference between Alaskan king and Cal king mattress sizes.

How much space do I need in my bedroom for a king-size bed?

A king-size bed fits comfortably in a bedroom that is at least 12 x 12 feet or 144 square feet. Technically, you can fit a king-size bed into a 10 x 10-foot bedroom, but this won’t leave you a lot of room for your other furniture.

What sheets should I get for a king-size bed?

You should only use king-size bed sheets for your king bed. However, length and width aren’t the only measurements you should pay attention to when buying sheets – you should also consider your mattress’ height. 

For mattresses that are 7 to 14 inches thick, standard sheets will suffice. 15-inch mattresses require deep-pocket sheets, while 16 to 22-inch mattresses will need extra-deep pocket bed sheets.