Updated 2022: We’ve gathered all the UK mattress and bed sizes here to help you shopping online for a new mattress. This article will help you find the right mattress size for your bedroom whether you are looking to supersize your mattress or find a bed to fit that tiny box room!

We explain all about mattress sizes and the weights that will help you choose a new mattress. If you’re looking for guidance on mattress bases there’s a handy article here with explains everything about suitable mattress sizes and bases.

How to choose the right bed size

Finding the right sized mattress can be confusing and in our experience, most people who don’t check in advance what bed will fit either end up with a bed that’s too small or won’t fit up the stairs. This is where our mattress size guide can help.

• Bed & Mattress sizes in the UK
• The most popular UK bed size
• What’s the size of a small single mattress?
• What’s the size of a single mattress?
• What’s the size of a small double mattress?
• What’s the size of a double mattress?
• What’s the size of a kingsize mattress?
• What’s the size of a super kingsize mattress?
• What’s the size of a extra kingsize mattress?
• Zip and link bed sizes
• What bed size is best?
• Continental/European Mattress Sizes
• Mattress depths
• Mattress Vs Bed Base Sizes
• Bed Base Sizes
• How are divan mattress bases split?
• How much does a mattress weigh?

It’s also important to check the weight of your new mattress, all our own bed bases can accommodate any of our models some other retailer mattress bases may have an upper weight limit. If you’re asking ‘what size is a mattress?’ then read on for more help.

Bed & Mattress Sizes UK

The following are the standard UK mattress and be sizes that we make our mattresses and bed bases in. Bespoke orders and bespoke size mattresses are available upon request so please get in touch.

The table below shows all the Bed sizes in the UK.

What is the most popular bed size?

The most popular UK bed size is now a King size mattress having finally overtaken the double bed. This has been made far more accessible for most with zip and link mattresses.

Zip & link beds mean that even smaller houses with difficult access or tight stairwells can now accommodate a kingsize mattress. These split piece beds allow even super king-sized mattresses to fit into the tightest of loft rooms.

What size is a small single bed and mattress?

The size of a small single mattress is 80cm x 190cm / 2’ 6” x 6’3”.

What size is a single bed and mattress?

The size of a single mattress is 90cm x 190cm / 3” x 6’3”.

What size is a small double bed and mattress?

The size of a small double mattress is 120cm x 190cm / 4″ x 6’3″.

What size is a double bed and mattress?

The size of a double mattress is 135cm x 190cm / 4’6″ x 6’3″.

What size is a King size bed and mattress?

The size of a Kingsize mattress is 150cm x 200cm / 5′ x 6’6″.

What size is a Super king size bed and mattress?

The size of a Super King size mattress is 180cm x 200cm / 6′ x 6’6″.

What size is an Extra king size bed and mattress?

The size of an Extra King size mattress is 180cm x 190cm / 6’0 x 6’3.

Is a larger mattress better for sleep?

A larger mattress can help you sleep better as they allow for less sleep disturbance if you share a bed. Sharing a smaller mattress such as a double can sometimes lead to nightly disruptions from your other half as they move about in bed. With a larger mattress such as a king size or super kingsize mattress there’s more free space on the mattress so you’re not as close together.

When a pocket sprung mattress is chosen this can help drastically reduce nocturnal interruptions as each pocket spring works individually reducing transference (that bounce or movement across a mattress).

This means that when one sleeper moves there’s less chance of you being woken up at night.

Zip & Link mattress sizes

Zip & link mattresses are two mattresses that seamlessly zip together offering ultimate sleep flexibility and customisation.

Zip and link beds are ideal for differently weighted sleepers or if you want to be able to divide the bed periodically. Zip and links also make turning your mattress far easier.

• King Size Zip & Link 5’x 6’6 (Each half measuring 2’6 x 6’6)
• Super King Size Zip & Link 6′ x 6’6″ (Each half measuring 3’0 x 6’6)
• Extra King Size Zip & Link 6′ x 6’3 (Each half measuring 3’0 x 6’3)

Zip & link mattresses offer a number of benefits including split tension spring units if you and your partner require different tensions in your bed. The zips are recessed so you won’t feel them and it makes turning your mattress far easier each month. We have a very handy guide below to explain exactly how zip and link mattresses work which may be of interest.

What mattress & bed sizes are best?

There are a number of mattress size conventions across the world. This post will detail all the UK sizes including mattress bases so you can see which bed will fit in your bedroom. The UK’s most popular mattress size is a king size which allows ample space for two people sleeping next to each other when compared to the snug fit of a double.

Did you also know that if you’ve got restricted access, narrow staircases or low ceilings then you can get your mattress made as a zip & link model enabling practically any sized house to have the ultimate dream mattress!

The best mattress size is usually the largest bed you can comfortably fit into your bedroom.

A king-size mattress for 2 people affords you a generous space regardless of your sleeping position without making the mattress impossible to turn. Larger sizes are usually better as a zip and link mattress which we stock in all our ranges. Kingsize mattresses are the most popular in the UK.

We also offer a bespoke mattress making service so if you’ve got an unusual size requirement we can accommodate that too! Why not get in touch for the ultimate hand made mattress just for you!

Continental & European Bed Sizes

Mattress depths

Our Origins range are 12-13 inches deep, 30-33cm and the Artisan range are 11-12 inches deep 27-30cm. The Fusion, Hybrid and Resilience depths are all stated on their respective product listings.

Mattress Size Guide Approximations

Please be aware that unlike other manufacturers we don’t class the mattress cover in the overall mattress depth.  Other companies will add 1-3cm to the overall depth of the mattress using the cover and quilt undulations as part of the foam which we find misleading.

We don’t think this is a fair practice, so we don’t count this 1-3cm in the overall depth of the mattress. Please be aware when choosing your mattress it may be slightly deeper than listed due to the cover and undulations.

We advise you to wait until your mattress arrives before purchasing additional covers and sheets to make sure they fit. It will also take upto 4 weeks for you to adjust and get used to your new mattress, a bit like a new pair of shoes. So please bear this in mind.

Bed Base Sizes

How big are mattress bases? Check out our dimension table to assist.

Mattress Size Vs the Bed Frame Size

When choosing a new mattress you also need to consider the mattress base that it will sit on. In particular, if it will fit into both your bedroom and also up the stairs!

Your mattress size should always correspond with the bed size you are also buying. If you have a king-size bed (like most of the UK) then you will need a kingsize mattress. However, each bed frame type may be slightly larger than the mattress depending on the design which you need to take into consideration.

Bed frame sizes dependant on style

The dimensions of your bed will vary depending on which style of bed frame or bed base you choose:

• Divan beds should be the exact same dimensions as your mattress so they sit flush
• Metal bedframes may be up to 2cm wider to accommodate the mattress in the lip
• Wooden bed frames are also a couple of centimetres bigger than your mattress around each side again sitting within the frame
• Sleigh beds, upholstered bases, antique and custom made bed bases can have really different proportions and dimensions so always triple check!

Mattress bases drawer dimensions

People often ask how big are mattress drawers and the depths of them. It’s important to know what you could fit in them as mattress base drawers can offer hidden storage for smaller bedrooms. Here is a guide for our John Ryan Mattress bases.

Legacy Mattress Sizes

Which way are divan bases split?

Weights of Mattresses

Our mattresses weigh between 23-78kg depending on mattress model and size.

This is an approximate guide for the weight of our Mattresses. Please be aware there is a sometimes a variance and we can’t guarantee an exact weight for the mattresses this is why we sometimes give a range. You need to know the weight of the mattress to check that you base can support it.

Cheap mattresses may weigh as little as 20kg for a king-size whereas a hand made mattress full of Natural mattress fillings can weight up to 80kg! 

Under our Bespoke Service

We can make mattresses to a number of non-standard sizes. Especially if you have antique bed frames, require beds for yachts or any other bespoke mattress requirements. There is a price increase for bespoke work and it’s not covered by the love it or return it guarantee. Please get in touch for more details with us directly.

• Ikea Double 4’7” x 6’6”  (140cm x 200cm)
• Ikea King  5’2″ x 6’6″ (160cm x 200cm)

European / Ikea sizes are usually slightly longer and wider than standard UK bed equivalents.  At present at John Ryan we don’t offer an Ikea Single equivalent as this is 6’6″ inches long where as a small single is 6’3″.  Our bespoke service can take orders of non-standard services such as this.