Mattress size guide

Mattresses seem to come in every shape and size, so where should you start?

Buying a new mattresses can be unnecessarily confusing. Every retailer seems to have their own standard mattress sizes and when you throw in that different countries call the same mattress by different names, it’s enough for anyone to lose sleep over.

That’s where we come in.

We’ve put together a guide to help you find the right mattress for you and we’ve started by explaining the different mattress sizes available in the UK.

Below you will find the seven standard mattress sizes available in the UK: single, small double, double, king, super king, cot and cot bed and their standard size measurements.

UK Mattress Sizes


What size mattress do I need?

The size of mattress you need will depend on your circumstances. How many people will be sleeping in the bed? How tall are those people? How much space do you have in your bedroom? Below you’ll find the different mattress sizes and who each one is best suited to.

Single

  • Suitable for children and teens who don’t need much space
  • A great space saver, single beds can also be suitable guest beds

Small Double

  • Suitable for bigger teens who need more space to stretch
  • Suitable for one adult sleeping alone
  • Suitable for young couples with limited bedroom space

Double

  • This is a classic size for average sized couples with average sized bedrooms
  • As a popular size choice there are also a lot of bed frame options to fit double mattresses

King

  • Perfect for couples with a little extra space in the bedroom
  • Suitable for especially tall or large people or couples who like lots of space to move in their sleep

Super King

  • Ideal for those with very large bedrooms
  • Perfect for people who require a lot of space to move around in their sleep
  • Great for large families as there’s room for everyone on a Sunday morning

Cot and Cot Bed Mattresses

  • Perfect for babies anywhere from 0-3 years old
  • Cot bed sized mattresses are specific to cot bed frames that have the ability to change into single beds as the child gets older

Tips for testing the size of your mattress:

Width: Lie on your back with your hands behind your head and your elbows sticking out sideways. Your elbows should not touch the edge of the bed or your partner.

Length: The mattress should be 10cm longer than the tallest person who will sleep on it


Where should I buy my new mattresses?

Bensons for Beds logo
eve mattress logo
Tweak Slumber logo
Marks and Spencer logo
Argos logo
Wayfair logo
Debenhams logo
Choice Furniture Superstore logo
Co-op Beds logo
B and Q Logo

How do UK mattress sizes compare to Europe and the USA?

ContentUK dimensionsEuropean DimensionsUS Dimensions
Single Mattress90cm x 190cm90cm x 200cm97cm x 191cm
Small Double Mattress120cm x 190cm120cm x 200cm122cm x 191cm
Double Mattress135cm x 190cm140cm x 200cm137cm x 191cm
King Mattress150cm x 200cm160cm x 200cm193cm x 203cm
Super King Mattress180cm x 200cm180cm x 200cm203cm x 249cm

Deals and discounts for buying your new mattress online:

Code SALE!

Up to £80 off selected iPhones

Verified Today
Order your brand new iPhone 13,12, XR, SE and others right now from Very and save up to £80 off your new phone! T&Cs apply.
Code

Save 20% on indoor furniture

Verified 2 days ago
Shop for home sale and so much more indoor furniture at Argos. Hurry, the sale has already begun! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to £95 on COACH

Verified Today
Shop Very now for designer shoes & accessories and get up to £95 off! T&Cs apply.
Deal Sale!

Up to 40% off designer brands

Verified Today
Shop Very now for designer fashion for both men and women and get up to 40% off! T&Cs apply.
Code Xbox!

Xbox Series S all digital console + free FIFA 23

Verified Today
Xbox Series S All Digital Console + Free FIFA 23: Standard Edition from £352.97! Order from Very now! T&Cs apply.
Deal Toys!

Up to 30% off selected toys

Verified Today
Treat your little one to some new toys! Shop very.co.uk now and get up to 30% off brands including LeapFrog, LEGO, Barbie and Play-Doh! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 40% off selected jewellery & watches

Verified Today
Shop at Very and find beautiful jewellery and watches for every occasion. T&Cs apply.
Deal Sale!

Up to 50% off selected Designer Brands

Verified Today Expires 31 Mar 2023
Shop Very now for designer fashion for both men and women. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to £100 on selected Shark

Verified Today
Enjoy up to £100 off on selected Shark floorcare at Very. Shop now! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 50% off selected sofas & chairs

Verified Today Expires 26 Mar 2023
Shop at Very now and score up to 50% off selected sofas & chairs! T&Cs apply.
Deal

PlayStation 5 from £479.99

Verified Today
Play has no limits. The PlayStation 5 is here. Experience it all with a whole new generation of PlayStation® games. Order now! T&Cs apply.
Code

Get up to 40% off women's clothes, footwear & accessories

Verified Today
Make use of this sale offer from Very and enjoy up to 40% off women's clothing, footwear & accessories. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 30% off electricals

Verified Today Expires 25 Mar 2023
Get amazing deals on selected Electricals! Shop now at Very and enjoy up to 30% off Samsung Smart TVs, Beats earphones and more! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controller twin pack from £32.99

Verified Today
Shop Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers in fun colours! T&Cs apply.
Deal Popular!

Save up to 50% off selected home & furniture

Verified Today Expires 25 Mar 2023
Shop Home & Furniture at Very and save up to 50%! T&Cs apply.
Deal Boxing Day!

Up to £90 off selected Fitbits

Verified Today
Get ready to smash your New Year goals with £90 off selected fitbits including the Iconic and the Versa from Very! T&Cs apply.
Deal Apple!

Up to £244 off Macbook Pro laptop

Verified Today
Shop Very now and get this amazing deal with up to £244 off a brand new MacBook Pro! T&Cs apply.
Code

Save 20% on selected chromebooks

Verified 2 days ago
Use this code and get 20% off your new chromebook! Order yours today. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 1/3 off 100s of toys

Verified 2 days ago
Great offers on 100s of toys for half-term fun. Selected lines. Shop now! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to 1/3 price on fitness equipment

Verified 2 days ago
Upgrade your home gym and save up to 1/3 price on home fitness equipment at Argos! T&Cs apply.
Code

10% off gaming desktops and pcs

Verified 2 days ago
Argos is slashing prices on some of your favourite gaming PCs and desktops! Don't miss out. T&Cs apply.
Deal Great offer

Save £200 on selected Smart 4K UHD HDR QLED Freeview TVs

Verified 2 days ago
Save £200 on selected Smart 4K UHD HDR QLED Freeview TVs. Shop now! T&Cs apply.
Code Top deal!

Save up to 50% on selected smart watches

Verified 2 days ago
Shop now and save up to 50% on selected smart watches. T&Cs apply.
Deal Popular

Save up to 25% on tech

Verified 2 days ago
Shop for great prices across tech this christmas. T&Cs apply.
Code

Save up to 50% off selected toys & games

Verified 2 days ago
Shop great prices on selected toys & games! T&Cs apply.
Code

Save 25% on Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11.6in Celeron 4GB 64GB Chromebook

Verified 2 days ago
Buy Lenovo IdeaPad 3 11.6in Celeron 4GB 64GB Chromebook at Argos and save 25%! T&Cs apply.
Deal Stay active!

Work hard at home with Argos

Verified 2 days ago
Everything you need to train at home and in the gym. Whether cardio's on the cards, you're on a muscle-building mission or just looking to begin some basic exercise, find all the kit you'll need! T&Cs apply.
Deal Popular

Folding treadmills from just £130

Verified 2 days ago
Get a compact folding treadmill perfect for any space from Argos! T&Cs apply.
Code

20% off selected toys

Verified 2 days ago
Shop selected toys now to score a discount of 20% off on Barbie, Hot Wheels and Fischer-Price. T&Cs apply.
Code

20% off selected LEGO toys

Verified 2 days ago
Involve your child in the excitement of game with LEGO playsets and save 20% on your order! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Buy the new iPhone 14 Pro at Argos now!

Verified 2 days ago
Searching where you could buy your brand-new iPhone? Check out Argos and place your order now! T&Cs apply.
Code Sale!

Argos top tech deals: save up to £150 now

Verified 2 days ago
A selection of great gadgets is there to take at Argos at amazing prices, from TVs to hair dryers and gaming consoles! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Up to 1/3 off garden & DIY

Verified 2 days ago
Revamp your garden this summer, shop garden furniture at Argos now and save up to 33% on your order. T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to 20% on selected camping

Verified 2 days ago
Whether you're taking your family for a getaway or go into the wild all alone, Argos has the camping equipment you need. Use this offer to save even more on your shopping at Argos. T&Cs apply
Deal Exercise Bikes!

Exercise bikes from £65

Verified 2 days ago
Stay active in the comfort of your own home with home gym equipment from just £65 at Argos! T&Cs apply.
Deal

Save up to half price on selected home and furniture

Verified 2 days ago
Time for a refresh? Make big (or little) changes by swapping in new pieces like elegant coffee tables, fabulous lighting or savvy storage ideas! T&Cs apply.
Code

Up to 50% off Beauty Electricals

If you’re hunting for a bargain then you've come to the right place. Shop at Debenhams now and get up to 50% off Beauty Electricals and Personal Care! T&Cs apply.
Code

Up to 70% off Hype

If you're shopping for fashionable, affordable clothing for the family, Hype is a great place to start. Shop at Debenhams now and get up to 70% off Hype! T&Cs apply.
Code

Up to 60% off Goddiva

Go high glamour in something beautiful from the Goddiva clothing collection. Shop at Debenhams now and get up to 60% off Goddiva! T&Cs apply.
Code

Up to 40% off KG Kurt Geiger

If you’re hunting for a bargain then you've come to the right place. Shop at Debenhams now and get up to 40% off KG Kurt Geiger! T&Cs apply.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.
Go to site