Bed - Bed Sizes

Bed Sizes

Bed sizes vary considerably around the world, with most countries having their own standards and terminology.

While the "double" size appears to be standard among English speaking countries, based on the imperial measurement of 4 ft 6 in by 6 ft 3 in (137 cm x 190 cm), the sizes for other bed types tend to vary. The mainland European sizes differ, not merely because of the use of the metric system.

In the mid 1950s the U.S. bedding industry introduced a new size, the King Size. A king-sized bed differs from the other sizes in implementation, as it is not common to have a king-sized box spring; rather, two smaller box-springs are used under a king-sized mattress. It is a common misconception that in a U.S. "standard" or "eastern king", the box springs are identical in size to a "twin extra-long"; however, "twin extra-long" mattresses next to each other add up to 78 inches wide instead of the 76 inch width that is standard for an "eastern king". Also, more commonly known as a "California King" in the United States of America.

What is referred to as a "single bed" in many parts of the world is known in U.S. terminology as a "twin bed". In some countries, a "twin bed" may also be used to describe one of two single beds in the same room.