UK Bed Sizes Explained: Double, King and Beyond
By the Kinky Beds teamPublished 3 min read
Quick answer
- UK beds are named by width: Double is 4ft 6in (135 × 190 cm mattress); King is 5ft (150 × 200 cm mattress).
- The frame is always larger than the mattress, so check the frame's overall size before you buy.
- UK, EU and US sizes differ: a UK King is not the same as a US King.
UK bed sizes are named by the width of the mattress they take, in feet. That's why you'll see a Double called "4ft 6in" and a King called "5ft". Here's the full chart, plus what the numbers mean in practice.
UK mattress sizes chart
| UK size | Width (ft) | Mattress (cm) | Mattress (inches, approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small single | 2ft 6in | 75 × 190 | 30 × 75 | Children, very small rooms |
| Single | 3ft | 90 × 190 | 36 × 75 | One adult |
| Small double | 4ft | 120 × 190 | 48 × 75 | One adult, or a couple in a small room |
| Double | 4ft 6in | 135 × 190 | 54 × 75 | The most common size for couples |
| King | 5ft | 150 × 200 | 60 × 78 | Couples who want more space |
| Super king | 6ft | 180 × 200 | 72 × 78 | Couples who want lots of space, or with children and pets joining |
Sizes are nominal: individual mattresses can vary by a centimetre or two.
Mattress size vs frame size
The figures above are mattress sizes. A bed frame is always wider and longer than its mattress, because of the side rails, the headboard and sometimes a footboard. How much bigger depends entirely on the design, so always check the manufacturer's overall frame dimensions before you measure up.
For The Sovereign Bed we publish the mattress sizes it takes (Double 135 × 190 cm, King 150 × 200 cm, mattresses up to 30 cm deep). For the overall frame dimensions, email support@kinkybeds.com before you order and we'll send them.
UK vs EU vs US sizes
| Name | UK mattress | Common EU mattress | US mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double / Full | 135 × 190 cm | 140 × 200 cm | 137 × 191 cm (Full) |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | 160 × 200 cm | 193 × 203 cm |
| Super king / Cal king | 180 × 200 cm | 180 × 200 cm | 183 × 213 cm (California King) |
If you're buying a frame and a mattress from different places, make sure they're both UK sizes. A European 140 cm mattress won't sit properly on a UK Double frame.
Double vs King: which is right?
A King gives each sleeper 75 cm of width, compared with 67.5 cm on a Double, and it's 10 cm longer. That extra length is useful if either of you is tall. A Double takes up less floor space, which matters in many UK bedrooms. Our Double vs King guide goes into detail, or try the quick which bed size quiz.
How much room do you need?
Interior designers usually recommend about 60–70 cm of walkway on each side of a bed you get in and out of, and at the foot. Our room-fit calculator draws your room to scale and shows the space left around a Double and a King. Then see how to measure for a new bed for doorways, stairs and landings.
Mattress depth
Frames have a maximum mattress depth. Too deep and the mattress sits high above the side rails; too shallow and it can look sunken. The Sovereign Bed takes standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep. Our mattress depth guide explains how to measure.
The Sovereign Bed
From £599.00 · Free UK delivery
- Restraint rings hidden behind interchangeable decorative panels that swap in under 60 seconds, no tools
- Solid hardwood frame with a 150kg load rating
- Double (4ft 6in) or King (5ft), for standard UK mattresses up to 30 cm deep
- Onyx Black or Alabaster White · plain, unmarked packaging · 14-day returns
Frequently asked questions
What size is a UK double bed in cm?
A UK double mattress is 135 × 190 cm (4ft 6in wide). The frame is larger than the mattress, so check the frame's overall dimensions too.
What size is a UK king size bed in cm?
A UK king mattress is 150 × 200 cm (5ft wide). It's 15 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double.
Is a UK king the same as a US king?
No. A UK king mattress is 150 × 200 cm; a US king is about 193 × 203 cm, closer to a UK super king in width.
Will an EU 140 × 200 mattress fit a UK double frame?
Usually not well. A UK double frame is designed for a 135 × 190 cm mattress, so a 140 × 200 cm mattress will be too wide and too long.