Guide to Bed Sheet Sizes and Measurements
To ensure your bedding fits properly—and to avoid bunching or slipping—you need to choose bed sheets in the correct sizes and measurements. Selecting flat and fitted sheets that correspond to your mattress size helps you achieve a proper fit. Use this quick guide to determine what size bed sheets you need and choose bedding in the correct dimensions to fit your mattress.
How to Choose the Right Size Bed Sheets
The best way to get the right size sheets is to choose bedding that corresponds with your mattress size: Twin sheets fit a twin mattress, queen sheets fit a queen mattress, and so on. Match the bed sheet size to the size of your mattress, but also consider the thickness of your mattress when choosing bed sheets. If you have a thick mattress or use a mattress topper that adds thickness, you may need deep pocket or oversized sheets.
How to Measure for Bed Sheets
If you don’t know what size mattress you have, you can measure to figure out its size and which sheets will fit. First, take off your sheets and blankets for the most accurate measurement; if you use a mattress topper, leave that in place to account for the added depth.
Using a flexible tape measure, take these measurements to determine your mattress size and corresponding sheet size:
- Measure the width of your mattress at the widest point.
- Measure the length of your mattress from the head to the foot.
- Measure the height of your mattress from the bottom seam to the top seam or top edge of the mattress topper. Take the measurement at the head, foot, and center of the mattress to ensure accuracy, as mattresses compress with use.
Then, when selecting sheets to fit your mattress:
- Add 10 inches to the width and length measurements to allow for tucking.
- If you have a pillow-top mattress, add an additional 12 inches to the depth.
- Compare these measurements to the sheet manufacturer’s measurements to determine the correct size.
Common Mattress Sizes and Corresponding Sheet Dimensions
Mattress dimensions and sheet measurements often do not match exactly:
- Mattresses come in standard sizes: The most common sizes are Twin, Twin XL, Full/Double, Queen, King, and California King, as determined by the length and width.
- Sheet measurements may vary by manufacturer, but they’re designed to fit specific mattress sizes.
- Sheet type affects how close measurements are: Fitted sheet measurements should correspond to the mattress measurements for a snug fit, but flat sheets typically measure larger than the mattress to allow for drape and tucking.
These dimensions serve as a basic guide but may vary depending on manufacturer, material, or style.
| Mattress Size & Dimensions | Flat Sheet (in. & cm) | Fitted Sheet (in. & cm.) |
|---|---|---|
| Crib/Toddler 28" x 52'/71 cm x 132 cm |
N/A | 27.5" x 52" / 69.85 cm x 132 cm |
| Twin/Single (39" x 75" / 99 cm x 191 cm) |
66" x 96" / 168 cm x 244 cm | 39" x 75" / 99 cm x 191 cm |
| Twin XL (39" x 80" / 99 cm x 203 cm) |
Twin size is suitable, but longer Twin XL sheets may be available 66" x 102" / 168 cm x 259 cm |
39" x 80" / 99 cm x 203 cm |
| Full/Double (54" x 75" / 137 cm x 191 cm) |
81" x 96" / 206 cm x 244 cm | 54" x 75" / 137 cm x 191 cm |
| Queen (60" x 80" / 152 cm x 203 cm) |
90" x 102" / 229 cm x 259 cm | 60" x 80" / 152 cm x 203 cm |
| King (76" x 80" / 193 cm x 203 cm) |
108" x 102" / 274 cm x 259 cm | 78" x 80" / 198 cm x 203 cm . |
| California King (72" x 84" / 183 cm x 213 cm) |
108" x 102" / 274 cm x 259 cm | 72" x 84" / 183 cm x 213 cm |
Do Bed Sheet Sizes Have to Match Mattress Size?
Yes; for the best fit and better comfort, match your sheet size to your mattress size. In a pinch, you can use a different size flat sheet on your bed (or no flat sheet at all, if you use a duvet cover). In fact, our Twin flat sheets are long enough to use on Twin XL mattresses. But, will Queen sheets work on a Full bed? What about Twin sheets? While you may be able to use larger fitted bed sheets on a smaller mattress—for example, queen sheets on a double mattress—your sheets may slip or bunch while you sleep. Similarly, trying to stretch a smaller fitted sheet over a larger mattress will result in the sheet popping off.
How to Know What Size Bed Sheets You Have
If you have a set of bed sheets that fits your mattress well and would like to find out what size they are, you can check the label to determine the size. If there is no size label, or if you want more specific dimensions information, measure the width and length of the bed sheets.
While the measurements will vary depending on material, manufacturer, and even age—sheets may stretch or shrink with use—the chart above will help you estimate sheet size based on dimensions. In addition to measuring the length and width of your sheets, measure the sheet pocket at the corner seam of the fitted sheet to determine the sheet depth.
Using the correct sheet size keeps your bed sheets from slipping, bunching, or pulling off the mattress—which leads to better sleep! For more bedding tips and inspiration, explore our Guides.