King vs California King Mattresses

A BedInABox® standard king mattress measures 76” x 80”, and a California King measures 72” x 84”. The essential difference between a king size and a California King is their practical uses – a standard King mattress is four inches wider, and the California King mattress is four inches longer.

Welcome to the world of oversized mattresses. At 76 inches wide, the standard king size mattress sits alongside the California King mattress as one of the largest mattresses on the market. Both the California King and the traditional king size mattresses were designed to provide ample room for people who share the bed with a partner. The primary difference between the standard king mattress and the California King mattress is their intended use. At 80 inches long, the standard king size mattress measures four inches shorter than the California King mattress. The California King actually measures 72 inches wide, making it four inches narrower than the standard King. The difference in size may not sound like much, but it is enough for the two mattresses to have different practical uses. Keep reading to learn more about the history of these mattress sizes and the benefits of each option.

History of King Mattress Size

Today, partners sharing a king size bed on a daily basis is commonplace. However, before the 1940s, most married partners actually sought separate twin size beds to sleep in at night. Even though the idea of a larger mattress, like a king size, was first introduced in the early 1900’s, it did not become popular with consumers until the 1950s. Prior to the rise in popularity of oversized mattresses, consumers preferred the lower cost of a twin size mattress, too. In the 1940s, manufacturers began developing larger beds they called queen and king beds, but consumers never bought onto the concept. These supersized mattresses began to grow in popularity with the initial price range of $69 to $79. In addition to being well-priced, there was a need for more oversized mattresses since Americans were growing taller themselves. Eventually, with bigger houses and more space, the concept of a king size bed took off by the 1960s and has remained popular ever since.

King Size Mattress

The king mattress size measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, making it four inches wider than the California King mattress but also four inches shorter. Thanks to all of the extra sleep space, the king size is perfect for partners or families with children or pets.

If you are on the hunt for a king size mattress upgrade, you are in luck. At BedInABox®, we offer six different mattress models, all of which are available in king size. You can also find various sleep essentials you may need to pair with your new mattress in our online shop, including sheets and mattress protectors. Even better – all of our mattresses ship in a compact box, so getting your new mattress through the door or up the stairs should be hassle-free.

California King Mattress Size

Contrary to popular belief, the California King mattress measures four inches narrower than a standard king, 72 inches wide, and four inches longer, 84 inches long. The California King is perfect for taller sleepers who need a high-quality mattress with a little extra foot room while still having plenty of space to share with a partner or family.

Five of our BedInABox® mattresses are available in a California King mattress size, each of which has been designed to meet different sleep needs. Not only do we have a mattress for everyone, but we also offer a selection of bed frames, foundations and our MotionInABox™ Adjustable Bases to support your California King mattress.

Both Excellent Options

The king size mattress and the California King mattress are both excellent options for anyone needing more sleep space than a queen or full size mattress may offer. As you consider upgrading your mattress size to a king or a California king, also consider the size of your sleep space, who may be sleeping on the bed and how your new mattress will meet those sleep needs.