Texas King Bed vs. California King: Size Guide & Key Differences

Key Takeaways

• What is a Texas king bed? A very large mattress measuring 80 inches wide by 98 inches long, offering maximum space.
• What is a California king bed? An oversized mattress measuring 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, ideal for taller individuals and longer rooms.
• Choose a Texas king for maximum width and length in a large room or a California king for extra legroom in narrower spaces.

If you crave sprawling space when you sleep, exploring different king size beds is a must. But with so many options, the question remains: Between the Texas king and California king, which one is best for your needs?

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Below, we’ll discuss the difference between these two mega mattresses. By the end, you’ll know what kind of king size mattress you really need!

Texas King Bed vs. California King Size Comparison

When comparing a California king vs. Texas king, size is the main differentiator. The California king measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while the Texas king dimensions stretch to a generous 80 inches wide and 98 inches long. A Texas king is much larger, with an 8-inch difference in width and a 14-inch difference in length compared to a California king. For those seeking the biggest bed size available, the Texas king is a strong contender.

The Texas king size is typically too large for most sleepers and their primary bedrooms, but learning about all the different sizes available can help you make an informed decision.

While Purple doesn’t carry Texas king or other extra large, custom bed sizes, we offer mattresses in most standard sizes to suit your needs.

What Is a Texas King Bed?

Dimensions: 80-by-98 inches

Measuring 80-by-98 inches, the Texas king bed is the second-largest oversized mattress that is much bigger than the standard king bed. It’s perfect for sleepers who need additional legroom and ample space. 

Here’s what to know about Texas king beds: 

• Ideal for: Very tall individuals (over 6'4"), couples who desire maximum personal space, families who co-sleep, and pet owners.
• Room size: To avoid overwhelming the space, it requires a very large master bedroom, ideally 14' x 14' (196 sq ft) or larger.
• Price range: Due to the increased material and specialized manufacturing, expect a higher price point than standard king or California king beds.
• Availability: May require custom ordering from specialty mattress retailers.

Advantages of a Texas King Mattress

Living up to its name, the Texas king bed comes with various benefits due to its large mattress dimensions. Below are a few advantages:

More Space For Tall People

The Texas king mattress is ideal for people taller than 6 feet. Compared to a California king bed, the added width provides more room for sleepers who like to sprawl out at night. Its generous length provides ample leg room, preventing the discomfort of dangling feet. 

Can Fill Out Big Rooms

With a surface area of over 7840 sq. inches, the Texas king bed is designed to complement spacious master bedrooms. Its substantial size creates a cozy feel without overwhelming the room, unlike even larger options like the Wyoming king or Alaskan king. Additionally, you will need a Texas king size bed frame to support the size of this mattress.

Sleeps Multiple People

The size of a Texas king bed fits a whole family or group of friends. Families with children or pet owners will appreciate the ample space for comfortable co-sleeping and cuddling. For pet owners, this bed is spacious enough to cuddle and play with their pets. This bed allows everyone to spread out and enjoy a restful night's sleep, making it the best bed size for couples who enjoy extra space or co-sleep with children or pets.

Disadvantages of a Texas King Mattress

As with any other mattress, the Texas king bed has a few cons. It’s better to carefully consider these downsides before investing in this large bed.

Difficult To Move

Oversized beds are generally hard to move and transport. Due to its substantial dimensions, moving a mattress like a Texas king can be difficult. It may be too big for your doorway or too heavy to carry up the stairs. Thankfully, many mattress companies will assist you in moving and setting it up.

Hard To Shop for Accessories

While the unique size of a Texas king mattress offers more sleeping space, it can make it harder to shop for compatible accessories. Finding standard sized bedding, bed frames, and linens can be a challenge. You may need to invest in custom-made accessories, which can be more expensive and require longer lead times.

Requires A Lot Of Space

Due to the Texas king’s width, it’s best if you have a free area of at least 12”x14” feet or a space that’s 104 inches wide before getting this kind of bed. Before purchasing, carefully measure your room and consider the placement of other furniture, such as nightstands and dressers, to maintain a balanced sleeping environment.

What Is a California King Bed?

Dimensions: 72-by-84 inches

Measuring 72-by-84 inches, the California king bed is another kind of oversized mattress that’s four inches longer and narrower than the average king size bed. It’s popular on the West Coast and a favorite among basketball players and celebrities due to its gold standard.

To truly understand its appeal, consider these key aspects:

• Ideal for: Individuals over 6’ tall or those prefer a longer sleeping surface
• Room size: Best suited for master bedrooms, ideally with a minimum of 12' x 12' (144 sq ft)
• Price range: Generally comparable to standard king mattresses, though premium materials can increase the cost. The California king is a great middle-ground for luxury when considering how much you should spend on a mattress.
• Availability: Widely available from most major mattress retailers

Advantages of a California King Mattress

The California king offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for a lot of consumers. Let’s break down a few of them below.

Easier To Find

California king mattresses are much more common than Texas king beds. You'll find a wide selection at most mattress stores, both online and in physical locations. This means you have more options to choose from, making it simpler to find the perfect mattress for your preferences and budget.

Can Fit In Narrower Rooms

Compared to a Texas king, the California king is slightly slimmer, making it a better fit for longer than wide bedrooms. Its surface area of 6,048 square inches provides ample sleeping space without overwhelming smaller rooms. This makes it a practical choice for those who want an oversized mattress but have limited space.

More Accessories

Because of its popularity, you'll have an easier time finding accessories for a California king mattress. Bed frames, adjustable bases, sheets, comforters, and other bedding are readily available in this size. This makes shopping for your bed much simpler than if you had a less common size like a Texas king.

Disadvantages of a California King Mattress

Despite its aesthetic appeal and practicality, the California king mattress also has its cons. Consider the following before purchasing: 

Difficult To Set Up 

While slightly smaller than a Texas king, California king beds can still be difficult to move and set up. Their length can make navigating hallways and doorways tricky. Be sure to plan for delivery and setup, and consider whether you need assistance.

Hard To Fit In Square Rooms

The orientation of a California king bed is long and narrow, so it’d be awkward and difficult to place this mattress in a square-shaped room. This type of mattress should be set up in rectangular rooms for a balanced bedroom arrangement. 

Less Space for Couples

Compared to a standard king mattress, a California king bed provides more legroom but less width, so couples or sleepers who plan on a co-sleeping arrangement may find the California king too cramped. 

How To Choose Between a Texas vs. California King Bed 

A Texas and California king bed is large enough for restful sleep and multiple sleepers, but their unique dimensions cater to different needs. 

Think about your room size, how many people (or pets) will share the bed, your budget, and the availability of accessories. Here’s a breakdown of considerations to help you: 

• Bedroom size: A Texas king demands a very large room (14'x14' minimum), while a California king fits better in longer, narrower rooms (12'x12' minimum).
• Number of sleepers: A Texas king is ideal for families or multiple sleepers, while a California king suits couples or taller individuals.
• Budget: A Texas king is generally more expensive, while a California king is often around the same price as a standard king.
• Accessory needs: A Texas king accessories may require custom orders, while California king accessories are widely available. 

If you’re considering an adjustable base, you might also want to explore the option of a split king vs. king bed for more personalized comfort. You can also find split California king beds, though these are less common.

Texas King Bed vs. California King: Which One Should I Get?

When it comes to mattress comfort, size matters just as much as durability and feel. A spacious sleep surface is key to a healthy and restful night. 

Both the Texas king and California king offer ample room but cater to different needs. The California king is a great option for many, providing extra length without excessive width. But if you truly want maximum space, consider the Texas king or even larger options like the Alaskan king. 

When deciding between Texas king and California king, consider your room size and sleeping habits. For those shopping for king mattresses, Purple offers a range of king size options designed for optimal comfort and support, including California king beds and split king beds.

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