Standard UK mattress sizes#
UK mattress sizes differ from both US and European standard dimensions. Always verify your bed frame measurements before ordering, as mixing a UK mattress with a European or US frame will leave gaps or overhangs.
| Size name | Width × Length (cm) | Width × Length (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Small single | 75 × 190 cm | 2′6″ × 6′3″ |
| Single | 90 × 190 cm | 3′0″ × 6′3″ |
| Small double | 120 × 190 cm | 4′0″ × 6′3″ |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm | 4′6″ × 6′3″ |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | 5′0″ × 6′6″ |
| Super king | 180 × 200 cm | 6′0″ × 6′6″ |
| Emperor | 200 × 200 cm | 6′6″ × 6′6″ |
How UK sizes compare to US sizes#
| UK size | US equivalent | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| UK Single (90 cm) | US Twin (97 cm) | UK is 7 cm narrower |
| UK Double (135 cm) | US Full (137 cm) | Near-identical width |
| UK King (150 × 200 cm) | US Queen (153 × 203 cm) | US Queen is larger |
| UK Super King (180 cm) | US King (193 cm) | US King is wider |
European sizes available in the UK#
Some UK retailers also sell European (EU) sizes, particularly for beds imported from Scandinavia or Germany. The most common EU sizes you'll encounter:
- EU Single: 90 × 200 cm (10 cm longer than UK single)
- EU Double: 140 × 200 cm (5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than UK double)
- EU King: 160 × 200 cm (10 cm wider than UK king)
EU mattresses won't fit standard UK bed frames. If buying a bed frame and mattress separately, confirm both use the same sizing standard.
Which size should you choose?#
Single (90 × 190 cm): Children over age 8, teenagers, adults in studio flats with limited floor space.
Small double (120 × 190 cm): Couples in smaller rooms, or a spacious single. Only 15 cm narrower than a double per person — a meaningful difference for two adults sleeping regularly.
Double (135 × 190 cm): The most popular size for couples in the UK. Adequate for most couples of average build in standard bedroom sizes (typically 10′ × 10′ or above).
King (150 × 200 cm): The recommended minimum for couples where one or both partners is above average height or weight, or where sleep disturbance from partner movement is an issue. The extra 15 cm width and 10 cm length make a noticeable difference to sleep quality.
Super king (180 × 200 cm): Maximum space per person for couples. Requires a bedroom of at least 14′ × 12′ to allow comfortable access to both sides. The definitive choice for restless sleepers, hot sleepers or couples with significantly different firmness preferences (can use two single mattresses zipped together).