Updated Nov 11, 2025
An Eastern King size bed is simply another name for a standard king bed, and both have the same dimensions: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long.
If you’re treating yourself to a new bed or indulging in the idea of it, you’ve probably seen a few different terms for a king size bed. But what do they all mean? More specifically, what is an Eastern king bed? Can you use standard king sheets with an Eastern king? And, what is the difference between an Eastern king vs king size bed?
Eastern Kings vs King Size Beds: What is an Eastern King?
An Eastern king bed size is simply another term for a regular king mattress. Both mattresses measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Generally speaking, there are only two types of standard king size beds:
- King – Also called a standard king size bed, traditional king, or Eastern king bed size
- California king – Sometimes referred to as the Cal king or Western king bed, measuring 72 inches wide by 84 inches long (more on this later)
Since an Eastern king mattress and a king are essentially the same size, you might argue that the king size mattress has too many nicknames. We’ll explain why.
How the Eastern King Got Its Name
Despite how it sounds, this has nothing to do with Eastern rulers and emperors in the 12th century, though that would be a pretty cool dream.
According to mattress lore, the Eastern king was nothing more than a counter to the California king, created by a Los Angeles merchant shortly after the Second World War. The first iteration of the so-called “Big Bed” was long and narrow. When manufacturers across the country designed their own Big Beds, they ditched the California measurements in favor of a more square-shaped creation.1
These new mattresses were called Eastern kings to distance themselves from their Californian predecessors. As this new mattress size became the norm throughout most of the country, the “Eastern” appears to have been dropped by manufacturers in favor of a simpler title, the king bed.
So, what’s the difference between a king and an Eastern king? Well, just which name do you like more?
What is a Western King?
A Western king is simply another name for a California king mattress. Measuring 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, it trades some width for extra legroom. This makes it the longest standard mattress size in the U.S., perfect for taller sleepers or anyone who wants more space to stretch out from head to toe.
Eastern King vs California King Mattresses
So, Eastern king vs California king—what’s the difference? An Eastern king size bed has the same dimensions as a king bed: 80 inches long and 76 inches wide. This makes it almost a perfect square. The California king, or the Western king, as we mentioned, is skinnier and longer: 84 inches long and 72 inches wide.
Many people think of the California king bed as being the bigger of the two, designed for big Californian dreamers. It’s actually the other way around — 6,080 square inches for the Eastern king and 6,048 square inches for the California king.
Not much difference, but it leans slightly in favor of the Eastern king.
Which is better? That all depends on your personal preferences and circumstances. Here are some factors to keep in mind as you compare:
Size
Although similar, the California king and Eastern king still have a size discrepancy. The Eastern king is wider for side-to-side space, while the California king is longer for extra legroom.
Sleeper Preference
Couples who like to sprawl—or share space with kids or pets—will appreciate the extra width of an Eastern king. Taller sleepers often prefer the California king bed, since its extra length keeps feet from hanging off the edge.
Availability
Both sizes are widely sold, but Eastern king mattresses tend to be more common. Because it’s considered the “standard” king, you’ll generally find more variety in models, styles, and bedding options.
Cost
Eastern king (standard king) and California king mattresses are similarly priced, with most brands setting prices at nearly the same level for both sizes. However, standard (Eastern) kings tend to start at a slightly lower price, while California kings—being longer and somewhat less common—can sometimes cost a bit more, especially in certain brands or specialty mattress lines.
Accessories
Bedding isn’t interchangeable between the two—fitted sheets and comforters must match the mattress size. Standard pillows and some throws or duvets can work on either, but for the best fit, stick with size-specific accessories.
Other King Sized Mattresses to Know
When it comes to the biggest bed sizes, Tthere are several mattresses that measure even larger than the California or Eastern king, including the Wyoming, Alaskan, and Texas king mattresses:
- The Wyoming king is just a bit longer and wider than the standard king size mattress.
- The Texas king is a similar width with an added 14 inches on top of the California king. This is also called a super king or grand king.
- The massive Alaskan king comes in at 108 inches by 108 inches, a whopping nine feet in each direction.
Should You Get an Eastern King Size Bed?
Choosing an Eastern king comes down to space—both in your bedroom and in your lifestyle. This is the widest standard bed size you can buy, giving couples plenty of room to stretch out or share with kids and pets without feeling crowded.
Eastern kings shine in large, spacious bedrooms where the extra width feels luxurious rather than cramped. If you’re of average height and prefer elbow-room over legroom, this size often makes more sense than a California king. The wider design also makes it easier to find accessories—from sheet sets to bed frames—since it’s the most common king option on the market.
That said, it’s not for everyone. If your bedroom is on the smaller side, a king can overwhelm the space. And if you’re taller than 6’4", you may find a California king’s added length more comfortable.
Bottom line: An Eastern king is a great choice if you want the roomiest width, broad availability, and plenty of space to share, as long as your room can comfortably fit the mattress.
Shopping for an Eastern King with Casper
If you’re hoping to live like royalty, there’s nothing more luxurious than a king size mattress. But not all kings are created equal.
Regardless of which mattress size you’re looking for, Casper Kings come in several uniquely comfortable designs:
- Casper Dream Max Hybrid King Mattress - Years of engineering, hundreds of prototypes, and countless tests later, our dream bed is now a reality. Our ultimate hybrid mattress is ergonomically engineered to help relieve pressure, align your spine, and cradle you all night.
- Casper Snow Max Hybrid King Mattress - Our ultimate hybrid mattress combined with our ultimate cooling technology for your most refreshing sleep ever. Engineered with a conforming feel, Snow Max is perfect for all sleep styles and sleep problems.
- Casper Snow Hybrid King Mattress- A memory foam bed that actually sleeps cool. Designed with conforming memory foam and encased coils for support, plus Snow Technology for 12+ hours of cooler sleep.
- Casper Dream Hybrid King Mattress – Comfort and precise support where you need it most. Engineered with a soothing yet supportive feel, the Dream pairs responsive springs with enhanced zones of support to keep you aligned all night.
- Casper One Foam King Mattress – The best all-foam mattress, expertly designed to meet your sleep needs at an affordable price. Featuring a responsive yet supportive medium-firm feel you’ll love.
No matter where you are — from east to west — you can enjoy a better night’s sleep with a Casper King of your choice. Upgrade your sleeping space from a standard king bed to a Cal king, Alaskan king, or Wyoming king and enjoy more room. Once you’ve selected your perfect mattress, we’re here to help you with tips on how to style a king size bed, too. Be sure to check our bed sheets available in both Eastern (standard) king and California king sizes.
FAQs About Eastern King Beds
What is a split king bed?
A split king is essentially two twin XL mattresses placed side by side on the same frame, creating the dimensions of a standard king. The benefit? Each sleeper gets their own mattress surface, so you can customize firmness or even add an adjustable base without compromising your partner’s comfort.
If you and your partner have different preferences when it comes to mattress firmness and elevation, both of these sizes can be offered in split king options as well. What is this mattress option, you ask? Check out our blog to learn what a split king bed is and compare a split king vs king mattress.
Will California king sheets fit an Eastern king bed?
Nope. The width and length don’t match up for these beds, so sheets are not interchangeable. For the best fit (and fewer midnight sheet slip-offs), always buy bedding sized for your exact mattress.
Do two twins equal a king?
Not quite. Two standard twin mattresses equal 38" x 75" each, which together make a bed that’s shorter and slightly wider than a king. To get a true Eastern king size (76" x 80"), you need two twin XLs (38" x 80"). That combo matches perfectly in both width and length.
Sources:
- Los Angeles Times. California King’s Reign Stops at the State Line. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1994-03-26-hm-38579-story.html
