UK bed sizes: single, double, king, super king
A UK double is 135 by 190 cm and a UK king is 150 by 200 cm. The chart lists the six sizes as published by the National Bed Federation, the trade association of the UK bed industry.
Last updated: September 28, 2026
UK bed size chart
Sizes are width by length of the mattress. The imperial name is the traditional name of the size in feet and inches.
| Size | Width (cm) | Length (cm) | Imperial name | Width (in) | Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small single | 75 | 190 | 2 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in | 29.5 | 74.8 |
| Single | 90 | 190 | 3 ft × 6 ft 3 in | 35.4 | 74.8 |
| Small double | 120 | 190 | 4 ft × 6 ft 3 in | 47.2 | 74.8 |
| Double | 135 | 190 | 4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in | 53.1 | 74.8 |
| King | 150 | 200 | 5 ft × 6 ft 6 in | 59.1 | 78.7 |
| Super king | 180 | 200 | 6 ft × 6 ft 6 in | 70.9 | 78.7 |
How to use the chart
- Measure the inside of the bed frame or the top of the divan base in centimetres.
- Find the size with that width and length.
- Check the dimensions stated for the product, especially if base and mattress come from different makers.
The federation advises a bed that is 10 to 15 cm longer than the tallest sleeper, and suggests that anyone taller than 1.8 m consider a bed longer than standard. Some manufacturers make beds of 215 cm length.
Where the sizes come from: nominal sizes and tolerance
The federation states plainly that bed sizes are not standardised: two beds with the same name may differ, especially when mattress and base come from different manufacturers.
There is no legal standard for tolerances in the United Kingdom. According to the federation, accepted industry practice is 20 mm more or less on the stated length and width. A double may therefore measure between 133 and 137 cm in width.
One Irish manufacturer states that Irish sizes are identical to UK sizes.
UK sizes are not European sizes
Continental European size guides mostly list mattresses of 200 cm length, in widths such as 90, 140, 160 and 180 cm. A European 140 by 200 cm mattress is 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double. The federation notes that many imported bedsteads come in European sizes.
If you buy a frame from a continental European maker, buy the mattress in the size the frame states, not the UK size with the nearest name.
Worked example: imperial name and real size
A double is called 4 ft 6 in wide. 4 ft 6 in are 54 inches, which is 137.2 cm. The metric size of a double is 135 cm, which is 53.1 inches.
The imperial name is a rounded, traditional label. When precision matters, use the metric values.
Common mistakes
- Treating a UK king as a US King. A UK king is 150 cm wide; a US King is 193 cm wide.
- Buying a UK double mattress for a European 140 by 200 cm frame.
- Assuming the imperial name is exact.
- Confusing small double and double. A small double is 15 cm narrower.
Sources and checks
The values in the chart are the sizes published by the organisations listed below. Last checked against the sources on September 28, 2026.
Metric values and imperial names are those of the National Bed Federation. The decimal inch columns are conversions of the metric values at 2.54 cm per inch.
The imperial names are traditional and rounded: a single is called 3 ft wide, while 90 cm are 35.4 inches.
These are nominal sizes, not a legal standard. Accepted industry practice allows 20 mm more or less.
Used for: Metric sizes and imperial names of the six UK bed sizes, and the advice to choose a bed at least 10 cm longer than the tallest sleeper.
Used for: There is no legal standard for size tolerances in the UK; accepted industry practice is plus or minus 20 mm on length and width.
Used for: Bed sizes are not standardised, European sizes differ, and a bed should be 10 to 15 cm longer than the tallest partner.
Used for: An Irish manufacturer stating that Irish and UK sizes are identical.
Frequently asked questions
- What size is a UK double bed?
- A UK double is 135 cm by 190 cm. Its traditional name is 4 ft 6 in by 6 ft 3 in.
- What size is a UK king size bed?
- A UK king is 150 cm by 200 cm, traditionally called 5 ft by 6 ft 6 in.
- Is a UK king the same as a US Queen?
- Nearly, but not exactly. A UK king is 150 by 200 cm. A US Queen is 152.4 by 203.2 cm. Bedding made for one may fit the other loosely or tightly.
- How much can a mattress deviate from its stated size?
- There is no legal standard in the United Kingdom. The National Bed Federation describes 20 mm more or less on length and width as accepted industry practice.
- How long should my bed be?
- The National Bed Federation advises 10 to 15 cm longer than the tallest sleeper. Single and double beds are 190 cm long; king and super king are 200 cm.