Quick answer
A standard UK/EU double mattress is 135 × 190 cm (53 × 75 in) and a US queen is 152 × 203 cm (60 × 80 in). Bed frames add about 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) on each side, so plan the frame footprint, not the mattress. Leave at least 60 cm (24 in) to walk around the bed. Full charts for both size systems are below.
Bed size names do not match between countries, which is where most planning mistakes start. A “king” in the US (193 cm / 76 in wide) is far wider than a “king” in the UK (150 cm / 59 in). To avoid getting caught out, plan from the centimeters or inches, not the label, and remember the frame is always bigger than the mattress it holds.
All measurements are approximate. Actual dimensions vary by manufacturer; always verify with the product spec before buying. These figures are intended for room planning, not purchasing decisions.
UK and EU mattress sizes
| Size | Metric | Imperial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small single | 75 × 190 cm | 30 × 75 in | Also called a cot bed size |
| Single | 90 × 190 cm | 35 × 75 in | |
| Small double | 120 × 190 cm | 47 × 75 in | Sometimes called a queen in the UK |
| Double | 135 × 190 cm | 53 × 75 in | |
| King | 150 × 200 cm | 59 × 79 in | |
| Super king | 180 × 200 cm | 71 × 79 in | |
| EU double | 140 × 200 cm | 55 × 79 in | Common in mainland Europe |
| EU king | 160 × 200 cm | 63 × 79 in |
US mattress sizes
| Size | Metric | Imperial | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 97 × 191 cm | 38 × 75 in | |
| Twin XL | 97 × 203 cm | 38 × 80 in | |
| Full (double) | 137 × 191 cm | 54 × 75 in | |
| Queen | 152 × 203 cm | 60 × 80 in | |
| King | 193 × 203 cm | 76 × 80 in | |
| California king | 183 × 213 cm | 72 × 84 in | Longer, narrower than a standard king |
Mattress versus frame footprint
The mattress size is not what you plan around. A bed frame adds roughly 10–20 cm (4–8 in) on each side for the rails and headboard, and a divan base adds a little less. A UK king mattress (150 × 200 cm / 59 × 79 in) usually needs a frame footprint of about 170–180 × 210–215 cm (67–71 × 83–85 in). Storage beds and ottoman frames can be larger still, and ottoman beds need lifting clearance above them.
Space to leave around a bed
| Situation | Minimum | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|
| Main access side | 60 cm / 24 in | 75 cm / 30 in |
| Secondary side | 45 cm / 18 in | 60 cm / 24 in |
| Foot of the bed (walkway) | 60 cm / 24 in | 90 cm / 36 in |
| In front of a wardrobe nearby | Door width | Door width + 15 cm (6 in) |
If both sides of the bed are used regularly, plan the comfortable clearance on both. For the full minimum and comfortable room size for every bed size, see the room-size-for-a-bed guide.
Planning with real dimensions
Once you know the frame footprint, the next step is placing it in your room to see what fits alongside it. Upload your floor plan image to Layoutr, set the scale by clicking two points a known distance apart, and drop a bed at its real dimensions onto the plan. You will see exactly how much floor is left for wardrobes, doors, and walkways before anything is bought or moved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of a standard double bed?
A standard double (UK/EU) mattress is 135 × 190 cm (53 × 75 in). The closest US equivalent is a full, at 137 × 191 cm (54 × 75 in). The bed frame typically adds 10–20 cm (4–8 in) on each side, so plan for an overall footprint of roughly 155 × 210 cm (61 × 83 in).
What is the difference between a queen and a king bed?
In the US system, a queen mattress is 152 × 203 cm (60 × 80 in) and a king is 193 × 203 cm (76 × 80 in), so a king is about 41 cm (16 in) wider but the same length. Note that a US king is wider than a UK king (150 cm / 59 in); the naming does not match between regions, so always check the centimeters.
How much bigger is a bed frame than the mattress?
A bed frame is usually 10–20 cm (4–8 in) larger than the mattress on each side, depending on the headboard and rail design. A UK king mattress (150 × 200 cm / 59 × 79 in) generally sits in a frame of about 170–180 × 210–215 cm (67–71 × 83–85 in). Plan clearances from the frame, not the mattress.
What size room do I need for the bed?
Leave at least 60 cm (24 in) on the main access side of the bed and 45 cm (18 in) on the other side. A double bed with access on both sides needs a room of roughly 280 × 300 cm (110 × 118 in). See the room-size guide for the minimum and comfortable room size for every bed size.
Can I check a bed against my own room?
Yes. In a tool like Layoutr, you set the real-world scale from your floor plan image, then place a bed at its true frame dimensions to see how much floor space is left for wardrobes, doors, and walkways before you buy or move it.
Check a bed against your actual room
Upload your floor plan, set the scale in two clicks, and place a bed at its true frame size. Free to use, no account required.
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