Updated Aug 13, 2026
So you’ve sworn off twin mattresses since your college dorm room, tried a full and felt a little cramped, and a queen’s just not cutting it. You’re ready to take your sleep more seriously, to wake up feeling relaxed, energized, rested.
You might be ready for a California King bed, but you’re wondering what the difference is between a California King and an Alaskan King. In comparison to a California King, an Alaskan King is bigger, measuring 24 inches longer and 36 inches wider.
So, what’s the best mattress option for you? Read on to discover the nuances of a California King vs. an Alaskan King bed, and what to expect from each.
What is a California King Bed?
Luxury sleep at its finest, the California King size bed makes a statement in any bedroom.
- Length – 84 in.
- Width – 72 in.
- Shape – Rectangle
- Overall size – 6,048 sq. in. or 42 sq. ft.
- Features – The largest and tallest mattresses Casper has to offer, so we can provide you with the best sleep without sacrificing space.
Pros of the California King Mattress
A California King may be a great fit if you:
- Need extra legroom – At 84 inches long, it's ideal for taller sleepers.
- Have a long, narrow bedroom – Its shape works well in narrower spaces.
- Sleep with a partner – It comfortably accommodates two adults.
Cons of a California King Mattress
On the other hand, consider these potential drawbacks:
- Less width than a standard king – You get length, but sacrifice four inches of width.
- Accessories can be harder to find – California King sheets and bed frames are less common.
- Not ideal for co-sleeping families – The narrower design leaves less room for kids or pets.
What is an Alaskan King Bed?
One notable feature of the Alaskan King mattress is its larger size and unique shape—it’s a supersized square!
- Length – 108 in.
- Width – 108 in.
- Shape – Square
- Overall size – 11,664 sq. in. or 81 sq. ft.
- Features – It’s one of the largest mattress sizes out there, and can fit a whole family plus pets if desired
While increased space may certainly be attractive to sleepers who like to starfish in the middle of their bed, bigger may not always be better when it comes to oversized mattress sizes.
Pros of the Alaskan King Mattress
An Alaskan King stands out because it:
- Provides exceptional space – Its 108-by-108-inch size offers room to spread out.
- Works well for families – Great for co-sleeping with children or pets.
- Accommodates tall sleepers – Plenty of extra length and width for stretching out.
Cons of the Alaskan King Mattress
Before choosing an Alaskan King, keep in mind that these beds:
- Require a very large bedroom – It can overwhelm average-sized spaces.
- Cost more – The mattress and accessories typically carry a higher price tag.
- Can be difficult to shop for – Bedding, bed frames, and other accessories are often specialty items.
Is there a Bed Larger Than an Alaskan King?
In terms of overall square footage, the Alaskan King is the largest standard mattress you can buy, measuring a massive 108 inches by 108 inches. That’s nine feet of sprawling luxury in every direction. While some custom-built beds like the Family XL or Super Wide King can exceed it in width, they’re not typically available through standard retailers and are less balanced in shape.
That said, there are a few slightly smaller—but still impressively oversized—beds worth considering:
- Wyoming King Bed: Slightly smaller than the Alaskan bed, the Wyoming King Bed measures 84 inches by 84 inches. It’s perfect for those who want a bit more space without going all out.
- Texas King Bed: This mattress offers a unique dimension of 80 inches by 98 inches, making the Texas King Bed longer than the Wyoming, but not as wide.
Understanding the variations between these oversized mattresses can help you make a more informed decision based on your room size and sleeping preferences.
Choosing Between a California King and Alaskan King
There are a few general factors to consider so you can rest easy about where you choose to rest easy, including:
Sleeper Preference
As you mull over an Alaskan King vs California King, ask yourself: who will be sleeping in the bed? This should be your biggest consideration when contemplating your mattress size options.
If you’re looking for the best bed size for couples, consider how you like to sleep. If you like to be close together, but still experience a cool, breathable night’s sleep, Casper’s California King mattress may be perfect for you. If you like a lot of sleeping space between you and your partner, the Alaskan King mattress might be more up your alley.
For a couple with kids or pets, the more lateral room to sleep, the better. In this case, go for a King expertly made by Casper. Or a massive Alaskan King mattress, where space will always be abundant. Bed size matters when dealing with multiple people or a family bed.
Body Type
Your body type can also help determine which oversized mattress is the better fit. While both options offer plenty of room to stretch out, a California King may be ideal for taller individuals who need extra legroom without taking over the entire bedroom.
An Alaskan King, on the other hand, offers substantially more width and length, making it a comfortable choice for larger body types or anyone who simply prefers a little more personal space. After all, if your feet are hanging off the edge of the bed, your mattress probably isn’t doing its job.
Room Size
Before you dive headfirst into the world of oversized mattresses, don’t forget to consider your bedroom size. Unless you’re aiming for a wall-to-wall mattress, you’ll want at least 2 to 3 feet on all three sides of your bed to move around freely, not to mention space for bedside tables and other furniture in the room. Otherwise, making the bed won’t just be a chore—it’ll be a frustrating series of yoga poses.
In terms of an Alaskan King Bed vs California King, here are the ideal room sizes:
- A California King would fit comfortably in a 12 ft by 10 ft. room.
- An Alaskan King Bed, on the other hand, needs a spacious room measuring at least 16 ft. by 16 ft.
No matter what space you’re working with, be sure to fill it with comfort. Even if you don’t have a bedroom that can accommodate the colossal Alaskan King, you can size down with a California King or Texas King. For an even slimmer option, a queen size mattress is perfect for a smaller bedroom.
Budget
If you’re buying an Alaskan King Bed, you’ll also have to invest in an Alaskan King-sized bed frame, box spring, and cover set. Because Alaskan King beds aren’t widely available everywhere, their frames and cover sets aren’t either, and may be harder to find and more costly to purchase. This goes for all of the oversized and custom mattresses.
Casper solves that problem for you if you opt for a California King size bed. Our best-selling bundle, which includes 1 original mattress, 1 foundation, and 1 mattress protector, can save you up to 400 dollars. Additionally, our collection of beautiful, cleanly designed bed frames will fit your mattress perfectly and uplift any room. Talk about a California King bed upgrade!
Shopping for the Perfect Mattress: Casper's Top Picks
If you choose a California King, you’ll have our Casper mattresses to provide you with the most luxurious, repairing sleep you will ever experience. Here are a few top mattress options available in the California King size:
Casper One
The no-brainer mattress choice. Discover affordable memory foam mattresses no matter your budget with the One.
Casper Dream Max
Ergonomically engineered to help relieve pressure & cradle you all night, the Dream Max is our most supportive mattress for your dreamiest sleep.
Casper Snow Max
With our most supportive ergonomics and most innovative cooling features, the Snow Max is the ultimate solution for whatever is keeping you up.
Choose Casper Mattresses For a Great Night’s Sleep
Choosing Casper is choosing a powerful new way to rest. Whether you’re going for budget, space, or style, our technologically advanced, pet-friendly, back-approved products will revolutionize the way you sleep.
Find more King Size mattress resources in our blog, from our king size bed frame dimensions guide to our tips on how to style a king size bed. Shop California King beds with Casper today.
FAQs
Why do people buy Alaskan king beds?
People buy Alaskan king beds for the unmatched space they provide. They're especially popular among families who co-sleep, pet owners, very tall sleepers, and anyone who wants a luxurious sleeping environment with plenty of room to stretch out comfortably.
What's the difference between an Alaskan king and a regular king bed?
The biggest difference is size. An Alaskan king measures 108 inches by 108 inches, while a standard king mattress measures 76 inches by 80 inches. An Alaskan king is significantly wider and longer, offering much more surface area for sleepers, children, and pets.
Do two queens equal an Alaskan king?
No. Two queen mattresses placed side by side measure 120 inches wide by 80 inches long, while an Alaskan king measures 108 inches by 108 inches. Although two queens create a wider sleeping surface, they don't match the dimensions of an Alaskan king bed.
What's the difference between a California king and a regular king?
So, what’s the difference between a California King vs. king bed? A California king is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, while a regular king is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. The California king is longer and narrower, whereas the standard king is wider and offers slightly more total surface area.
Can I put king sheets on a California king?
No. Standard king sheets are designed for a mattress that's 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. Because a California king is narrower and longer, king sheets typically won't fit properly and may bunch up or come loose during the night.
Sources:
- Sleep Foundation. California king vs. King. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/california-king-vs-king
