The decision to buy a new mattress is a big one – and one size does not fit all. It’s important to determine which bed is best for your sleeping habits and space before buying.
Consider your preferred sleeping position, your height and weight, your partner, the number of pillows, and how much personal space you prefer. In addition, you may need to provide a little extra room in case children or pets jump into the bed.
Below you will find a list of UK mattress dimensions and descriptions to help you select the best bed size.
Note that in the UK, bed frames are sized according to the mattress. However, the bed frame can be wider because of the style, construction, and other elements such as a footboard and a headboard.
Mattress Sizes and Dimensions
Below is a summary of the available UK mattress sizes. Everything is standard, except for the Emperor sized beds that are only available in some brands and models.
| Mattress size | Dimensions |
| Small Single | 75 x 200 cm |
| Single | 90 x 190 cm |
| Small Double | 120 x 190 cm |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm |
| King | 150 x 200 cm |
| Super King | 180 x 200 cm |
| Emperor | It varies according to brand but generally 200 x 200 cm |
Small Single
- Small Single UK beds have dimensions of 75 in width and 190 cm in height.
The average British adult man is 5 ft 9 inches (or 175 cm) while the average adult woman is 5 ft 3 inches (or 160 cm) in height, so the small single size is not recommended for adults.
However, these are perfect for small children, teenagers, and petite adults. Additionally, it’s a good fit for rooms with tight spaces such as bunkers or small apartments.
They are also great transition beds for small children who just got out of using the cot and are preparing for a regular-sized mattress.
Single
- Single beds have dimensions of 90 cm in width and 190 cm in height. They are slightly wider than small single beds.
As the name suggests, they are designed for a single person. However, if you are a little on the larger size width-wise, this bed might be a tight fit for you.
They are great for small children and developing pre-teens and teens as it accounts for the growth spurts that happen during puberty.
They are also perfect for rooms that are too small and could not accommodate a double bed. If you sleep alone, without any pillows, or a pet, this is ideal for you.
Small Double (Queen)
- The small double has dimensions of 120 cm in width and 190 cm in height. Most commonly, they are called a queen or three-quarter beds.
This is a pretty spacious bed for one person. However, it can also accommodate people if necessary, but it might be a tight fit depending on the height and weight of the sleepers.
This is perfect for smaller bedrooms and guest rooms with not much space to spare, which may be too small to fit the next mattress size.
Double
- The standard double has metric dimensions of 135 cm wide and 190 cm tall. In the UK, these are the most common and easily accessible mattresses.
They are designed to sleep two regular-sized adults comfortably. It is the regular fit for two adults that still provides plenty of personal space compared to the small double size that can accommodate small adults but with little to no room.
Because of this, it also works best in rooms that are spacious and have enough free space.
King Size
- King size beds have a width of 150 cm and a height of 200 cm, making them the second-largest mattress size in the UK.
If you are a bit on the taller side and find the other beds with a measurement of 190 cm in height to be a tight fit for you, the king-size beds are recommended for you.
They are large enough to fit two adults with plenty of extra space. This is why they tend to go in the master bedroom or in large enough rooms to accommodate them.
Additionally, if you sleep with extra pillows or even with your pets, the king size mattress is guaranteed to provide sufficient space.
Super King
- This is the largest mattress size that is easily accessible in the UK. It measures 180 cm in width and 200 cm in height.
If your family likes to sleep together in the same bed on special occasions or if you just like large spaces, this is perfect for you.
Of course, you should check the dimensions and make sure your bedroom has enough space for it.
Empress Size
Despite being the most prominent beds available in the UK, not all mattress brands and models come in this size.
Very few companies provide models that come in this size, such as Hypnos, The White Company, and John Lewis.
Because emperor mattresses are not standard, their sizes also vary from brand to brand. Generally, however, it is either 200 x 200 cm or 210 x 210 cm.
Featuring a grand size, these mattresses are ideal for those who want a spacious waking up area, such as those with pets, partners, and multiple pillows.