Quick Answer: A double (full) mattress in Canada measures 54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm). Buy sheets labelled "double" or "full," choose standard pocket depth (up to 12 inches) for traditional coil mattresses, and deep pocket (13 to 17 inches) for modern foam or hybrid models.
For help choosing the right fabric weave, see our cotton percale sheets Canada guide, which covers percale vs sateen and thread count myths.
10 min read
Double Mattress Dimensions in Canada
Before you buy sheets, you need to know what you are working with. A standard double mattress in Canada measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, which converts to 137 cm by 190 cm. If you see a mattress labelled "full" at a Canadian retailer, it is the exact same size. The two names are interchangeable, a quirk of mattress industry history that still confuses shoppers today.
What varies is thickness. A basic innerspring double might be 8 or 9 inches deep. A modern memory foam or hybrid double can run 12 to 16 inches. That thickness is what determines whether your sheets will actually stay tucked, and it is where most people get tripped up.
Why "Double" and "Full" Mean the Same Thing
Before queen beds became widely available in the 1960s, the double was the standard bed for couples. When manufacturers introduced the queen (60 x 80 inches), they started calling the smaller 54 x 75 inch mattress "full" to distinguish it. According to the Canadian Standards Association, both terms refer to identical dimensions. In Canada, "double" remains the more common label, while American retailers tend to favour "full."
Fitted Sheet Sizes for a Double Bed
A double fitted sheet should measure 54 x 75 inches across its sleeping surface, matching the mattress exactly. The difference between fitted sheets comes down to pocket depth, which is the elastic-edged drop that wraps around the sides and corners of your mattress.
| Pocket Depth Category | Depth Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard pocket | 7 to 12 inches (18 to 30 cm) | Traditional innerspring, budget foam mattresses |
| Deep pocket | 13 to 17 inches (33 to 43 cm) | Memory foam, hybrid, pillow-top models |
| Extra deep pocket | 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm) | Mattress + topper combos, ultra-thick luxury models |
In our experience at Mattress Miracle, most customers who come in frustrated with sheets that pop off in the night are simply using a standard pocket sheet on a 14-inch mattress. The fix is straightforward: measure your mattress thickness and buy sheets with a pocket depth at least 1 to 2 inches greater than your measurement.
Flat Sheet Sizes for a Double Bed
A double (full) flat sheet in Canada typically measures 81 x 96 inches (206 x 244 cm). This is deliberately larger than the mattress itself to allow for a generous tuck on both sides and at the foot.
| Bedding Item | Inches (W x L) | Centimetres (W x L) |
|---|---|---|
| Double mattress | 54 x 75 | 137 x 190 |
| Double fitted sheet | 54 x 75 (+ pocket depth) | 137 x 190 (+ pocket depth) |
| Double flat sheet | 81 x 96 | 206 x 244 |
| Double pillowcase (standard) | 20 x 26 | 51 x 66 |
Some brands sell flat sheets labelled "full/queen," which typically measure 90 x 102 inches. These work on a double bed but will have more overhang, which some people prefer for a more draped, hotel-like look. If you like a tighter military tuck, stick with the true double size.
What Size Comforter for a Double Bed?
A standard double comforter in Canada measures approximately 78 x 86 inches (198 x 218 cm). This provides about 12 inches of overhang on each side and roughly 5 to 6 inches at the foot, which is enough drape to look tidy without dragging on the floor.
Double Comforter Sizing at a Glance
- Standard double comforter: 78 x 86 inches (198 x 218 cm)
- Oversized double comforter: 86 x 90 inches (218 x 229 cm)
- Side overhang formula: (comforter width minus mattress width) divided by 2 = overhang per side
- Ideal overhang: 10 to 14 inches per side for a clean, finished look
If your double bed sits on a platform frame without a bed skirt, you may want the oversized option for fuller coverage. On a traditional frame with a box spring, a standard double comforter usually looks balanced.
One mistake we see often: buying a queen comforter for a double bed. A queen comforter measures roughly 88 x 92 inches, which is 10 inches wider than the double standard. It will work, but the excess width means more fabric pooling on the sides, and the comforter may slide off during the night because the extra weight is unevenly distributed.
Canadian Bedding Label Tip
Canadian retailers are inconsistent with labelling. You will see "double," "full," and "full/double" used interchangeably on sheet and comforter packaging. At stores like Canadian Tire, Walmart Canada, and The Bay, double bedding is typically shelved under "full/double." Online, check the actual measurements in the product description rather than relying on the size name alone. Dimensions can vary by 1 to 3 inches between brands.
Duvet Cover Sizes for a Double Mattress
A double duvet cover in Canada measures approximately 78 x 86 inches (198 x 218 cm), which matches the standard double comforter. If you are using a duvet insert inside the cover, make sure the insert and cover are the same labelled size. A queen insert inside a double cover will bunch and look lumpy. A double insert inside a queen cover will shift and leave cold spots.
| Double Bed Bedding | Inches | Centimetres | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duvet cover | 78 x 86 | 198 x 218 | Match to insert size |
| Duvet insert | 78 x 86 | 198 x 218 | Some brands run 80 x 88 |
| Bed skirt | 54 x 75 (+ drop) | 137 x 190 (+ drop) | Standard drop is 14 to 15 inches |
| Bedspread | 96 x 110 | 244 x 279 | Covers sides to floor |
The difference between a duvet cover, comforter, and bedspread confuses many shoppers. A comforter is a standalone quilted blanket. A duvet is an insert (usually down or synthetic fill) that goes inside a washable cover. A bedspread is an oversized decorative covering that reaches the floor on all sides. For a double bed, each has different dimensions because each serves a different purpose.
Pocket Depth Explained: Why Your Sheets Keep Popping Off
This is the number one complaint we hear at Mattress Miracle from customers who just bought a new mattress. They bring their old sheets from a 9-inch innerspring to a 13-inch hybrid and cannot figure out why the fitted sheet pops off every night.
Pocket depth is simply the measurement from the top sleeping surface of the sheet down around the corner and under the mattress. If your mattress is 13 inches thick and your sheet has a 12-inch pocket, those corners will not reach far enough under the mattress to stay anchored.
How to Get the Right Pocket Depth
Measure your mattress thickness from the bottom edge to the highest point of the top surface. Add 2 inches. That is your minimum pocket depth. If you use a mattress topper, add the topper thickness too. A 12-inch mattress with a 3-inch topper needs a 17-inch pocket, which puts you into the deep pocket category.
According to the Canadian Down and Feather Company, the most common pocket depths sold in Canada are 14 and 16 inches, reflecting the trend toward thicker mattresses. If you are buying a flippable mattress (typically 10 to 12 inches), standard pocket sheets usually work fine. If you are buying a modern hybrid or memory foam model, plan on deep pocket.
How to Measure Your Mattress for Sheets
You will need a tape measure and about 30 seconds.
Measuring Steps
Step 1: Remove All Bedding
Strip the mattress completely. Remove any topper, protector, or pad. You want the bare mattress measurement first.
Step 2: Measure the Width
Lay the tape measure across the widest point of the mattress. A standard double should read 54 inches (137 cm). If it reads slightly different, you may have a non-standard or vintage size.
Step 3: Measure the Length
Run the tape from the head edge to the foot edge. A standard double should read 75 inches (190 cm).
Step 4: Measure the Depth
Stand the tape measure at the bottom edge of the mattress and extend straight up to the highest point on the sleeping surface. Include any pillow-top or euro-top cushioning. Write this number down.
Step 5: Add Your Topper
If you use a mattress topper, place it back on the mattress and measure the total height. This combined measurement determines your pocket depth requirement.
Common Sheet Buying Mistakes for Double Beds
After helping Brantford families find the right bedding since 1997, we have seen the same mistakes come up again and again.
Buying "full/queen" sheets for a double bed. These sheets are sized to fit a queen mattress (60 x 80 inches). On a double (54 x 75), the fitted sheet will be loose on all sides and the corners will not grip properly. The flat sheet will have excessive overhang. If the package says "full/queen," check the actual fitted sheet dimensions in the product specs.
Ignoring thread count and fabric shrinkage. Cotton sheets can shrink 3 to 5 percent after the first wash, according to most Canadian textile manufacturers. A fitted sheet that barely fits before washing may not fit at all afterward. Look for pre-shrunk or sateen-finished cotton, or choose bamboo or Tencel blends that shrink less.
Forgetting about the mattress protector. A waterproof mattress protector adds 0.5 to 1 inch of thickness. Not much on its own, but if your mattress is already at the upper limit of standard pocket depth (12 inches), that extra inch can push you into deep pocket territory.
Assuming Canadian and European sizes are the same. They are not. A European double bed measures 140 x 200 cm, which is slightly wider and longer than the Canadian double (137 x 190 cm). If you order sheets from a European brand like IKEA (which uses Scandinavian sizing), check whether the dimensions match Canadian standards.
Research on Sheet Fit and Sleep Quality
A 2019 study published in the Journal of Textile Science and Engineering found that ill-fitting bedding was associated with increased nighttime movement and self-reported sleep disruption. While the study focused on hospital settings, the principle applies at home: sheets that bunch, slide, or pop off create tactile disturbances that can fragment sleep. The Canadian Sleep Society notes that a stable, comfortable sleep surface is one of the foundational elements of good sleep hygiene.
Can You Use Queen Sheets on a Double Bed?
Technically, yes. Practically, we would not recommend it. A queen fitted sheet is designed for a 60 x 80 inch mattress. On a 54 x 75 inch double, you will have 6 extra inches of width and 5 extra inches of length bunching under the mattress. The sheet will not be taut, and it will feel wrinkled under your body.
The flat sheet and comforter are more forgiving. A queen flat sheet on a double bed simply gives you more overhang, which some people like. But for the fitted sheet specifically, buy the correct size.
Where to Buy Double Sheets in Canada
Double (full) sheets are widely available at Canadian retailers. However, the selection is typically smaller than queen, because queen has overtaken double as the most popular mattress size in Canada. Here is where to look:
- Department stores (The Bay, Simons): Good selection of double sheet sets, especially in higher thread counts and premium fabrics. In-store and online.
- Big box retailers (Walmart Canada, Canadian Tire): Budget to mid-range double sheets. Stock varies by location.
- Specialty bedding stores (Au Lit Fine Linens, QE Home): Broader size and fabric selection, including deep pocket options. Tend to carry both Canadian and European sizing.
- Online (Amazon.ca, Endy, Silk and Snow): Wide selection, but always check the actual dimensions listed, not just the size label. Return policies vary.
When shopping in person, bring your mattress measurements with you. Specifically, know your mattress depth. Many customers tell us they bought three sets of sheets before getting the right pocket depth because they were guessing at the store.
Complete Double Bed Bedding Checklist
- Fitted sheet: 54 x 75 inches, pocket depth matched to mattress thickness + topper
- Flat sheet: 81 x 96 inches (or full/queen 90 x 102 if you prefer more drape)
- Comforter: 78 x 86 inches standard, 86 x 90 oversized
- Duvet cover: 78 x 86 inches (match to insert dimensions)
- Pillowcases: Standard 20 x 26 inches (two per set)
- Mattress protector: 54 x 75 inches, check depth compatibility
- Bed skirt: 54 x 75 platform, 14 to 15 inch drop
This information is for general guidance. Sheet and bedding dimensions can vary by manufacturer. Always check the product specifications before purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a double bed the same as a full bed in Canada?
Yes. A double and a full refer to the same mattress size: 54 x 75 inches (137 x 190 cm). Canadian retailers use both terms interchangeably. When buying sheets, "double" and "full" sheet sets are identical. The terms originated because "full" was introduced as an alternative name when the queen size became popular in the 1960s.
What size comforter do I need for a double bed in Canada?
A standard double comforter measures 78 x 86 inches (198 x 218 cm). This gives about 12 inches of overhang on each side. If you want more coverage, especially on a platform bed without a bed skirt, look for an oversized double at 86 x 90 inches. Avoid using a queen comforter (88 x 92 inches) as the extra width tends to slide off unevenly.
How do I know if I need deep pocket sheets?
Measure your mattress from bottom edge to the top of the sleeping surface. If it is 12 inches or less, standard pocket sheets will work. If it is 13 inches or more, you need deep pocket sheets. Add the thickness of any topper or protector to your measurement. Many modern foam and hybrid mattresses sold in Canada are 12 to 14 inches, which means deep pocket sheets are becoming the standard rather than the exception.
Do IKEA sheets fit a Canadian double mattress?
Not always. IKEA uses European sizing. Their "full" fitted sheet is designed for a 140 x 200 cm mattress, while a Canadian double is 137 x 190 cm. The IKEA sheet will be slightly wider and noticeably longer, which means it will fit but may feel loose. Check the centimetre dimensions on the IKEA product page before buying.
Can I try bedding for my double mattress at Mattress Miracle?
We carry sheets, protectors, and pillows at our Brantford showroom. If you bring your mattress depth measurement, we can help you find the right pocket depth on the spot. We also carry mattress toppers if you are looking to add comfort to an existing double mattress, and we can show you how the topper affects your sheet requirements.
What is the standard size of a double mattress in Canada?
A standard double mattress in Canada measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (137 cm by 190 cm). This is identical to the "full size" mattress used in the United States - the two terms refer to exactly the same dimensions. Double is simply the Canadian and British term; full is the American term. Sheets, duvets, and comforters labelled "double" and "full" are interchangeable.
What size is a double air mattress?
A standard double (or "full") air mattress typically measures 54 inches wide by 75 inches long when fully inflated - the same footprint as a standard double mattress. The height varies by model: basic air mattresses are 8 to 9 inches high; raised double air mattresses are 18 to 22 inches high. Use double-size fitted sheets (fitted sheet dimensions: 54" x 75" + pocket depth). A standard double fitted sheet fits most raised double air mattresses if the inflated height is under 18 inches. If the air mattress inflates higher, look for deep-pocket or extra-deep-pocket double sheets.
What bed sheets work with a double bed size?
Any sheet set labelled "double" or "full" will fit a standard Canadian double mattress (54" x 75"). For the pocket depth, measure your mattress thickness and add any topper thickness. Standard pocket (up to 12 inches), deep pocket (13 to 16 inches), and extra-deep pocket (17 to 22 inches) are the three tiers. We carry the Versaille Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set ($112) and Bamboo Linen Fitted Sheet ($92) in our Brantford showroom - both available in double sizes.
What sheets fit a crib mattress?
A standard Canadian crib mattress measures 28 by 52 inches with a thickness no greater than 6 inches - Health Canada's crib safety regulations cap mattress thickness because thicker mattresses raise the sleep surface above the recommended distance from the top of the crib rail. Crib fitted sheets are sized to that 28-by-52 dimension specifically and are not interchangeable with bassinet, mini-crib, or toddler-bed sheets. Per Health Canada's safe-sleep regulations and Canadian Paediatric Society safe-sleep guidance, a crib sheet must fit snugly without bunching or excess fabric - loose-fitting sheets are a known suffocation hazard for infants. Check the elastic skirt is intact every time you change the sheet, and replace any crib sheet where the elastic has stretched out. Avoid plastic mattress covers under crib sheets - Health Canada's safe-sleep guidelines recommend a firm flat sleep surface without added vinyl or plastic layers between the sheet and the mattress, since these create suffocation risk. For broader crib mattress and child sleep safety, see our crib and pregnancy mattress guidance.
Are plastic sheets safe to put on a mattress?
Adult plastic mattress sheets (vinyl-backed or full plastic encasements) are sometimes used for incontinence management, recovery from surgery, or short-term protection during travel. They block liquids effectively but trade off heavily on breathability - vinyl traps body heat and perspiration, which is why most modern protectors use a TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) membrane laminated to a breathable cotton or polyester top instead of pure plastic. The Asthma Canada indoor allergen guidance specifically recommends membrane-based allergen-barrier covers over plain plastic sheets, because plastic creates the warm humid environment that dust mites prefer if it tears or develops gaps. For infants and children, plastic sheets are not recommended at all per Health Canada safe-sleep guidance - loose plastic in a child's bed is a serious suffocation risk. Talia mentions the practical adult-side workflow at our showroom: a TPU-membrane protector underneath the fitted sheet is quieter, more breathable, and better long-term than a plain plastic sheet, even at similar price points. Our Quilted Luxury Mattress Protector sits in the wider mattress protectors collection. For the broader bedding category framework, see our cornerstone bedding and linens in Canada 2026 guide.
What is included in a double bed sheets set, and what are the standard dimensions for Canadian double beds?
A double bed sheets set (also called a full sheets set) in Canada includes three or four pieces: one fitted sheet, one flat sheet, and one or two standard pillowcases. A double bed is 54 inches wide by 75 inches long (137 x 190 cm) in Canada - the same dimensions as a US full-size bed. Standard fitted sheet dimensions for a Canadian double bed are 54 x 75 inches with a pocket depth of 12 to 16 inches (15-inch pocket depth is the practical standard for most Canadian mattresses, which tend to be thicker today than older models). Double bed sheet sets are sold at every price point in Canada: budget sets from IKEA (Dvala, Ullvide) at $29 to $49; mid-range at Canadian retailers like Simons, Hudson's Bay, and HomeSense for $49 to $119; and premium Egyptian cotton or bamboo sets at $99 to $199. An important sizing note: Canadian retailers use the terms "double" and "full" interchangeably for the 54 x 75 inch mattress size - sets labelled either way will fit the same Canadian double bed. Deep-pocket fitted sheets (18 to 21 inch pocket) are worth looking for if your double mattress is thicker than 12 inches, as standard pocket depth sheets can pop off pillow-top or memory foam mattresses during the night. Talia says: "The most common complaint we hear about double sheet sets is the fitted sheet coming loose. Go for 15-inch or deep-pocket sheets and the problem usually disappears." Browse our bedding accessories collection for double/full sheet sets, or our sheets material guide for fabric and thread count comparisons.
What are the best children's bed sheets for a double bed, and what materials are safest for kids?
Children's bed sheets for a double mattress (54 by 75 inches) use the same sizing as standard adult double/full sheets, so any double bed sheet set will physically fit a child's double bed - the distinction is in the fabric and safety considerations. For children's bedding in Canada, the recommended materials are: 100 percent cotton percale or jersey cotton (most breathable, washes easily at 60°C, does not trap heat for active sleepers); OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified fabrics (tested for harmful substances including formaldehyde, azo dyes, and pesticide residues - Health Canada endorses this certification as a reliable indicator of textile safety for children's products); and microfibre at weights under 80 GSM for lightweight coverage. Materials to approach carefully: deep-dyed polyester in children's bedding has occasionally shown azo dye issues in import testing; flannel is warm and cozy but retains heat, which may contribute to nighttime overheating in children, particularly those under age 5 where thermoregulation is still developing. Health Canada and the Canadian Paediatric Society note that overheating is one of several environmental factors associated with infant and toddler sleep disruption, though the risk is highest under age 1 and in true thermal confinement rather than lightweight sheets alone. Practical Canadian sources for children's double bed sheets: IKEA (DVALA and NATTJASMIN cotton sheet sets, $19 to $39); Hudson's Bay children's bedding section ($39 to $79); Pottery Barn Kids Canada (higher-end, $69 to $119, many with OEKO-TEX certification); and Amazon Canada for pattern-specific character bedding ($29 to $59). Talia says: "For a child's double bed, 100 percent cotton is genuinely the right call - it handles multiple washes per week, doesn't retain heat, and you can find OEKO-TEX certified options at IKEA and Hudson's Bay for a very reasonable price." Browse our bedding accessories collection, or our children's bedding safety guide for material and certification details.
Visit Mattress Miracle in Brantford
Not sure which sheets, protectors, or toppers work with your double mattress? We have been helping families find the right fit since 1997. Bring your measurements and we will sort it out, no pressure.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Mon-Wed 10-6, Thu-Fri 10-7, Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4
Shop Double Sheets at Mattress Miracle
Natural fiber double sheets in our Brantford showroom:
- Versaille Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set - $112
- Bamboo Linen Fitted Sheet - $92
- French Linen Sheet Set - $340 (reg. $393)