Ultimate Guide to Different Bed Sheet Sizes

When looking to buy new sheets for our bed, we often find sheets with similar sizes, but having different measurements! This leads to disappointment when your new set of bed sheets doesn’t fit your mattress when you get home. It also causes headaches and frustration from returning and exchanging wrong size-sheets.

To avoid these issues and to be sure you buy the correct size bed sheets, we put together the Ultimate Guide to Bed Sheet Sizes.

At Bedding-Directory, we review and test many different types of bedding products. We learn, first-hand, the variations in sizes and dimensions as well as what to expect when buying different bedding.

Our goal is to provide all the information you need to be sure you’re buying the correct bed sheet size to fit your mattress perfectly.

In our guide, you will find dimensions for “Common Bed Sheet Sizes” as well as dimensions for “Uncommon Bed Sheet Sizes”. The size charts have been designed to be mobile friendly and easy-to-read. You can keep it handy while shopping at your local store or favorite online website.


How to Measure your Mattress

photo showing How to find mattress dimensionsTo get the best results, start by looking for the dimensions located on your mattress. You can find these by lifting-up your sheets and looking for a label or tag from the manufacturer. This label will have the measurements of your mattress and thickness as well.

In case, you can’t find the tag or if it is worn-out and hard to read, don’t worry! You can get a measuring tape or ruler and take the measurements yourself.

Start with the topside of the mattress and go across from left to right. Take down the number you measured.

Next measure the sides of the mattress from top to bottom and also write that down.

Finally, you can measure the thickness of your mattress. Be sure to include the thickness of any mattress-topper if you have one!

Once you have that information, you can use one of the bed-sheet size-charts below to find the size that will be perfect for your mattress.


Chart of Common Bed Sheet Sizes

After you find out the exact measurements of your mattress, compare it with the chart below to find the perfect size sheets you need to buy. In this chart, you will find the names and dimensions of all the “Common bed sheet sizes”.

However, if you can’t match the measurements you took of your mattress here, don’t worry! It just means you have an uncommon mattress size. We will cover all the “Uncommon bed sheet sizes” in the next section of our article.

Bed Sheet SizeDimensionsAlso Known AsLink
  • Crib
  • 51″ x 28″
  • Crib
  • Bassinet
  • Cradle
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  • Twin/Single
  • 74″ x 38″
  • Twin Long
  • Twin Extra Long
  • Single Extra Long
  • Twin XL Dorm
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  • Full/Double
  • 74″ x 53″
  • Standard
  • Double
  • Full
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  • Queen
  • 80″ x 60″
  • Queen RV
  • Half Queen
  • California Queen
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  • King
  • 80″ x 76″
  • Eastern King
  • Western King
  • California King
  • Split King
  • Super King
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Crib Size Bed Sheets (51″ x 28″)

photo showing the dimensions of crib size bed sheetsBaby cribs are the least consistent of any mattress size. Due to the fact that they vary in shape and thickness. But the main Crib size bed sheets will be 28 inches wide by 51 inches long.

Specialty cribs should be measured before buying any sheets. And in some extreme cases have to be custom ordered. If you’re lucky, the specialty crib will include a perfect sized sheet set.

Some cribs are also referred to as Bassinets or Cradles. The mattresses are smaller than crib mattresses and won’t fit, but the opposite is true. You can use Crib size bedding on a bassinet as well as a cradle.

If you’re having trouble finding the perfect size sheets for your crib, you can always get a larger set of sheets and mend it to fit the smaller mattress. But always avoid getting a crib sheet that is too small. Otherwise you will end up having to exchange it.


Twin/Single Bed Sheets (74″ x 38″)

picture showing the dimensions of a twin size sheet setWe all grew up sleeping on a twin size bed and mattress. Some of us might refer to this size of bed sheet as a Single Bed. Unless you have a pillow-top, the standard measurements will be 38 inches by 74.5 inches.

Nothing fancy about the Twin/Single bed sheet size, unless you’re attaching 2 of them side by side. You can create a King size feel for a fraction of the cost.

Just like having 2 Half-Queen beds, you will need at least 2 Twin/Single size fitted bed sheets. You can use a standard King size sheet or comforter on top.

Other Variations of Twin size bed sheets

Twin/Single Extra Long (aka: Twin Long) 79.5″ x 38″: Very similar to the standard twin/single bed sheets, the “Twin Long” has the same width but adds 5 inches in length. This size is very convenient for taller people.

Finding the right size bed sheet for a Twin long mattress will be more challenging. Your options will be limited compared to standard twin size bed sheets and the price might be a bit higher.

Some good advice when shopping for your longer than average bed, is try buying different pattern or color sheets from your favorite brand. Store the unused extra-long sheets in their packaging until you need to replace your current ones.


Full Size Sheets (74″ x 53″)

a picture of the dimensions of full size bed sheetsThe double or full size beds are a transition between single and double beds. They’re suited to sleep on your own or with another person.

Measuring at 53 inches wide by 74.5 inches long. Double/Full size bed sheets are very common and are great for starter couples. With not much room you will find yourself sleeping closer to your partner than with larger size beds.

Stepping away from the single bed sheets, the full size sheets carry the more mature prints and the designs might not appeal to the youth or toddlers.

When shopping for full size sheets, it’s very important  to take into account the thickness of the mattress. Many mattresses that are larger than twin have added pillow tops making them thicker than average.

If you’re not sure the size of your full mattress, be sure to double check and measure it out like we described above.


Queen Size Bed Sheets (80″ x 60″)

picture of the dimensions of a queen size bedOne of my personal favorites and the most popular size bed is the Queen size. Standard Queen size bed sheets are 60 inches wide by 79.5 inches long.

Even though they are the most common bed sheet sold anywhere in the world, you will find a lot of size variations. Some queen size mattresses are thicker than others and need bigger sheets.

A benefit of buying bed sheets online is the amount of reviews you can find available. Many that try sheets report how they fit onto their mattress and provide feedback for you to consider.

If you’re running into problems fitting your bed sheets on your queen size mattress, you might have a California Queen.

Other Variations of Queen Size Bed Sheets

Half Queen Bed Sheets (30″ x 79.5″): Some might consider the “Half-Queen” a specialty size mattress, but they are more common than you think. Coming in at 30 inches wide by 79.5 inches long they can be found on adjustable beds.

Adjustable beds benefit from the Half Queen size mattress to allow for separate adjustments on both halves of the bed. You can decide to buy only the fitted sheet in Half-Queen size while using a standard Queen size sheet or comforter on top. But don’t try using a standard Queen size fitted sheet to cover both halves of the bed.

Queen RV Size Bed Sheets (60″ x 74.5″): Like the name suggests, the “Queen RV” size bed is found mainly in recreational vehicles (RVs). Rvs are often restricted in size and the beds inside reflect that.

The Queen RV size bed sheets are 5 inches shorter than normal Queen size sheets. Many have claimed to “fit” a standard Queen size sheet onto the smaller RV version. This can be the only option you have when shopping for this rare size bed.

Just to be sure, I recommend you measure the bed yourself before squeezing a smaller size fitted sheet onto it. A few inches might not be a problem, but be careful with a 3 inch or more difference.

California Queen Size Bed Sheets (60″ x 84″): California Queen size bed sheets have been difficult to find in the past. They are a common size for waterbeds and are slightly longer than standard queen size sheets. So if you’re still sleeping on a waterbed, you want to replace your sheets with a “California Queen Size” bed sheet.

Online retail giant Amazon takes it a step further, offering free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime. Making it easier to find now that waterbeds have found a whole new life in the 21st century.


King Size Bed Sheets (80″ x 76″)

a picture of the dimensions of king size bed sheetsKing size bed sheets are among the largest size sheets of all. Measuring at 76 inches wide by 79.5 inches long they can also be referred to as “Eastern King”. Not as wide as the California king but it adds about 5 inches in length.

You won’t have any problems finding sheets for your king size bed. Just be sure to take extra care of them as they tend to be more expensive than smaller sizes.

Other Variations of King Size Bed Sheets

California King Size Sheets (72″ x 84″): California King size bed sheets (also known as Western King) have grown in popularity and are very trendy. Just the name itself makes you imagine sleeping on the beach underneath the sun.

Measuring at 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, the California King is truly fit for a King. The added 12 inches in width, compared to a Queen bed, gives you enough room to sleep up to 3 people.

Super King bed Sheets (85.5″ x 84.5″): The largest of all the bed sizes mentioned above is the “Super King”. Bed sheets are often custom made to fit this huge mattress. It’s almost square-like and measures at 85.5 inches wide by 84.5 inches long.

The Super King can usually be found in expensive hotel suites and require larger than average bedrooms to accommodate their size. But if you’re lucky enough to own a Super king size bed, you want to get the right size bed sheets to fit.

Difference Between California King and Standard King Size Bed Sheets

There is a significant size difference when buying California King size bed sheets versus standard king size bed sheets.

California King sheets are made for a mattress with the dimensions of 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. Whereas the Eastern or Standard King size bed sheets fit mattresses with the dimensions of 76 inches wide and 80 inches long.


Chart of Uncommon Bed Sheet Sizes

Bed Sheet SizeDimensions
Old Style Single36″ x 72″
Half Queen30″ x 79.5″
Twin/Single Waterbed36″ x 82″
Half California King36″ x 84″
Supersingle47″ x 74.5″
Supersingle Extra Long47″ x 79.5″
Supersingle Waterbed47″ x 82″
Double/Full Extra Long53″ x 79.5″
Queen Waterbed58″ x 82″
California Queen60″ x 84″
King Waterbed70″ x 82″

Tips to Find the Perfect Bed Sheet Sizes

I’ve also included some uncommon bed sizes you might have seen before. Some of the measurements will be different depending on the mattress height. Pillow to mattresses tend to need larger size bed sheets.

Extra Deep Bed Sheets For Extra Tall Sleepers: There are so many choices in mattresses these days. Your basic flat mattress, the waterbed, adjustable mattresses, and pillow top mattresses.

The types of sheets differ as much as the kinds of mattresses that fit them. The extra deep bed sheets are designed to fit the thickest of mattresses on the market.

Extra Deep Bedding for Thicker Mattresses: Extra deep bed sheets have deeper pockets, which accommodates the thicker mattresses. Pillow top mattresses can add an extra 2 to 4 inches of depth to the mattress that may not be able to be covered by traditional sized sheets.

The fitted sheet is just that, fitted. It needs to fit snugly over the mattress in a box, to provide a comfortable, wrinkle free surface to sleep on. If the fitted sheet has too much give, then you have to deal with gathers or slip out from under the mattress.

Struggling with bedding whose pockets are too shallow to fit over the mattress is a waste of money. If you’re going from a flat mattress to a pillow top, make sure that you have the right size sheets to match. Upgrading to slightly longer sheet set will ensure a better fit and extra comfort.

Extra Deep Bed Sheet Sets For More Comfort: The market for sheets and comforters are finally catching up to an evolving mattress and bed market. As people get older, we seek out beds and bedding that gives us support, comfort, and overall well-being.

Great innovations have been made to meet our higher standards of living. Today adjustable beds and mattresses have become a very convenient option. Many adults also find relief when sleeping with a bed rail for additional support.

Accurate Measurement is Important Before Buying Adjustable Bed Sheets: There is a significant size difference when buying adjustable bed sheets versus standard sized bed sheets.

Sheets for an adjustable mattress must be able to accommodate the mattress’ ability to recline the upper body and raise the legs. Whereas standard flat mattresses only have to be concerned with length and width.

Adjustable Bed Sizing is Different from Normal Beds: When purchasing sheets for your adjustable bed, whether Egyptian cotton or some other material, make sure to verify the size on the package or you could wind up with the wrong size sheet. The width for a single adjustable bed is 30 inches wide to 39 inches wide. The full size width jumps up to 54 inches. All three of these have the standard length of 74 inches.

The larger adjustable beds have the standard length of 80 inches, and the width varies from 60 inches for the queen/dual queen size up to 108 inches for the dual “Super-Extra wide” king bed. So don’t rip the sheet by forcing it to fit on a mattress it was not intended for. Get your money back or buy the correct size.

Check the Label for Accurate Sizing: California king size bedding is usually labeled as “Cal King” or “California King” on most packaging. The Eastern King bedding is usually labeled as “King” on the packaging.

When buying sheets for your “California King” size bed, be sure to check the size on the package or you could wind up with a sheet that is several inches too short in length.


Conclusion

Sheets come in specific sizes, therefore there isn’t any give to force the sheet around the mattress. So don’t rip the sheet by forcing it to fit on a mattress it was not intended for. Get your money back or buy the correct size.