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European size mattresses
European mattress sizes are all 200 cm long: single 90 x 200 cm, small double 120 x 200 cm, double 140 x 200 cm and king 160 x 200 cm. Every mattress here is a European size, so check your frame in centimetres first.
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What are the European mattress sizes?
The main European mattress sizes are single (90 x 200 cm), small double (120 x 200 cm), double (140 x 200 cm), king (160 x 200 cm) and super king (180 x 200 cm). All five are 200 cm long, and only the super king matches its UK namesake exactly.
| European size | Centimetres | Feet | Against the UK size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 200 cm | 3ft x 6ft6 | 10 cm longer than a UK single |
| Small double | 120 x 200 cm | 4ft x 6ft6 | 10 cm longer than a UK small double |
| Double | 140 x 200 cm | 4ft7 x 6ft6 | 5 cm wider and 10 cm longer than a UK double |
| King | 160 x 200 cm | 5ft3 x 6ft6 | 10 cm wider than a UK king |
| Super king | 180 x 200 cm | 6ft x 6ft6 | Identical to a UK super king |
Because the super king is the same in both systems, you'll find it with our super king mattresses. The single, small double and double each have a page of their own: European single mattresses, European small double mattresses and European double mattresses. If you need a European king, send us your measurements and we'll tell you what we have.
How do I know if my bed is a European size?
Your bed is a European size if the inside of the frame measures 200 cm long and 90, 120, 140 or 160 cm wide. Most UK sizes are 190 cm long; only the UK king (150 x 200 cm) and super king (180 x 200 cm) are 200 cm.
- Measure inside the frame. It takes a minute with a tape measure and settles the question.
- Look for a gap at the foot. If your current mattress leaves about 10 cm of bare slats at one end, you probably have a European frame with a UK mattress in it.
- Don't rely on the brand. Many beds from IKEA and other European brands take European sizes, but not every IKEA bed is a European size, so where the bed came from doesn't settle it.
- Don't rely on the name. A European double is 5 cm wider than a UK double, and some brands sell a 160 x 200 mattress as a queen.
- Check the paperwork. Assembly instructions and the original listing often give the mattress size in centimetres.
Will a UK mattress fit a European bed?
A UK mattress won't fit a European bed properly, because it leaves a gap: 10 cm at the foot for a single or small double, 5 cm across and 10 cm in length for a double, and 10 cm across for a king.
That gap matters more than it looks. The mattress shifts about, bedding drops into the gap, and on a child's bed or raised bed a gap is somewhere a hand or foot can get trapped. It doesn't work the other way round either: a European single or small double is 10 cm too long for its UK frame, a European double is 5 cm too wide as well, and a European king is 10 cm too wide for a UK king. The super king is the one size that swaps freely. If you have other unusual beds in the house, our odd size mattresses page covers the rest.
Do European beds need European bedding?
European beds need fitted sheets and mattress protectors made for their exact size, because UK ones for singles, small doubles and doubles are cut for 190 cm long mattresses. Duvets are more forgiving, since they don't have to grip the mattress.
| European size | Fitted sheet | A UK duvet that works |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 x 200 cm | Single, 135 x 200 cm |
| Small double | 120 x 200 cm | Double, 200 x 200 cm |
| Double | 140 x 200 cm | Double, 200 x 200 cm, or a king for more to share |
| King | 160 x 200 cm | King, 225 x 220 cm, or super king, 260 x 220 cm |
A UK king sheet won't do for a European king either: it's 150 cm wide, 10 cm too narrow. Whatever the size, the fitted sheet's pocket needs to be deeper than the mattress, so check both numbers before you buy.
Are European sizes better for tall people?
European sizes suit tall people well because every one of them is 200 cm long, 10 cm longer than a UK single, small double or double.
A mattress should be about 10 to 15 cm longer than the tallest person sleeping on it. On that rule, a 190 cm UK mattress suits people up to about 175 to 180 cm tall, and a 200 cm European one suits people up to about 185 to 190 cm. If you're tall and buying a new bed anyway, a European frame gives you that length at single, small double and double widths, where UK sizes only offer it at king and super king.
Still not sure which you have? Measure the inside of the frame and send the width and length through our contact page, and we'll tell you which size it takes.
European size mattresses: your questions answered
Can't see your question? Ask us and we'll get back to you.
What is a euro mattress?
A euro mattress usually means a mattress in one of the European sizes, which are all 200 cm long and 90, 120, 140, 160 or 180 cm wide. Don't confuse it with a euro top, which is a padded layer sewn onto the top of a mattress and has nothing to do with its size.
Are IKEA beds European sizes?
Many IKEA beds take European sizes, so an IKEA size mattress usually means a European one, but not every IKEA bed is a European size. Measure the inside of the frame before ordering: if it's 200 cm long and 90, 120, 140 or 160 cm wide, the bed takes a European mattress.
Is a European super king different from a UK super king?
No, a European super king and a UK super king are the same size: 180 x 200 cm (6ft x 6ft6), so either mattress fits either bed. The super king is the only size that matches across the two systems; the European single, small double, double and king all differ from their UK namesakes.
Can I put a European mattress on a UK bed frame?
A European mattress won't fit the UK bed frame of the same name. European singles and small doubles are 10 cm too long for UK frames, a European double is 5 cm too wide and 10 cm too long, and a European king is 10 cm too wide for a UK king. Only the super king fits both.
Will UK fitted sheets fit a European mattress?
UK fitted sheets for singles, small doubles and doubles are made for 190 cm long mattresses, so they're 10 cm short on a European mattress and may not stay on at the corners. Buy fitted sheets labelled with the European size, such as 140 x 200 cm, with a pocket deeper than the mattress.
Why are European mattresses 200 cm long?
European mattress sizes are designed in centimetres, and 200 cm is the standard length for all of them, while most UK sizes follow older measurements in feet and are 190 cm (6ft3) long. The practical upshot is extra length: a 200 cm mattress suits people up to about 185 to 190 cm tall.
Which European size is best for a couple?
For two people sharing every night, a European double (140 x 200 cm) gives 70 cm each and a European king (160 x 200 cm) gives 80 cm each. A European small double gives only 60 cm each, so it suits one adult better than two. A super king (180 x 200 cm) gives 90 cm each.
Can I get a European size mattress delivered quickly?
Most mattresses at Mattress Town can be delivered the next working day, and each European mattress page shows its own delivery time. The page also says whether the mattress arrives rolled and boxed, which is easier on narrow stairs, or flat and ready to sleep on straight away.
Not sure which mattress?
Tell us about your bed and how you sleep, and we'll suggest a few that fit.