Guide to Bed Sheet Sizes
Find the perfect fit.
Shopping for bed sheets is easy when you know what size to look for. Most are designed to fit with specific mattress sizes, including twin, full, queen, king, and California king, but you may also need to consider the mattress depth (for fitted sheets) and how far you want flat sheets to overhang from the bed. Read on to find out how you can determine which bed sheet size you need.
In this guide:
Standard Bed Sheet Sizes: An Overview
Find the Correct Fitted-Sheet Pocket Depth
Calculate Flat Sheet Overhang
Choose Compatible Pillowcase Sizes
Standard Bed Sheet Sizes: An Overview
This chart outlines the standard sheet sizes that are compatible with each mattress size. Fitted bed sheets are designed to match the mattress size for a snug fit, while flat sheets are designed to be slightly longer and wider than the compatible mattress for proper coverage and comfort.
- Twin: Twin-size fitted sheets measure 75" L x 40" W, while flat sheets are 95" L x 65" – 70" W.
- Twin XL: Slightly longer than twin-size sheets, twin XL fitted sheets are 80" L x 40" W and flat sheets are 100" L x 65" – 70" W.
- Full/Double: Full or double fitted sheets are 75" L x 55" W, and the accompanying flat sheets measure 95" – 105" L x 80" W.
- Full XL: Full XL beds provide extra length, which makes fitted sheets 80" L x 55" W and flat sheets 100" – 110" W x 80" W.
- Queen: Queen-size fitted sheets measure 80" L x 60" W and flat sheets measure 100" – 110" L x 90" – 100" W.
- King: King fitted sheets are typically 80" L x 80" W and range from 105" – 115" L x 100" – 110" W.
- California King: To accommodate the large bed size, California king fitted sheets are 85" L x 70" W and flat sheets are 100" – 110" L x 110" – 120" W.
Tip!
Some sheet sets come with a split king–size option. A split king bed is essentially two twin XL mattresses on a king-size bed. A split king sheet set comes with two fitted sheets for the mattresses, and sometimes one king-size flat sheet and pillowcases. For more information about bedding and the different pieces you'll need to make a bed, check out our guide Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know.
Find the Correct Fitted-Sheet Pocket Depth
Pocket size and depth are important considerations when buying fitted sheets to ensure your sheets will stay in place around the mattress. Keep in mind that pocket size varies between linen manufacturers, and you should always check both your mattress’s dimensions and the sheets’ pocket size before you purchase.
Pocket depth can be a little tricky, because the term describes the length of the sheet’s corner seam instead of the mattress depth it will fit. Pocket depth should be 1" – 3" longer than the mattress depth. To determine if your mattress will fit, subtract 2" from the pocket depth of the fitted sheet. If the remaining size is larger than or the same as your mattress depth, the sheets will fit well.
If the fitted bed sheets’ product description provides information about "mattress height" or "mattress depth" instead of pocket depth, then those sheets will fit a mattress of the given height – no subtraction needed.
Tip!
If you're choosing bed sheets for a mattress with a depth of 8" or less (like a kids mattress or a sofa bed mattress), you may need low-profile pocket depth sheets instead.
Consider how much you want your flat sheets to hang off your mattress for comfort and visual appeal. You can determine how wide and long you would like your sheets to be with a few simple equations. These equations can be used to find a sheet that will perfectly hang over the bottom end of your mattress and the two sides. If you would like to be able to tuck your sheets on three sides, add a few inches to the mattress depth in the equations above. Doing your own math is always a good idea to find the perfect fit.
Tip!
Not everyone prefers to sleep with a flat sheet. Read our guide What Is a Top Sheet? (& Do You Actually Need One?) to learn more about the pros and cons of skipping this piece of bedding.
Choose Compatible Pillowcase Sizes
Pillowcase sizes can range depending on manufacturer, but they're usually designed to fit a particular bed pillow size. Typically, standard-size pillows measure 26" L x 20" W, queen pillowcases measure 30" L x 20" W, and king-size pillows measure 40" L x 20" W. Learn more in our guide Choose the Perfect Pillowcase Size for Your Pillows.
Tip!
If you’d like to learn more about bed, blanket, and quilt sizes, check out our guides Blanket & Quilt Sizes for All Your Needs and What Are the Most Common Bed Sizes?.
