How to Measure a Bed Size
Knowing how to measure a bed size is essential when buying new bedding, ensuring furniture fits appropriately in your room, or even choosing the right size mattress for your needs. With bed sizes varying across countries and manufacturers, understanding the proper method for measuring is crucial.
Whether upgrading your mattress, shopping for new sheets, or just curious about bed dimensions, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.
Why Measuring Bed Size is Important
- Fitting furniture: Knowing the exact bed size ensures you can accommodate other furniture, such as nightstands, dressers, and lamps.
- Buying bedding: Incorrect measurements may lead to sheets, comforters, or mattress protectors that need to fit correctly, affecting comfort.
- Choosing the right mattress: Measuring a bed ensures you pick a mattress that offers enough space for comfortable sleep, especially if you share the bed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Bed Size
1. Gather the Necessary Tools
Before you start, you'll need a few essential tools:
- Measuring tape (preferably flexible, such as a fabric tape measure)
- Notebook and pen to jot down your measurements
- Helper (optional) to assist with more extensive beds or mattresses
2. Measure the Width
The width of a bed refers to the horizontal distance from one side of the bed frame or mattress to the other. This determines how much horizontal space the bed will occupy.
Steps:
- Stand at the head or foot of the bed.
- Place the measuring tape across the widest part of the mattress or bed frame, from edge to edge.
- Make sure the tape is straight, lying flat across the surface.
- Record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
3. Measure the Length
Length refers to the distance from the head of the bed (where the pillows are placed) to the foot of the bed.
Steps:
- Stand on one side of the bed.
- Run the measuring tape from the head to the foot of the mattress or frame.
- Keep the tape measure flat along the surface to avoid inaccuracies.
- Record the length.
4. Measure the Height (Depth)
Height refers to the thickness of the mattress. This measurement helps when purchasing fitted sheets or mattress protectors, as deeper mattresses require special-sized sheets.
Steps:
- Place the measuring tape vertically along the side of the mattress, starting from the bottom edge (where it meets the bed base) to the top surface.
- If you have a pillow-top or a thick mattress topper, include that in your measurements.
- Record the height in inches or centimeters.
Common mattress heights:
Common mattress heights in the UK typically range from 15 cm to 30 cm (6 inches to 12 inches), with standard thicknesses including 20 cm (8 inches) and 25 cm (10 inches).
The height can vary depending on the type of mattress (e.g., memory foam, pocket sprung) and personal preference for comfort and support. For more specific details, it's best to check with individual mattress manufacturers.
5. Consider Bed Frame Size
Why It Matters:
While measuring the mattress is essential, if your bed has a frame or headboard, these elements can add extra width and length to the overall size.
Steps:
Measure the bed frame's outer dimensions (width and length) from edge to edge.
If your bed has a headboard or footboard, include their thickness in your final measurements.
Standard Bed Sizes and Their Dimensions
Here are some standard bed sizes with corresponding dimensions for reference:
| Bed Size | Width | Length |
| Single bed | 35.4 inches (90 cm) | 74.8 inches (189 cm) |
| Small double bed | 47.2 inches (120 cm) | 74.8 inches (189 cm) |
| Double bed | 54 inches (135 cm) | 75 inches (190 cm) |
| King | 59 inches (150 cm) | 78.7 inches (200 cm) |
| Super King | 70.9 inches (180 cm) | 78.7 inches (200 cm) |
Remember that actual mattress dimensions may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer, so always measure your specific mattress for the most accurate results.
Tips for Accurate Bed Measurement
- Remove Bedding: Strip the mattress of all bedding, including sheets, comforters, and mattress pads, for an accurate measurement.
- Measure Twice: Always measure at least twice to ensure you get consistent, accurate numbers. Inconsistencies can lead to buying the wrong size bedding or accessories.
- Include Mattress Toppers: If you use a mattress topper, include it in your height measurement, as it can affect how fitted sheets or protectors fit.
- Account for Frame Size: Bed frames can add extra inches to the overall size, especially if they have intricate designs, headboards, or footboards.
- Consider Room Space: When choosing or measuring a bed size, think about how much space it will leave for other furniture, movement, and comfort in the room.
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Special Considerations for Non-Standard Beds
If you have a custom-made, antique, or non-standard bed, measuring all dimensions yourself is particularly important rather than relying on assumed sizes. Antique beds often have unique dimensions, which may require custom bedding or mattresses.
Do mattress sizes vary by country?
Yes, mattress sizes can vary slightly by country. For example, UK mattress sizes differ from US sizes, so measuring and comparing dimensions is essential if you're buying a mattress or bedding internationally.
Can bed frames affect the size of the bed?
Yes, bed frames can affect the overall size of the bed. While the mattress has standard dimensions, the frame can add extra width, length, and height depending on its design. Features like headboards, footboards, side panels, or ornate frames may extend the bed’s footprint, requiring more floor space than just the mattress alone.
This is important to consider when planning your room layout, as the added size can impact how much space is available for other furniture or movement around the bed.
How do I measure a bed for fitted sheets?
To measure for fitted sheets, focus on the mattress height (depth), width, and length. Ensure you account for extra padding, such as pillow tops or mattress toppers, as fitted sheets must cover the entire height.
How do I convert inches to centimeters when measuring a bed?
To convert inches to centimeters when measuring a bed, simply multiply the measurement in inches by 2.54, since 1 inch equals 2.54 centimeters. For example, if a bed is 60 inches wide (a typical Queen-size bed), multiply 60 by 2.54 to get 152.4 centimeters.
This conversion is useful when comparing bed sizes in regions that use different measurement systems, ensuring you select the right size when shopping for bedding or furniture.
Conclusion
Measuring your bed size accurately ensures that you can buy the right bedding, fit your furniture appropriately, and create a comfortable, functional bedroom layout. By following the steps outlined in this guide—measuring width, length, and height—you'll be able to confidently choose the right bed accessories and mattresses that fit perfectly.
Always double-check your measurements to avoid mistakes, and when in doubt, measure the bed frame as well to get the full picture of how much space your bed will occupy.
FAQs
Why do I need to measure my bed?
Measuring your bed helps ensure you buy the correct size mattress, bedding, and accessories.
What tools do I need to measure my bed size?
You'll need a flexible measuring tape (preferably in both inches and centimeters), a notebook, and a pen to record your measurements.
How do I measure the width of my bed?
To measure the width, stand at the head or foot of the bed and run the measuring tape from one side to the other, ensuring the tape is flat across the broadest part.
How do I measure the length of my bed?
Measure the length by running the tape from the top to the foot of the bed.
How do I measure the height of my mattress?
Measure your mattress's height (depth) by placing the tape vertically along the side of the bed, from the bottom edge to the top.
Should I measure the bed frame or the mattress?
You should measure both to get an accurate picture of the bed's total space.
What should I do if my bed has a non-standard size?
If your bed has custom dimensions, antique design, or is non-standard, you'll need to measure all aspects carefully (width, length, and height) and note those exact dimensions.
How much space should I leave around the bed for movement?
Leave at least 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) of walking space between the bed and surrounding walls or furniture to ensure easy movement around the room.
What if I use a mattress topper—should I include it in the measurements?
Yes, if you use a mattress topper, include it in the height measurement since it can affect how bedding fits, especially fitted sheets.