A fitted sheet that pops off the corners or a duvet that leaves the sides of the mattress bare can spoil an otherwise lovely bed. The good news is that sizing is simple once you know three things: your mattress size, your mattress depth and how much overhang you like. This guide walks you through each one.
Standard US mattress sizes
Most bedding sold in the US is labeled to match these standard mattress sizes (width by length):
- Twin: 38 x 75 inches. Common for kids’ rooms, bunk beds and daybeds.
- Twin XL: 38 x 80 inches. Five inches longer than a twin, popular in college dorms.
- Full (double): 54 x 75 inches. Fine for one adult who likes room to spread out.
- Queen: 60 x 80 inches. A popular choice for couples and guest rooms.
- King: 76 x 80 inches. About the width of two twin XLs side by side.
- California king: 72 x 84 inches. Narrower but longer than a king, good for tall sleepers.
A twin XL and a king share the same 80-inch length, but a California king is a different shape, so king sheets won’t fit it properly. Always buy California king bedding for a California king bed.
Measure your mattress depth
Width and length are only part of the story. Pillow tops and toppers make many mattresses much thicker. Measure from the bottom seam to the top of the mattress (including any topper) and compare it with the pocket depth on the fitted sheet’s label. Choose a pocket a little deeper than your mattress so the elastic can tuck well underneath. Sheets labeled “deep pocket” are made for thicker mattresses.
Fitted and flat sheets
A fitted sheet should match your mattress size exactly. A flat sheet is cut larger so it can be tucked in at the foot and sides. If you like a generous tuck, or you have a very deep mattress, some people buy a flat sheet one size up. Sheet sets usually include a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and pillowcases, while many bedding sets pair a fitted sheet with a duvet cover instead. Our guide to bedding sets explains the differences.
Comforters, duvets and quilts
Top layers are sized to hang over the sides of the bed, so they are always wider than the mattress. Exact measurements vary a lot from brand to brand, which is why two “queen” comforters can look very different on the same bed. A few tips:
- Check the actual dimensions on the label rather than relying on the size name alone.
- Think about the drop. Measure from the top of the mattress to where you want the edge to fall. Add that to each side of the mattress width.
- Consider sizing up. Many people with deep mattresses or tall bed frames choose an oversized comforter or go up one size for a fuller look.
- Match duvet inserts and covers. A duvet insert should be the same size as its cover, or very slightly larger so it fills out the corners.
Quilts and coverlets often hang shorter and sit neatly at the side of the bed. If you’re unsure which to choose, see quilt vs coverlet.
Bedding sold in metric sizes
Many bedding products from international sellers list sizes in centimeters or by bed width, such as “1.5 m” or “180 cm.” To convert, divide centimeters by 2.54 to get inches. A 150 cm width is about 59 inches, close to a US queen. A 180 cm width is about 71 inches, and 200 cm is about 79 inches. International sizes don’t line up exactly with US ones, so always compare measurements.
For example, the coral fleece bedding set is sold by bed width in centimeters, while the bamboo fiber sheet and quilt cover kit uses familiar twin, full, queen and king sizes.
Blankets and throws
Bed blankets follow mattress sizes, but throws are their own category. A typical throw is around 50 x 60 inches, large enough for one person on the sofa or to drape across the foot of a bed. A chenille thick-thread blanket at 127 x 152 cm is right in that throw range. For more on choosing blankets, read how to buy a blanket.
Pillow sizes
Pillowcases are sized to pillows, not beds. The common US pillow sizes are standard, queen and king, plus euro squares used for decoration. A queen bed usually takes two standard or queen pillows, while a king bed fits two king pillows or three standard ones across.
Tips for buying bedding as a gift
If you don’t know the recipient’s mattress size, choose gifts that don’t depend on it, such as throws, pillowcases or a personalized blanket. If you’re buying sheets, check the size with a family member first and keep the receipt. Our personalized blanket gift guide has ideas that fit everyone.
FAQ
Will queen sheets fit a full bed?
They will go on, but they will be loose and wrinkle easily because a queen is 6 inches wider and 5 inches longer. It’s better to buy the matching size.
What size comforter should I buy for a queen bed?
A queen comforter works for most queen beds. If your mattress is very deep or you want more overhang, look at oversized queen or king options and check the dimensions.
Are twin XL sheets the same as twin sheets?
No. Twin XL is 5 inches longer, so regular twin fitted sheets are usually too short for it.
Heads up: NicheStuff is our own shop, so we earn from purchases made through these links. Prices and availability are set on the store and can change.