Alaskan King vs. California King vs. King: Which Size Is Right for Me?
They all have “King” in the name, but Alaskan King, California King, and standard King are three distinct bed size options. In this guide, we break down the pros and cons, dimensions, and price points for each to help you decide which best fits your sleep needs.
Table reflects prices and estimates at the time of publication.
Alaskan King Bed Dimensions
An Alaskan King is the biggest bed size you can buy! Alaskan King mattresses measure a whopping 108 inches wide by 108 inches long, totaling 11,664 square inches in surface area. In feet, an Alaskan King is 9 by 9 feet. If you’re curious how Alaskan Kings stack up against other extra-large mattress options, check out our Guide to Oversized Beds.
On an Alaskan King bed, you can comfortably fit up to four adults or two adults and three to four kids or pets. The occupancy possibilities make Alaskan Kings a popular choice for co-sleeping families or those who like to gather in bed for movie marathons.
If you share an Alaskan King bed with just one other person, you’ll both have plenty of personal space. An Alaskan King bed is the same width as two Full size beds pushed side to side. With that much room, you’ll feel little to no motion transfer from your sleeping partner if they toss and turn throughout the night.
Alaskan King Bed vs. California King
Compared to a California King size bed, an Alaskan King size bed is 36 inches (3 feet) wider and 24 inches (2 feet) longer. That’s an extra 5,616 square inches in sleep surface area.
Alaskan King Bed vs. King
An Alaskan King bed measures 32 inches wider and 28 inches longer than a standard king bed. In surface area, that’s an additional 5,584 square inches to sprawl out or share with additional sleepers or pets.
California King Dimensions
California King bed dimensions are 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. This equates to 6,048 square inches of surface area—slightly less than a standard King. Of the traditional mattress sizes (Twin through California King), Cal Kings are the longest. Their generous length makes them ideal for tall sleepers or pet owners who invite their furry companion to sleep at the foot of their bed.
California King vs. King
California King mattresses are technically smaller than their standard king counterparts, but only by 32 square inches. A California King is narrower than a King by 4 inches, but also longer than a King by 4 inches. If you’re deciding between a King and California King, ask yourself: what’s more important for your sleep needs, personal space from side to side or stretching out from head to foot?
King Size Bed Dimensions
Lastly, let’s take a closer look at a standard King. A King size mattress measures 76 inches wide and 80 inches long, offering 6,080 square inches of space.
For two adults, a King provides a comfortable amount of personal space without taking up too much bedroom real estate. While not as expansive as an Alaskan King, a King bed is a great choice for couples who want a luxurious bed but don’t have the physical space for an oversized option.
Which Size Should I Choose?
If you’re on the fence about which mattress size to purchase next, stay tuned! Below, we’ve outlined five critical considerations that can help you choose between a King, California King, and Alaskan King size bed.
1. Occupancy and Personal Space
Couples
While a Queen size mattress allows just enough personal space for two adults, couples who like to spread out need a King bed or larger. But how much personal space do you need for uninterrupted, restorative sleep? Your answer to this question is a key deciding factor between a standard King, Alaskan King, or any mattress size in between.
Think of it this way: on an Alaskan King size bed, two adults will have 54 inches (4.5 feet) of lateral space each. On a standard King, each partner will have 38 inches. Lastly, two sleepers will have 36 inches (3 feet) across each on a California King, but they’ll have more room length-wise than on a regular King.
Parents and Pet Owners
All the extra space on an Alaskan King size bed comes in handy when you have children or pets. A single pet may fit comfortably with two adults in a King or California King bed, but any more will push the boundaries of your personal space. We recommend a larger size for pet owners or parents who wish to co-sleep with multiple pets, a child, or more. Remember to look forward, not just to your current sleep situation. A quality mattress may last you about a decade, so it’s worth considering any future plans to welcome more pets or kids.
2. Room Size
Will your bedroom fit a bigger bed? If you’re considering upgrading, break out the tape measure to find out. For an Alaskan King bed, we recommend at least 16 feet by 16 feet of space to leave room for the bed, essential bedroom furniture, and walkways. A California King bed requires a 12-foot by 12-foot bedroom, and a King works well in rooms measuring 12 feet by 10 feet or larger.
3. Options
One drawback to Alaskan Kings is the limited options. Most mattress companies only offer the standard Twin through California King bed sizes. You can still conveniently order an Alaskan King size mattress online from a brand specializing in oversized beds, but you’ll have fewer choices. Fortunately, Alaskan King Sleep offers a premium hybrid option with responsive foam and supportive coils fit for all sleep positions.
SHOP OUR ALASKAN KING MATTRESS NOW
4. Budget
By nature, the larger the bed, the more it costs to make and the higher the price tag. At Alaskan King Sleep, our Alaskan King mattresses start at $3,250. Check out our article How Much Does and Alaskan King Bed Cost? to better understand the price of a complete Alaskan King sleep setup, including a base and accessories.
How much do King and California King mattresses cost? Many mattress brands sell these sizes at the same price point. Prices range by mattress type and quality, but around $1,500 is a good budgeting benchmark for a high-quality option in either size.
5. New Accessories
If you’re switching to a new mattress size, you’ll also need a new foundation and bedding in the corresponding size. Be sure to factor these accessories into your budget and look out for options while you browse mattresses.
King Size Comfort
If you’ve thought through the five factors above, you’re ready to make your move! Whether you choose a King, California King, or a colossal Alaskan King, you’re in for restful nights on a new and more spacious bed.