If you’ve ever shopped for a bed in the UK, the size labels can feel like a puzzle — a king-size bed here measures 150 cm by 200 cm (King of Cotton (UK bedding specialist)), but across the Atlantic the same name means something much bigger. This guide untangles the numbers so you can measure your room, pick the right mattress, and avoid a costly mistake.

UK King Width: 150 cm (5 ft) ·
UK King Length: 200 cm (6 ft 6 in) ·
Super King Width: 180 cm (6 ft) ·
Super King Length: 200 cm (6 ft 6 in) ·
Typical Mattress Depth: 20–25 cm

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether all UK retailers adhere strictly to 150×200
  • IKEA UK king size may be 160×200 cm
  • Historical older beds may have non‑standard dimensions
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Measure your room before buying – king needs at least 2.5 m width
  • Check bedding compatibility: duvet size 230×220 cm

Here are the key dimensions side by side for quick reference.

Measurement UK King
UK King Width 150 cm (5 ft)
UK King Length 200 cm (6 ft 6 in)
Super King Width 180 cm (6 ft)
Queen Width 120 cm (4 ft)
Double Width 135 cm (4 ft 6 in)
EU King Width 160 cm

What are the dimensions of a king size bed in the UK?

UK King Size Dimensions in Centimetres

  • Width: 150 cm – exactly half a metre wider than a UK double (135 cm) (King of Cotton (UK bedding specialist))
  • Length: 200 cm – the standard length for most UK adults, though taller individuals may need an extended version.

The standard UK king mattress is 150 cm wide by 200 cm long. That’s 15 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double (MyBedFrames (UK bed retailer)). If you’re used to European sizing, note that a European king is often 160 cm wide – a mismatch that can cause fitting problems with UK bed frames.

The catch

A UK king gives each sleeper about 75 cm of personal space – roughly the width of a single bed. That’s comfortable for most couples, but if you’re both sprawlers, consider super king.

UK King Size Dimensions in Feet and Inches

  • Width: 5 ft
  • Length: 6 ft 6 in

In imperial units, the same mattress is 5 feet by 6 feet 6 inches (Morgan & Reid (UK furniture retailer)). This matches what you’ll see on most UK bed size charts.

Common Length Variations for Tall People

  • Some brands offer “king length” at 210 cm (7 ft) for people over 6 ft 3 in
  • Always check the product spec – not all retailers make this distinction

The implication: if you’re taller than 6 ft, a standard 200 cm king may leave your feet hanging off. Seek out extended-length options (Bed Advice UK).

Is 180×200 a king size bed?

What bed sizes correspond to 180×200?

  • UK super king: 180 cm × 200 cm (King of Cotton)
  • US king: approximately 193 cm × 203 cm – different again

In the UK, 180 × 200 cm is explicitly super king, not king. The British Retail Consortium and major retailers uniformly list super king at this size (MyBedFrames).

Is 180×200 super king or king?

It’s super king. A UK king is 150 × 200 cm; super king adds 30 cm of width. That extra space makes a real difference for couples who don’t want to touch during the night (Get Laid Beds (UK bed manufacturer)).

European vs UK size conventions

  • European king is often 160 × 200 cm – between UK king and super king
  • In some countries, 180 × 200 cm is called king, causing confusion for import shoppers
Why this matters

If you buy a bed frame from a European seller and pair it with a UK mattress, the dimensions may not align. Always measure the internal frame width.

The pattern: when shopping across borders, always verify the internal frame width against your mattress.

Is a queen bed bigger than a king bed in the UK?

Queen vs King: Width and Length Comparison

  • UK queen (small double): 120 cm × 190 cm
  • UK king: 150 cm × 200 cm – king is larger in both dimensions

Let’s lay out all standard UK sizes side by side:

A 6‑size lineup, one pattern: the UK king sits squarely between double and super king – wider than a queen but narrower than most people expect.

UK Size Width (cm) Width (ft/in) Length (cm) Length (ft/in)
Small single 75 2 ft 6 in 190 6 ft 3 in
Single 90 3 ft 190 6 ft 3 in
Small double (queen) 120 4 ft 190 6 ft 3 in
Double 135 4 ft 6 in 190 6 ft 3 in
King 150 5 ft 200 6 ft 6 in
Super king 180 6 ft 200 6 ft 6 in

The pattern: UK queen (120 cm) is narrower than king (150 cm) and shorter (190 cm vs 200 cm) (MyBedFrames). If you’re a couple currently debating queen vs king, the king gives each person an extra 15 cm of width – roughly the width of an iPad.

Which is better for couples?

  • King: 75 cm per person – enough for average builds
  • Queen: 60 cm per person – tight for two adults

The trade-off: queen fits smaller rooms (minimum bed width ~2 m vs 2.5 m for king). But if you can spare the floor space, king is far more comfortable for two people (Bed Advice UK).

Room size requirements for each

  • Queen bed: room at least 2.4 m × 2.4 m
  • King bed: room at least 2.5 m × 2.8 m
  • Super king: room at least 3 m × 3 m

For a king, you need at least 50 cm of walkway on each side. In a narrow bedroom, a queen might be the practical choice (Get Laid Beds).

Is 160×200 king or queen?

Understanding the 160×200 size

  • Not a standard UK size
  • Closest UK equivalent: between double (135 cm) and king (150 cm)

A 160 × 200 cm mattress is commonly sold in Europe as “king size” (Morgan & Reid). In the UK, it doesn’t have an official label. It’s wider than a UK double but narrower than a UK king. If you see this size in a UK shop, it’s likely an import.

Queen vs double in Europe

  • European queen: often 140 × 200 cm – close to UK double (135×190)
  • UK double 135 × 190 cm is shorter than most European doubles (200 cm)

The catch: a UK double fitted sheet won’t work on a 160 × 200 cm mattress. Check the exact dimensions before buying bedding (MyBedFrames).

How 160×200 fits into UK standards

If you’re considering a 160 × 200 cm mattress, treat it as a European king. You’ll need a frame that accommodates that width, and bedding labelled “European king” or “160 cm” (Bed Advice UK).

What is the most comfortable king size mattress?

Memory foam vs pocket spring for king

  • Pocket spring: individually wrapped coils, better airflow, good support for couples
  • Memory foam: contouring, motion isolation, but can retain heat

Hotel‑quality mattresses often use pocket springs with a pillow top for a plush feel (King of Cotton). Memory foam is popular for side sleepers who need pressure relief.

Firmness ratings explained

  • Soft (1–3): for lightweight side sleepers
  • Medium (4–6): suits most couples
  • Firm (7–10): for back/stomach sleepers and heavier individuals

If you and your partner have different preferences, look for a “dual firmness” king mattress with different zones on each side (Get Laid Beds).

Top mattress brands for king size

  • Simba – hybrid foam and spring
  • Emma – memory foam with cooling layer
  • Silentnight – pocket sprung and budget‑friendly

All three offer UK king 150×200 options. The most comfortable mattress depends on your sleep position and budget (Morgan & Reid).

Bottom line: UK king is 150×200 cm – not a size for sprawling. For couples who need more width, super king (180×200) is the upgrade. Singles and taller individuals should measure the room and consider extended lengths.

The takeaway: for those sharing a bed or needing extra space, upgrading to super king or choosing an extended length directly addresses the common complaints about the standard king.

What we know and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • UK standard king is 150 cm × 200 cm (King of Cotton)
  • Super king is 180 cm × 200 cm (MyBedFrames)
  • Queen (small double) is 120 cm × 190 cm (Bed Advice UK)

What remains unclear

  • Whether all UK retailers conform exactly to 150 × 200 – some may vary by a few cm
  • IKEA UK king size may be 160 × 200 cm – always check local spec
  • Historical older beds may have non‑standard dimensions due to pre‑metrication variations

Quotes from the experts

The UK king size is 150 cm wide by 200 cm long. That’s 5 ft by 6 ft 6 in – a standard that gives most couples enough room without swallowing the bedroom.

— King of Cotton (UK bedding specialist)

Don’t mix UK and US bed sizes. A UK king is much smaller than a US king – you can’t use US sheets on a UK mattress.

— Get Laid Beds (UK bed manufacturer)

If you’re tall, look for king length options at 210 cm. A standard 200 cm king may leave a 6 ft 4 in person’s feet hanging off.

— Bed Advice UK (bed size guide)

For anyone buying a king bed in the UK, the choice is clear: measure your room first, then match the mattress to your height and sleep style. The standard 150 × 200 cm works for most, but if you’re taller than 6 ft or share with a restless partner, the upgrade to super king or an extended length is worth the extra floor space.

Additional sources

face.meei.harvard.edu

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a UK king and EU king?

A UK king is 150 × 200 cm; an EU king is typically 160 × 200 cm – 10 cm wider. Bedding for one may not fit the other.

What size duvet fits a king bed?

A king duvet (230 × 220 cm) fits a 150 × 200 cm mattress, with overhang on the sides (King of Cotton).

Can I use king size sheets on a super king mattress?

No – a super king (180 cm) is 30 cm wider. King fitted sheets won’t stretch enough and will slip off.

How much does a king size mattress weigh?

A typical king mattress weighs between 25 kg and 40 kg, depending on materials. Memory foam is heavier than pocket spring.

What is the best frame for a king size bed?

A solid wooden slatted frame is common. Ensure internal width is exactly 150 cm to avoid gaps.

Is a king size bed suitable for a child’s room?

It can be, but the room must be at least 2.5 m wide to fit the frame and allow access. For most children’s rooms, a single or double is more practical.

Do I need a box spring for a king size mattress?

Many modern mattresses, especially foam and hybrid, work fine on a slatted base. A box spring is optional but can add height and support.

What is the standard thickness of a king size mattress?

Most king mattresses are 20–25 cm thick. Premium models may reach 30 cm.