King vs California King Mattress Sizes

If you're looking for a large mattress, the biggest options available are a king size mattress and a California king mattress. Though these two sizes are rather similar, there are a couple of things to consider before you commit to either mattress. Read on to find out about the differences between king and California king mattresses, and how the Cali kings got their interesting name.

What's the Main Difference Between King and California King Mattresses?

The key differences between king and California king mattresses are their measurements. The California king dimensions are 72"x 84", while the king size mattress dimensions are 76" x 80". The California king measurements indicate that they are longer than a king by four inches, while the king models are wider than the California by four inches. This ultimately means that if you're a taller person looking for more leg room, you may prefer a California king bed. However, if you don't have much of a need for those extra four inches in length, you may prefer the extra width that comes with a king bed instead. You should also take into account that it may be easier to find box springs and bed frames for a king mattress, as it is the more common mattress type of the two.

Why Is It Called a California King?

An interesting thing to note about the California king mattress is its name. The origin of the California king namesake is actually uncertain, but the mattress size most likely originated on the west coast of the USA sometime around the mid-20th century. Before they garnered more popularity across the nation, you would only really find anyone using one of these mattresses in California. It's also said to be more accommodating to the large homes that you might find in the wealthier areas of the Golden State. Many people also typically associate the mattress with celebrities, as they would typically be the ones owning a mattress of this size in a California mansion. Though its true origins aren't very clear cut, these mattresses maintain their reputation as a luxury item even now.

Even with size being the only major difference between the two mattresses, there are other things to be aware of when you're mattress shopping. King mattresses come in any firmness level and many styles including innerspring, hybrid, and memory foam mattresses. You can also find California king mattresses with memory foam and hybrid builds, and they also come in a variety of firmness levels. No matter what you're seeking for your own sleep needs, there's a perfect mattress out there waiting for you. Good luck with your search, and enjoy resting easy!