UK Bed Sizes & Dimensions in cm (Mattress & Frame)

UK Mattress Measurements

There are six standard UK bed mattress sizes. Mattress length and width is commonly referred to in the retail industry in Imperial units (4ft6 Double, for example) for the sake of simplifying the difference is size.

UK Manufacturers, however, produce their mattresses in Metric units (centimetres and metres) as a standard. This is why you sometimes see both units referred to, and we have included both below for easy conversion should it be required.

UK Mattress Size Guide

UK Standard Mattress Sizes

	Imperial (ft/in)		Metric (cm)
Mattress Size	Mattress Width	Mattress Length	Mattress Width	Mattress Length
Small Single Mattress	2 feet 6 inches	6 feet 3 inches	75 centimetres	190 centimetres
Single Mattress	3 feet	6 feet 3 inches	90 centimetres	190 centimetres
Small Double Mattress	4 feet	6 feet 3 inches	120 centimetres	190 centimetres
Double Mattress	4 feet 6 inches	6 feet 3 inches	135 centimetres	190 centimetres
King Size Mattress	5 feet	6 feet 6 inches	150 centimetres	200 centimetres
Super King Size Mattress	6 feet	6 feet 6 inches	180 centimetres	200 centimetres

European Size Mattresses

UK standard mattress sizes correct to nearest inch/centimetre. UK mattress sizes are different to European (eg Ikea) mattress sizes.

Bed Frames

Choosing a new bed frame isn’t just about picking a design you love; it’s about making sure it physically fits your life. Whether you have a tape measure in hand or are trying to figure out if a king size will leave you enough room to open your wardrobe doors, having the exact measurements matters.

Over the past 17 years, we’ve helped thousands of UK homeowners navigate bedroom layouts. This quick, practical guide lays out the standard UK bed dimensions in centimetres and feet, helping you avoid an expensive mistake on delivery day.

Standard UK Bed Sizes and Dimensions Chart

To find the exact double bed size in cm, look at the table below. It details all six major UK sizes, comparing standard mattress dimensions with the typical footprint required for a solid wood frame.

UK Bed Size	Mattress Size (cm)	Mattress Size (Feet/Inches)	Est. Solid Wood Frame Footprint (cm)
2ft 6 Small Single	$75cm x 190cm$	2ft 6" x 6ft 3"	85cm x 202cm
3ft Single	90cm x 190cm	3ft 0" x 6ft 3"	100cm x 202cm
4ft Small Double	120cm x 190cm	4ft 0" x 6ft 3"	130cm x 202cm
4ft 6 Double	135cm x 190cm	4ft 6" x 6ft 3"	145cm x 202cm
5ft King Size	150cm x 200cm	5ft 0" x 6ft 6"	160cm x 212cm
6ft Super King	180cm x 200cm	6ft 0" x 6ft 6"	190cm x 212cm

The Critical Difference Between Mattress Size and Frame Size

A common misconception is that a bed frame takes up the exact same amount of floor space as the mattress size. In reality, standard UK bed sizes always refer to the mattress dimensions, not the outer boundary of the frame.

Because a solid wood bed frame is crafted from substantial, durable timbers, the headboard, foot end, and side rails add extra width and length to the total footprint. As a general rule, you should allow an extra 8cm to 15cm over the mattress dimensions to accommodate the frame's construction.

Before finalizing your layout, always check the technical specifications of your chosen frame rather than relying solely on mattress dimensions.

How to Choose the Right Bed Size for Your Space

Every bedroom has its unique quirks, but matching your room type to the right dimensions ensures a comfortable flow.

Small Double (4ft): Ideal for tighter layouts, guest spaces, or teenagers' rooms. It offers a little extra room without overwhelming smaller UK double bedrooms.
Double (4ft 6): A versatile, everyday choice for couples. It balances sleeping comfort with essential floor space in average-sized rooms.
King Size (5ft): The perfect choice for main bedrooms. It provides extra length ( $200cm$ vs $190cm)$ , making it highly recommended for taller sleepers.
Super King (6ft): Offers generous, hotel-style comfort. It acts as a beautiful anchor point for larger master bedrooms, assuming you have the wall space to support it.

Whichever option you choose, we always suggest leaving between 50cm and 70cm of clear space around the sides and foot of the bed. This gives you the visual breathing room to move around comfortably and open any nearby wardrobes or drawers. If you are mapping out a trickier room layout, you can read our detailed Size & Layout Guide for deeper room-planning advice.

Quick Reference Bed Size Q&A

What is the size of a standard UK double bed in cm?

A standard UK double bed mattress measures 135cm wide x 190cm long (4ft 6" x 6ft 3"). It's the most popular size for couples in the UK and works well in most average-sized double bedrooms. If you have a solid wood bed frame, allow a little extra for the frame itself, typically around 145cm x 202cm for the overall footprint.

Is a UK King size the same as a US Queen?

No, they are close but not identical. A UK King size mattress measures $150 x 200cm$ . A standard US Queen mattress measures approximately $152 x 203cm$ . If you buy overseas bedding or frames, standard UK mattresses may not fit properly.

How much space should you leave around a bed frame?

As a guide, aim to leave 50cm to 70cm of clear walking space on both sides of the bed, and at least 60cm to 80cm at the foot end. This prevents the bedroom from feeling restricted and leaves enough clearance for doors and drawers to open smoothly.

More Information

If you have any questions about UK mattress sizes please email our customer support team who will be happy to assist you: sales@theoakbedstore.co.uk or call 02393 552 550.

The ‘UK Standard Mattress Sizes’ document is copyright © 2019 Oakworth Furniture Ltd. Reproduction is prohibited without written authorisation from Oakworth Furniture Ltd, registered in the UK, company number: 06779762.

Last Updated 22-09-2026
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