Quick Answer: A standard king size mattress in Canada measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 cm x 203 cm). A California king is narrower but longer at 72 x 84 inches (183 x 213 cm). A split king uses two Twin XL mattresses (38 x 80 inches each) side by side. Your bedroom should be at least 12 x 12 feet to fit a king comfortably with walking space on both sides.
In This Guide
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The king size mattress is the most popular upgrade for couples in Canada, and for good reason. At 76 inches wide, each person gets 38 inches of personal sleeping space, the same width as a Twin bed. Compare that to a queen, where each person shares just 30 inches, and you can see why so many couples make the switch.
But "king size" means different things in different countries, and even within Canada, there are three distinct king options to consider. This guide covers every king size mattress dimension in both inches and centimetres, plus the room measurements you need to make sure it actually fits.
King Size Mattress Dimensions: Complete Chart
Here are the exact dimensions for every king size mattress sold in Canada. These measurements are standardized across all manufacturers, so a king from Restonic is the same size as a king from any other brand.
| King Type | Inches (W x L) | Centimetres | Feet | Surface Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard King | 76" x 80" | 193 x 203 cm | 6'4" x 6'8" | 6,080 sq in (42.2 sq ft) |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 183 x 213 cm | 6'0" x 7'0" | 6,048 sq in (42.0 sq ft) |
| Split King | 76" x 80" (2 x Twin XL) | 193 x 203 cm | 6'4" x 6'8" | 6,080 sq in (42.2 sq ft) |
| Queen (for reference) | 60" x 80" | 152 x 203 cm | 5'0" x 6'8" | 4,800 sq in (33.3 sq ft) |
Why 76 Inches Matters for Couples
Sleep researchers have found that partner movement is one of the most common causes of nighttime awakenings. A 2017 study published in Sleep and Biological Rhythms found that couples sharing a bed experienced 30% more sleep disruptions than solo sleepers. The extra 16 inches of width in a king (compared to a queen) gives each partner a full Twin mattress worth of personal space, which significantly reduces motion transfer disturbance (Pankhurst & Horne, 1994).
King vs California King vs Split King: Which One Do You Need?
Standard King (Eastern King)
The standard king, sometimes called an Eastern king, is the most common king size in Canada. At 76 x 80 inches, it prioritizes width over length. This is the right choice for most couples because the extra width (16 inches more than a queen) is where you notice the biggest improvement in sleep quality.
If both sleepers are under 6 feet tall, a standard king provides more than enough length. The 80-inch length is identical to a queen, so if your queen was long enough, a standard king will be too.
California King
The California king trades 4 inches of width for 4 inches of length: 72 x 84 inches. That 84-inch (7-foot) length makes it the best option for sleepers over 6 feet tall, especially those who sleep on their backs with feet extending toward the end of the mattress.
The trade-off is real though. At 72 inches wide, each partner gets only 36 inches of personal space, 2 inches less than a standard king. For a deeper comparison, see our king vs California king guide.
When to Choose California King Over Standard King
- Either sleeper is over 6'2": The extra 4 inches of length prevents feet from hanging off the edge.
- Narrow bedroom layout: At 72 inches wide (4 inches narrower), a Cal king fits in rooms where a standard king would leave too little clearance.
- You sleep with a large dog: If your dog sleeps at the foot of the bed, the extra length accommodates them without pushing your feet off the mattress.
Split King
A split king is two Twin XL mattresses (38 x 80 inches each) placed side by side in a king frame. The total footprint is identical to a standard king: 76 x 80 inches.
The main advantage is that each partner can choose a different firmness level. If one person prefers a firm mattress while the other needs a medium-soft, a split king solves that disagreement permanently. Split kings also pair with adjustable bed bases where each side moves independently.
The downside is a gap down the middle, though this can be minimized with a gap filler strip. You also need split king sheets, which are harder to find than standard king bedding.
Minimum Bedroom Size for a King Bed
A king mattress alone is 76 x 80 inches (6'4" x 6'8"). But you need walking space around it, room for nightstands, and clearance for doors and closets. Here are the bedroom dimensions you need:
| Room Size | Dimensions | What Fits |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 12' x 12' (144 sq ft) | King bed + 2 small nightstands, tight walkways |
| Comfortable | 13' x 13' (169 sq ft) | King bed + nightstands + dresser, 24" walkways |
| Ideal | 14' x 16' (224 sq ft) | King bed + full furniture suite, 30"+ walkways, seating area |
Brantford Home Sizes and King Beds
Most older Brantford homes (built before 1980) have master bedrooms in the 11 x 12 to 12 x 14 foot range, which can fit a king but may feel tight. Newer developments in areas like Oak Park and the west end tend to have larger master suites in the 13 x 15+ range, which are comfortable for a king with full furniture. If your room is borderline, bring your measurements to Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street and we will help you figure out whether a king or a queen is the better fit.
A helpful rule of thumb: you want at least 24 inches of clearance on each side of the bed for comfortable walking, and 36 inches in front of any dresser or closet for door clearance. Measure your room at the narrowest points, not at the baseboards.
King vs Queen: Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The jump from queen to king adds 16 inches of width (60" to 76") while keeping the same 80-inch length. That translates to 1,280 square inches of additional sleeping surface, roughly the size of a large bath towel per person.
| Factor | Queen (60 x 80) | King (76 x 80) |
|---|---|---|
| Per-person width | 30 inches each | 38 inches each |
| Equivalent solo bed | Narrower than a Twin (38") | Equal to a Twin (38") |
| Minimum room size | 10' x 10' | 12' x 12' |
| Kids/pets in bed | Very tight with a child | Room for a child or pet comfortably |
| Price difference | Base price | Typically $200-$500 more |
For most couples, the upgrade is worth it if your bedroom can accommodate the extra 16 inches. The per-person space improvement is significant, and many of our customers at Mattress Miracle tell us the king was the single best bedroom investment they made.
How to Measure Your Bedroom for a King
Step 1: Measure Wall to Wall
Use a tape measure to record the length and width of your room at floor level. Measure at the widest and narrowest points, as walls are not always perfectly square. Write down both measurements. In older Brantford homes especially, rooms can be off by an inch or two.
Step 2: Map Your Fixed Features
Note the location and width of doors (including swing direction), closet openings, windows, heating vents, and any built-in features. A door that swings inward needs 30-36 inches of clearance that your bed cannot occupy.
Step 3: Calculate Bed Footprint
Add your bed frame dimensions to the mattress size. A standard king mattress is 76 x 80 inches, but a king bed frame with a headboard and footboard may extend to 80 x 88 inches or more. Account for the frame, not just the mattress.
Step 4: Check Walkway Clearance
Subtract the bed footprint from your room dimensions to see what remains. You need at least 24 inches on each side you plan to walk (both sides for couples) and 24 inches at the foot. If you plan to add nightstands (typically 18-24 inches wide), include those in the footprint.
Step 5: Test With Tape on the Floor
Before buying, lay out painter's tape on your bedroom floor in the exact dimensions of the king bed plus frame. Live with it for a day. Walk around it. Open your closet doors. This 10-minute exercise prevents expensive mistakes.
King Bed Frame and Headboard Dimensions
Your mattress is only part of the footprint. A king bed frame adds width and length that you need to account for when planning your room layout.
Typical King Frame Dimensions
- Platform bed frame (no headboard): 77-79" wide x 81-83" long. Adds 1-3 inches per side.
- Frame with headboard: 78-82" wide x 85-90" long. Headboards can extend 2-6 inches beyond the mattress width.
- Sleigh bed or upholstered frame: 80-84" wide x 88-92" long. These are the largest and need the most room clearance.
- Adjustable base (no frame): 76-78" wide x 80-82" long. Minimal added footprint, the best option for tight rooms.
For our complete selection of king frames, visit our king bed frame guide or come into the Brantford showroom to see what fits your style and space.
King Mattress Height and Total Bed Height
King mattress height (thickness) varies by type:
- Thin/budget mattresses: 8-10 inches
- Standard mattresses: 10-12 inches
- Pillow-top/luxury mattresses: 12-16 inches
Your total bed height is mattress + foundation + frame. A common setup (5-inch foundation, 2-inch frame rail, 12-inch mattress) puts the sleeping surface at about 19 inches off the floor. For most adults, a total bed height of 18-25 inches allows comfortable sitting on the edge. If mobility is a concern, adjustable bases let you raise and lower the height as needed.
Getting a King Mattress Into Your Home
This is the part most people forget to plan for. A king mattress at 76 x 80 inches does not bend easily, and it needs to navigate your front door, hallways, stairwells, and bedroom door to reach its final home.
Delivery Clearance Checklist
- Front door: Most exterior doors are 36 inches wide. A king mattress at 76 inches wide needs to be tilted to fit. Measure your door frame including the trim.
- Staircase width: Minimum 36 inches, but turns and landings are the real challenge. Measure the narrowest point on any turn.
- Hallway width: Needs at least 36 inches for a king to pass through when tilted.
- Bedroom door: Standard interior doors are 30-32 inches. The mattress must be angled through at an incline.
- Ceiling height at stairs: Low ceilings (under 8 feet) on landings can prevent a king from making the turn.
At Mattress Miracle, our delivery team handles king mattresses in Brantford homes every week. We know the tight staircases in the older homes on Colborne Street and the wider layouts in new builds near Wayne Gretzky Parkway. If there is any doubt about fit, call Brad at (519) 770-0001 before purchasing and we can advise on delivery feasibility.
Bed-in-a-Box Alternative for Tight Access
If your staircase or hallway cannot accommodate a full-size king mattress, a compressed mattress-in-a-box can be the solution. These arrive rolled and compressed in a box roughly 19 x 19 x 44 inches, which fits through any standard door. Once in the bedroom, the mattress expands to its full 76 x 80 dimensions within 24-48 hours. We carry several options in our Brantford showroom, and you can see (and try) the expanded versions before ordering the boxed version for delivery. For a full comparison, see our mattress in a box Canada guide.
King Bedding and Sheet Dimensions
Once you have the mattress, you need bedding that fits. King bedding is not the same as California king bedding, so check the label carefully.
| Bedding Type | Standard King | California King |
|---|---|---|
| Fitted sheet | 78 x 80 x depth | 72 x 84 x depth |
| Flat sheet | 108 x 102 | 108 x 102 |
| Duvet/comforter | 106 x 92 | 104 x 98 |
| Pillowcases | King: 20 x 36 | King: 20 x 36 |
For our full selection of king size sheets, including bamboo, cotton, and French linen options, browse our bedding collection or visit the Brantford showroom. We carry antimicrobial linen and bamboo sheets in king and California king sizes.
Academic References
- Pankhurst, F. P., & Horne, J. A. (1994). The influence of bed partners on movement during sleep. Sleep, 17(4), 308-315.
- Driller, M. W., Mah, C. D., & Halson, S. L. (2023). The bed and bedroom environment and its impact on sleep: A review. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 68, 101752.
- National Sleep Foundation. (2023). Bedroom environment recommendations for optimal sleep quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dimensions of a king size mattress in Canada?
A standard king size mattress in Canada measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long (193 cm x 203 cm). This is the same as the U.S. "Eastern King" size. All Canadian mattress manufacturers follow this standard, so a king from any brand will be the same outer dimensions.
Is a king size mattress the same in Canada and the US?
Yes. Canadian and American king size mattresses use identical dimensions: 76 x 80 inches for a standard king and 72 x 84 inches for a California king. The sizing standards are shared across North America. European king sizes are different, typically 160 x 200 cm (about 63 x 79 inches), which is closer to a North American queen.
Can a king size mattress fit in a 10 x 12 bedroom?
Technically yes, but it will be very tight. The mattress alone takes up 76 x 80 inches (6'4" x 6'8"), leaving only 3'8" on the short side and 5'4" on the long side for walking space, furniture, and doors. You would likely only fit the bed plus one nightstand. We recommend a minimum of 12 x 12 feet for a king, or consider a queen for rooms under that size.
What is the difference between a king and a California king?
A standard king is 76 x 80 inches (wider, shorter). A California king is 72 x 84 inches (narrower, longer). The California king adds 4 inches of length but loses 4 inches of width. Both have nearly identical total surface area. Choose a Cal king if either sleeper is over 6'2" tall. For a full breakdown, see our king vs California king comparison.
Where can I try a king size mattress in Brantford?
Mattress Miracle at 441 1/2 West Street in Brantford carries king, California king, and split king mattresses from brands including Sleep In, Kingsdown, and Restonic. You can try them in person and bring your bedroom measurements so we can help you confirm fit. Call (519) 770-0001 or visit during store hours.
Related Reading
- King vs California King: Will It Fit Your Bedroom?
- Queen vs King Mattress Size Canada 2026
- Split King Bed Benefits in Canada: Complete Guide for Couples
- Bed Size Chart: Every Mattress Size in Inches & CM
- King Size Beds: The Complete 2026 Guide
Visit Our Brantford Showroom
Mattress Miracle
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford
Phone: (519) 770-0001
Hours: Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Not sure if a king will fit your bedroom? Bring your room measurements and we will help you decide between standard king, California king, or whether a queen is actually the better call. No pressure, just honest advice from a family that has been helping Brantford sleep better since 1987.