UK Bed Sizes Explained: Single to Super King in cm and Inches
Quick answer: the six standard UK mattress sizes are Small Single (75 × 190 cm), Single (90 × 190 cm), Small Double (120 × 190 cm), Double (135 × 190 cm), King (150 × 200 cm) and Super King (180 × 200 cm). UK sizes are different from European and American ones, so a "King" bought from a European or US brand will not fit a UK King bed. Always measure your mattress before you buy bedding.
UK bed sizes chart (cm and feet/inches)
| UK size | Mattress (cm) | Mattress (feet & inches) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Single | 75 × 190 | 2ft 6in × 6ft 3in | Children, bunk beds, box rooms |
| Single | 90 × 190 | 3ft × 6ft 3in | Children, teenagers, one adult |
| Small Double (4ft) | 120 × 190 | 4ft × 6ft 3in | One adult who wants more space, small rooms |
| Double | 135 × 190 | 4ft 6in × 6ft 3in | Couples in smaller rooms, guest rooms |
| King | 150 × 200 | 5ft × 6ft 6in | Most couples |
| Super King | 180 × 200 | 6ft × 6ft 6in | Couples who want lots of room, families with young children |
Some brands (including ours) list sheet sizes as 91 × 190, 137 × 190, 152 × 203 or 183 × 203 cm. That is simply the imperial size converted exactly (3ft = 91.4 cm, 5ft = 152.4 cm, 6ft 8in = 203 cm) – the bedding is made to fit the same standard UK mattress.
How much room does each bed size need?
As a practical rule, leave around 60–70 cm of walking space on each side you get out of bed and at the foot of the bed. That means:
- Double: a room at least about 2.6 m wide works comfortably.
- King: about 2.8 m wide.
- Super King: about 3.1 m wide.
Remember that the bed frame is usually 5–15 cm bigger than the mattress, especially with a headboard or upholstered frame.
UK vs EU vs US bed sizes
This is the most common reason bedding does not fit. Sizes with the same name are not the same size:
| Name | UK | EU (typical) | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190 cm | 90 × 200 cm | Twin 97 × 191 cm |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm | 140 × 200 cm | Full 137 × 191 cm |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | 160 × 200 cm | Queen 152 × 203 cm |
| Super King | 180 × 200 cm | 180 × 200 cm | King 193 × 203 cm |
If you bought your bed from a European store such as IKEA, check the label: a 160 × 200 cm mattress is wider than a UK King, and a 140 × 200 cm is longer than a UK Double.
How to check your mattress size in 2 minutes
- Take the bedding off so you can see the bare mattress.
- Measure the width across the top, from edge to edge.
- Measure the length from the head end to the foot end.
- Measure the depth (height) from the bottom seam to the top seam – this decides which fitted sheet you need. Our mattress depth guide explains how.
- Match your numbers to the chart above. If you are within 2–3 cm, that is your size.
Bedding sizes for each UK bed
Your fitted sheet and valance are sized to the mattress. Your duvet cover is sized to the duvet, which is wider than the bed so it hangs over the sides.
| Bed size | Fitted sheet | Duvet cover | Pillowcases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 190 cm | 135 × 200 cm | 1–2 × 50 × 75 cm |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm | 200 × 200 cm | 2–4 × 50 × 75 cm |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | 230 × 220 cm | 2–4 × 50 × 75 cm |
| Super King | 180 × 200 cm | 260 × 220 cm | 4 × 50 × 75 cm |
For more detail on duvet covers, see our duvet cover size guide.
Which size should you choose?
- One adult: a Small Double gives noticeably more room than a Single without taking over the room.
- A couple: a King is a popular choice – each person gets 75 cm, the same width as a Small Single.
- A couple with a child or pet who joins at night: go Super King if the room allows.
- Guest room: a Double is usually enough for occasional stays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common bed size in the UK?
The Double (135 × 190 cm) is the classic UK bed size, and the King (150 × 200 cm) is a popular upgrade for couples who have the space.
Is a King the same as a Super King?
No. A UK King is 150 cm wide and a Super King is 180 cm wide – 30 cm wider. Both are 200 cm long.
Will UK King bedding fit a 160 × 200 cm mattress?
Usually not well. A 160 cm European King is 10 cm wider than a UK King, so a UK King fitted sheet will be very tight. Super King bedding with a deep fitted sheet is often a better fit.
Is a Small Double the same as a 4ft bed?
Yes. A Small Double is 4ft (120 cm) wide and 6ft 3in (190 cm) long. Some SAIMAZ mattress protectors and toppers come in this size.
Shop bedding by size
Every SAIMAZ bedding product lists its exact size in cm. Browse our fitted, flat and valance sheets, duvet cover sets and mattress protectors and toppers in Single, Double, King and Super King – with free UK delivery in 2–4 working days and free 30-day returns.
