You’ve fit two corners of the bed sheet over your mattress and tucked them neatly underneath its weight, perhaps even safeguarding it with a mattress protector. Now you have to finagle the final two. Even when using all your strength and trying to get them to stretch far enough, the sheets don’t fit. You bought the wrong bedding size.Luckily, this problem is easily solved. If you’re shopping for a new bedding set, there are classic bed sheet sizes you can reference. Shopping second-hand? You can quickly measure the sheets to be sure they will fit. Our guide breaks down the different bed sizes and the best sheet sizes for any bed, ensuring a good fit for anything from a twin bed to a California king bed.
Don’t let the wrong sheet size lead to a restless night of sleep. Here are common mattress sizes and their accompanying sheet pairings.
| Size | Mattress size (in) |
Mattress size (cm) |
Fitted sheet size |
Flat sheet size |
Duvet cover size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38” x 75” | 96.5 x 190.5 cm | Twin | Twin | Twin |
| Twin XL | 38” x 80” | 96.5 x 203 cm | Twin XL | Twin, Twin XL |
Twin |
| Full | 53” x 75” | 134.5 x 190.5 cm | Full | Full, Queen | Full, Queen |
| Queen | 60” x 80” | 152.5 x 203 cm | Queen | Queen | Queen |
| King | 76” x 80” | 193 x 203 cm | King | King, Cal-King |
King, Cal-King |
| California King |
72” x 84” | 183 x 213 cm | Cal-King | King, Cal-King |
King, Cal-King |
The above chart will help you determine what sheet sizes fit each classic mattress size. If you have a less common mattress size or additional mattress toppers, you may need to determine the right size based on your specific measurements.
Below we list the dimensions for each sheet size. Keep in mind, Casper sheet sizes may differ slightly from regular bed linen and sheet sizes.
The smallest bed size is the twin, designed to comfortably hold one sleeper. Twin bedding fits snuggly onto a 38 inch wide and 75 inch long mattress. Depending on the bedding material and brand, the dimensions of the flat sheet and duvet may vary. As long as these sheets are longer and wider than the dimensions of the mattress, you shouldn’t have any issues.
Commonly found in college dorms, the twin XL mattress is slightly longer than the twin. This means that if you’re headed off to college, you’ll likely need to buy a new set of twin XL fitted sheets. These fitted sheets are typically 39 inches wide and 80 inches long. Their flat sheet counterparts are usually 66 inches wide and 96 inches long.
Many apartment dwellers choose a full size mattress (also called a double) because it’s big enough to sleep comfortably, but doesn’t take up the whole room. Full-sized mattresses are also great for guest bedrooms. If you’re buying full size sheets, be sure that the fitted sheets are the correct size.
Full size fitted sheets are typically 54 inches wide and 75 inches long. The full size flat sheet is the same measurement as a queen, at 96 inches by 102 inches. A full size duvet is also the same size as a queen duvet, measuring 93 inches wide and 96 inches long.
Queen mattresses are the most common mattress size. Couples or individuals who like having some extra room will outfit their room with a queen mattress. If you need to purchase queen sheets, you’ll need to be aware of queen bedding size measurements. Queen size fitted sheets are typically 60 inches wide and 80 inches long. The queen size flat sheet is approximately 96 inches wide and 102 inches long.
While most queen-sized mattresses are 60 inches wide and 80 inches long, there are some variations to regular queens, offering various queen bedding size options.
A half queen is a specialty mattress that’s 30 inches wide and 80 inches long. Typically, people have two half-queen mattresses so they can adjust each side to the person’s comfort level. For this type of mattress, you’ll need to buy specialty half-queen fitted sheets. You can use the classic queen size for flat sheets and duvet covers.
A California queen bed is typically 60 inches wide and 84 inches long. For this specialty size, you’ll need to find fitted sheets that are 60 inches by 84 inches. The flat sheets and duvet cover can be the classic queen size.
Perfect for cozying up with your significant other, pet, and little one, the king mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Fitted king sheets should fit snugly, so they are approximately the same size. The king size flat sheets are typically a little larger, at 102 inches wide by 112 inches long. A king duvet covers the king bed, with its cover sheet measuring 96 inches wide and 109 inches long.
The luxurious California king mattress is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long. A California king bed fitted sheet should be the same size. The flat sheet can be the same as a king size, 102 inches wide by 112 inches long. The duvet can also have the same measurements as a king, at 96 inches by 109 inches.
Don’t know the difference between a fitted sheet and a flat one? Here’s a quick guide on the types of sheets you’ll encounter when shopping for bedding.
A fitted sheet is designed to fit perfectly onto your mattress. It typically has elastic in the corners to help the sheet grip onto the mattress.
Fitted sheets need to be specifically sized to complement the mattress dimensions. If the fitted sheet is too big, the sheet will fall off. If it’s too small, you’ll have trouble getting the elastic over the mattress corners.
As the name suggests, flat bed sheets are meant to lie flat on the mattress. They should be larger than the mattress surface. The extra fabric that hangs over the sides is then tucked under the mattress.
Not to be confused with a comforter, a duvet is a thick blanket that’s filled with down, feathers, wool, silk, or synthetic material. Duvets require a duvet cover sheet that you can take off to clean. This bed linen lies on top of the bed and drapes slightly over the edge of the mattress.
Lastly, a bed skirt is a fabric that wraps around the bottom of the mattress. It’s designed to hide the space between the mattress and the floor. This allows you to cover the boxspring and any items that are hiding underneath your bed in storage.
If you’re still unsure if a fitted sheet will fit your mattress, you can easily measure it and find out.
Remove any sheets from your bed and measure the width and length of your mattress. Then measure the height of your mattress, being sure to include any mattress toppers. Write these dimensions down. Your fitted sheet should match or be slightly larger than these dimensions.
Next, measure your fitted sheet. Lay the sheet out to find which side is the length (the longer side). Measure from one corner to the other to find the length measurement. Then measure the shorter side, from corner to corner. This is the width. Lastly, take your fitted sheet and measure along the pocket seam. This will tell you the height.
If these measurements are equal to or slightly larger than your mattress measurement, the fitted sheet should fit. If they are much larger, the sheet might bunch up in the night and come off. If they are smaller, the sheet will not fit.
To make sure you aren’t left with the disappointment of the wrong size sheet, here are a couple of additional items to keep in mind.
Many people want extra support or cushion on their mattress. Mattress toppers will add to the depth or height of the mattress. Be sure to take your full mattress depth into consideration when purchasing fitted sheets. A standard fitted sheet typically has a depth of 12 inches. Deep pocket fitted sheets can fit a depth up to 18 inches.
When you get sheets, the first thing you should do is wash them. Sheets may have been in contact with chemicals in production and transportation, so it’s important to wash them. However, it’s essential that you follow the washing instructions on the label. If your sheets shrink, they probably won’t fit your mattress anymore.
Now that you know everything about bed sheet sizes, you can purchase bedding confidently and know that it will fit perfectly onto your mattress, ensuring a snug fit on the bed frame. You’ll be snug in your new sheets in no time. Top off your dreamy oasis with a calming weighted blanket that’s designed for the ultimate relaxation.
