Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 2: Measuring a bed
• Part 2 of 2: Determining the bed size
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Beds come in many sizes. One single bed is not the other, and the same applies to double beds. If you buy a mattress with a bed, or you want to know if a bed will fit in your bedroom, it is wise to measure the bed to make sure it will fit. When buying a bed, it is helpful to choose a bed that is at least four inches longer than the tallest person who will sleep in the bed. Below we explain which bed sizes there are, and how you can easily measure a bed.

To step

Part 1 of 2: Measuring a bed

1. Remove the bedding from the bed. You want to measure the bed from edge to edge, without any bedding in between.
2. Grab a tape measure. It is easiest to measure with a tape measure, because it stays in place better than a tape measure. If the tape measure doesn't stay in place, or if you're using a tape measure, ask someone else to help hold the tape measure or tape measure in place.
3. Have a pen and paper at hand to write down the measurements. You want to use the dimensions later, for a mattress or for your bedroom. So write down the measurements before you forget them.
4. Place the start of the tape measure on the left side of the bed. Roll out the tape measure until you reach the right side of the bed. This is the width of your bed. Write these down.
5. Place the beginning of the tape measure at the head of your bed. Unroll the tape measure until you reach the foot of the bed. This is the length of your bed. Write these down. Make sure that you measure straight and not at an angle, because then you will get the wrong size.

Part 2 of 2: Determining the bed size

1. If your bed is a maximum of 90 centimeters wide, it is a single bed. A single bed is a bed for one person. That sounds logical, but one single bed is not the other. Most single beds are 80 or 90 centimeters wide. Standard lengths are 190 centimeters and 200 centimeters.
   • In the United States, a single bed is called "twin".
   • A bed can also be smaller, but then it is often a cot.
   • If you buy a mattress for your bed, also pay attention to the height. Make sure the mattress is higher than the distance from the slatted frame to the top edge of the side of the bed.
2. There is a French bed between a single bed and a double bed. The word says it all; a "queen" is wider than a single bed but narrower than a double bed. A queen size bed is usually 120 centimeters wide, and often 190 or 200 centimeters long.
   • In Britain, a doubter is called a "double." Also in the United States, the term "double" is sometimes used for a queen, but there "double" often means a small double bed (just a size wider than a queen).
3. If your bed is at least 140 centimeters wide, it is a double bed. As with single beds and French beds, the length is usually 190 or 200 centimeters.
   • You can also buy longer beds at the better bed shops, such as 210 centimeters.
   • A standard double bed is called a "queen" in the United States and a "king" in the UK (150 centimeters wide and 200 centimeters long).
   • In shops you come across the term "twin beds". Originally, this meant two single beds that were put together. The total dimensions were therefore 160 or 180 centimeters wide and 190 centimeters long (almost never 200 centimeters). The term "twin beds" is now mainly used for bed linen, such as duvet covers. These are extra large duvet covers, usually 240 or 260 centimeters wide and 200 or 220 centimeters long.
4. If you have a large double bed, this is also referred to as a "king". For example, you see the term "king" in hotel rooms. The double bed is then extra large. In the United States, a "king" is 193 centimeters (76 inches) wide and 203 centimeters (80 inches) long. In Great Britain, a "king" is much smaller: 150 centimeters wide and 200 centimeters long.
5. Even larger beds are often available abroad. Especially in the United States, you can choose from many different 'king' varieties. For example, a "California king" is 183 centimeters (72 inches) wide and 213 centimeters (84 inches) long, and a "grand king" is 203 centimeters (80 inches) wide and 249 centimeters (98 inches) long. In Great Britain the term "super king" is used; which is 183 centimeters (72 inches) wide and 198 centimeters (78 inches) long.

Tips

• If you buy a bed for your bedroom, keep in mind that you will have at least half a meter of walking space next to your bed and at the foot of the bed. If you have a door in your bedroom that opens inward, keep this in mind when determining the maximum size of your bed: make sure the door can still open.
• If you buy bedding with your bed, also measure how thick your mattress is. Dimensions of flannels and bottom sheets are not only based on how long and wide the mattress is, but also on how thick the mattress is.

Warnings

• If you order a bed from abroad, keep in mind that dimensions can differ per country. You may not be able to find a suitable mattress or bedding in your area.

Necessities

• Tape measure
• Paper
• Pen or pencil