King size mattresses go by many names. Sometimes you’ll see them referred to as the traditional king, standard king, or regular king mattress. Other times, they’re touted as an Eastern king mattress.
No matter what they’re called, a standard king mattress measures 76 inches by 80 inches. If you purchase an Eastern king size mattress, you’ll be able to use it with regular king size bedding and bed bases.
Award-Winning Mattresses
15,000+ Reviews
Couples often choose an Eastern king bed for its roomy nature. The bed provides enough space for two people to sleep—there’s even room for a small child to co-sleep with their parents.
Of course, the Eastern king has a counterpart known as the Western king. Other variations on the traditional king mattress include the oversized Wyoming king, Alaskan king, and Texas king beds.
What’s a Western King?
A Western king size mattress is the same thing as a California king size mattress. This bed measures 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, making it the longest standard size mattress.
California king beds are often the best mattresses for tall people over 6 feet. They also fit nicely into narrow master bedrooms.
It’s not uncommon for people to think a California king size mattress is roomier than a traditional style king mattress, but the opposite is true. A regular king mattress has 6080 square inches of space, while a California king mattress has 6048 square inches. That’s not a size difference most people will notice, but it’s still worth mentioning.
Still, both sizes are good options for couples interested in a spacious mattress. Parents can also share California king size mattresses with their kids.
Unsure whether an Eastern king or Western king is right for you? Check out our king vs. Cal king mattress guide.
How Much Does a King Mattress Cost?
If you’re interested in a king size mattress, you might consider one of the eight mattresses that Amerisleep offers. Our beds range from soft to firm, and we sell memory foam and hybrid mattresses.
| Mattress Model | Price for a standard king | Price for a California king |
|---|---|---|
| Amerisleep AS1 | $1,119 | $1,119 |
| Amerisleep AS2 | $1,259 | $1,259 |
| Amerisleep AS2 Hybrid | $1,399 | $1,399 |
| Amerisleep AS3 | $1,329 | $1,329 |
| Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid | $1,469 | $1,469 |
| Amerisleep AS4 | $1,469 | $1,469 |
| Amerisleep AS5 | $1,749 | $1,749 |
| Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid | $1,889 | $1,889 |
Eastern king and Western king mattresses usually have comparable prices. However, the accessories needed for a Western king often cost more than a traditional king’s accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a split king?
A split king size mattress is just what the name implies—a regular king size mattress split in half. Each half is the size of a twin XL mattress, measuring 38 inches by 80 inches.
Split king mattresses give couples a chance to sleep on their preferred firmness. For example, a side sleeper and stomach sleeper can rest comfortably if the side sleeper’s half is soft while the stomach sleeper’s half is firm. Split king mattresses are also more customizable than a standard king mattress when it comes to adjustable beds.
Do two twins equal a king?
No, two twin size mattresses do not equal a king mattress or any other mattress size. However, two twin XL mattresses have the same dimensions as a king size bed. Pushing two twin XL mattresses together creates a split king mattress, and couples may do this if they disagree on firmness preferences or have a king size adjustable base.
Is a super king the same as a California king?
No, a super king is a nonstandard mattress size measuring 80 inches by 98 inches. This size is also sometimes called a grand king, athletic king, or Texas king.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, super king typically refers to a mattress that’s 72 inches by 84 inches.
Can you put a king mattress on a queen frame?
Technically yes, because a king mattress is 80 inches long, the same length as a queen bed. However, if you were to do this, the king mattress’s extra 16 inches of width would be hanging over the side of the queen size frame. The edges of the mattress sagging over the bed frame would likely affect the mattress’s entire comfort and support.
We always recommend buying a bed frame, box spring, or mattress foundation sized to your mattress. Choosing the correct size ensures your mattress will have the support it needs to stand strong after years of use.
Can I use a king headboard on a California king bed?
You might be able to, depending on how the headboard attaches. The headboard will be 4 inches wider than the bed frame, so it may not fit. While you might get away with using a king size headboard for a California king size platform bed, we strongly recommend buying bedding and accessories sized for a California king mattress.
Is an Eastern King Mattress Right for You?
Whatever it’s called, an Eastern king size bed is the perfect choice for people who want to upgrade their master bedroom. Some couples may prefer a queen size mattress if they have a smaller bedroom or a limited budget. However, if a good night’s sleep is your priority, it’s hard to go wrong with a king size mattress.
About the author
McKenzie Hyde is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and a full-time writer focused on sleep health and the mattress industry. She currently writes articles on a variety of topics, ranging from sleep hygiene to the newest trends in the mattress and bedding industry. Just some of the topics she has covered include best sleep practices for students, the consequences of going without sleep, and choosing the right bed if you suffer from back pain. McKenzie Hyde holds a Master of Arts degree from Utah State University where she studied literature and writing. While there, she taught argumentative writing and wrote a variety of articles and analyses for literary and academic journals.
View all posts
