THE TEMPUR® UK BED SIZE GUIDE
SIZE MATTERS!
Sleep is essential to everyone’s health and well-being, but how many of us realise that the space where we choose to sleep has not necessarily changed in size since we were babies in the cradle? The width of the average cot is approximately 75cm. A standard double bed, one of the most popular sizes in the UK, measures 135cm wide. If you share your bed that’s just 67.5cm each! The fact is, the more space you have to sleep in, the better your night’s rest will be.
Here's a basic guide to mattress/bed sizes to help you make the most of your bedroom space. The sizes below reference mattress sizes available to fit the wide variety of bed bases frames out there. Some, like standard divans, measure close to the size of the matching mattress. But if you add a fancy deep headboard you may need to allow a few extra inches lengthways to fit the whole bed in.
Always check the external measurements for frames, ottomans and adjustable beds. Overall, they may be much longer and a bit wider than the mattress you sleep on. To check you have enough floor space, try marking out the position of the bed base corners on your floor using masking tape. This way you will soon know if you have enough room.
We recommend you should always work in metric for the most accurate measurements, but if you prefer feet and inches, then we have listed the nearest equivalent size to help you.
| Standard 1 piece mattress
sizes for UK bed bases |
Metric (cm) | Nearest imperial equivalent (feet/inches) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Images below are for guidance only |
Width | Length | Width | Length |
Single |
90 | 190 | 3' | 6'3" |
| Standard 3ft size, perfect for growing children, but it may be worth considering a longer bed if the sleeper is tall. | ||||
Double |
135 | 190 | 4'6" | 6'3" |
| First of the 3 most popular standard sizes suitable for couples. You have a cosy 67.5cm each. Consider a longer bed if you are tall. | ||||
King |
150 | 200 | 5' | 6'6" |
| Most popular bed for two in the UK, you have 75cm each, and the sleeping area is 10cm longer than a standard double. | ||||
|
Super King 
|
180 | 200 | 6' | 6'6" |
| The biggest and best of the standard sizes, it gives two sleepers 90cm each, and is same length as a king size. | ||||
Alongside the 4 main standard sizes it could be you own a bed base which none of the above quite fit. Below are a few less common alternative sizes that you may encounter while you are considering what to buy:
| Standard 1 piece mattress
sizes for UK bed bases |
Metric (cm) | Nearest imperial equivalent (feet/inches) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Images below are for guidance only |
Width | Length | Width | Length |
| Small Double
|
120 | 190 | 4' | 6'3" |
| Plenty of space for 1 to stretch out, but extremely cosy for 2. Great for smaller bedrooms where a standard double won't quite fit. | ||||
| Euro King
|
160 | 200 | 5'3" | 6'6" |
| For larger vintage or continental beds this size is often referred to as a 'continental double'. The more room to sleep in the better. Great if a super king won’t quite go. | ||||
| Emperor
|
200 | 200 | 6'6" | 6'6" |
| The largest of all of our special sizes, an Emperor mattress gives those with large bedrooms the maximum amount of sleeping space, so if you share you both have room to spread out and relax. | ||||
What about Adjustable Beds?
If you own or are thinking of buying an adjustable bed base, then it is quite possible the mattress or mattresses you need will not be standard UK sizes.
As always it pays to measure up first.
| Mattress sizes to fit
single or dual adjustable beds* |
Metric (cm) | Nearest imperial
equivalent (feet/inches) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| *Adjustable beds are often longer than the nearest equivalent static model. Make sure you measure properly before you order. | ||||
| Images below are for guidance only |
Width | Length | Width | Length |
| Small Single 
|
75 | 200 | 2'6" | 6'6" |
| For narrow single frame beds or order 2 for a standard king size or king adjustable bed base. If both mattresses are the same height (e.g. 21cm, 25cm or 30cm), you can each select different models and sleep on them side by side. | ||||
| Long Single 
|
90 | 200 | 3' | 6'6" |
| 10cm longer than a standard single. If you share a standard super king bed and you and your partner prefer different feels, you can select 2 different models and use them side by side provided both mattresses are the same height (e.g. 21cm. 25cm or 30cm). For super king adjustable bed bases with dual mechanisms you will need to order 2 mattresses also the same height. | ||||
| Long Small Double 
|
120 | 200 | 4' | 6'6" |
| Suits smaller non-standard continental frames, and smaller adjustable beds in small double width (120cm). These generally have just a single handset or mechanism to raise and lower the mattress. Often they are longer than static bed bases. Make sure you measure properly. | ||||
| Long Double 
|
135 | 200 | 4'6" | 6'6" |
| Adjustable beds in standard double width (135cm) generally have just a single handset or mechanism to raise and lower the mattress. Often they are longer than static bed bases. Make sure you measure properly. | ||||
King
|
N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| See small single (75cm width). You will need to order two of these for your adjustable base if using each mechanism independently. Some adjustables also have a synchro function which 'locks' dual units so they rise and fall in unison. If this a permanent requirement of your adjustable bed base, then you may be able to use a 1 piece king size mattress instead. | ||||
| Super King 
|
N/a | N/a | N/a | N/a |
| See long single (90cm width). You will need to order two of these for your adjustable base if using each mechanism independently. Some adjustables also have a synchro function which 'locks' dual units so they rise and fall in unison. If this a permanent requirement of your adjustable bed base, then you may be able to use a 1 piece super king mattress instead. | ||||
All mattress measurements are approximate. Please allow for a tolerance of +/- 2cm when you order.
TEMPUR® mattress weight capacity is approximately 150kg per side (23 stone)
