Updated May 28, 2025
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.
Before you size up to a California King size bed or an Alaskan King size bed, know all your options. Let’s first take a look at the specs of each mattress for a clearer picture of these two beds.
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 – One of the largest and tallest mattresses Casper has to offer, so we can provide you with the best sleep without sacrificing space
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 the largest mattress size 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.
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.
Alaskan King Bed Pros
The Alaskan King is all about maximizing comfort and space. With room to stretch, snuggle, or sprawl, it’s an ideal choice for families, pet owners, and anyone who craves a little extra breathing room at night.
For the Family-Oriented
The Alaskan King isn’t just a bed; it’s a bonding experience. Families with young children will find this size perfect for those nights when the little ones want to climb in. No more squeezing or uncomfortable sleeping positions – there’s room for everyone.
The Pet Lover’s Dream
For those of us who share our beds with our furry friends, the Alaskan King offers ample space. No more waking up on the edge of the bed while your pet sprawls out in the center. With the Alaskan bed, everyone gets their fair share of space.
A Haven for the Tall Sleeper
Tired of your feet hanging off the edge? The Alaskan King’s generous length ensures that individuals of all heights can stretch out comfortably. Plus, light sleepers or those with restless partners will appreciate the extra width of this oversized bed, ensuring undisturbed slumber.
Alaskan King Bed Cons
While the Alaskan King brings big benefits, it also comes with a few practical drawbacks to consider. From space needs to higher costs, here’s what to keep in mind before upgrading to this larger option.
Higher Costs for Mattress and Accessories
Oversized luxury comes with oversized expenses. Not only is the Alaskan King mattress itself pricier, but you’ll also need custom bed frames, sheets, and bedding. These specialized accessories can add up quickly, making the total investment much higher than standard mattress sizes.
Harder to Shop For
Because the Alaskan King isn’t a standard size, finding it—and everything that fits it—can take extra time and effort. Many mattress stores, like us at Casper, don’t carry it in stock, and custom orders often mean longer wait times. If convenience is a priority, this may not be the ideal choice.
Choosing Between a California King and Alaskan King
While comfort certainly plays an important role in choosing a mattress, there are a few more factors to consider so you can rest easy about where you choose to rest easy, including:
Who is Sleeping in the Bed?
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 a couple, 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.
Which Is Best For Your Body Type?
If you’re not so tall that you need all that extra space by your feet, even Casper’s regular King bed might be a welcome addition. King beds are deceptively large, actually containing more square inches than a California King size bed. King beds measure out at 6,080 sq. in. compared to the California King’s 6,048 sq. in.1 For more, check out our blog on the standard king vs California King size mattress. If you’re tall, like to be cozy, and are okay with a slightly narrower setup, opt for the California King mattress.
Consider 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.
Consider Your 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.
Sources:
- Sleep Foundation. California king vs. King. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mattress-sizes/california-king-vs-king
