California King vs King: What’s the Real Difference?

What is a King Mattress?

A King mattress is one of the largest standard mattress sizes available in the U.S. Measuring 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, it offers plenty of space for couples, families with kids who like to snuggle, or even pets that hop onto the bed. At Mattress Stores Los Angeles, our King-size mattresses are a favorite among customers who prioritize width over length.

Key benefits:

• Generous width for two sleepers.
• Ideal for large bedrooms.
• Great for restless sleepers who need personal space.

What is a California King Mattress?

The California King mattress, often referred to as "Cal King," measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. While it’s slightly narrower than a standard King, it’s also four inches longer, making it perfect for taller sleepers who struggle with their feet hanging off the bed.

Key benefits:

• Extra length for taller individuals (over 6’2”).
• Sleek, elongated appearance in the bedroom.
• Great for narrow, rectangular rooms.

California King vs King: Dimensions Compared

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of both mattress sizes:

Mattress Size	Dimensions (inches)	Best For
King	76” W x 80” L	Couples who want more width
California King	72” W x 84” L	Tall sleepers and narrower rooms

Which is Best for Couples?

If you’re a couple who values width, the King mattress is the better choice. However, if one or both of you are taller than 6’2” and often struggle with leg space, the California King mattress offers unbeatable comfort.

Which Fits Better in Different Room Sizes?

• King mattress: Best for square-shaped master bedrooms (at least 12x12 feet).
• California King mattress: Best for long, rectangular rooms (at least 12x14 feet).

Cost Comparison: King vs California King

At Mattress Stores Los Angeles, the price difference between a King and California King mattress is usually minimal. However, California King accessories (sheets, frames, headboards) may cost slightly more due to lower availability.

Comfort Factors: Height, Weight & Sleep Style

• Tall Sleepers (6’2” and above): California King is the clear winner.
• Couples with kids or pets: King mattress provides more space for everyone.
• Active/Restless Sleepers: King offers extra width, reducing sleep disruptions.

Bedding & Accessories Availability

Finding sheets, comforters, and frames is generally easier for King mattresses. While California King accessories are available at Mattress Stores Los Angeles, shoppers may notice fewer style and brand options compared to King.

Data Insight: Mattress Size Popularity

Based on customer preferences at Mattress Stores Los Angeles, the King mattress is more popular than the California King, largely due to its width and compatibility with most bedrooms.

Comparison Table: King vs California King

Feature	King Mattress	California King Mattress
Width	76 inches	72 inches
Length	80 inches	84 inches
Best For	Couples with kids/pets	Tall sleepers
Room Size	Square rooms	Rectangular rooms
Bedding Availability	Easy to find	Harder to find

Top California King vs King Mattresses

California King Mattresses

1. Southerland Prelude II Firm 12" Mattress

Overview:

Southerland Premium Comfort Prelude Firm Mattress Scandinavian (Firm, Innerspring).This firm, innerspring mattress delivers durable support, spinal alignment, and minimal motion transfer all packaged at an exceptional value. It’s well-suited for back and stomach sleepers, especially those with back pain or seeking orthopedic-level firmness.

Key Features:

• Firm Comfort Level: Offers flat, stable support with virtually no give, promoting proper spine alignment.
• Durable Innerspring System with Reinforced Edges: Ensures responsive support and maximizes usable sleeping surface.
• Foam Comfort Layers: Provide added comfort and pressure relief while maintaining a firm feel.
• Breathable Quilted Top Cover: Enhances air circulation and adds a subtle layer of softness.
• Low Motion Transfer: Ensures minimal disturbance when sharing the bed with a partner.
• Adjustable Base Compatibility: Designed to work with power bases versatile for modern bedroom setups.
• Made in the USA & 10-Year Warranty: Craftsman-quality build with reliable long-term coverage.

Pros & Cons:

Pros	Cons
Firm, supportive feel great for spine alignment.	May be too firm for side sleepers or those preferring plush.
Strong innerspring core with reinforced edges.	Firmness level may feel unyielding for lightweight sleepers.
Foam layers reduce pressure without softening the feel.	Less cushioned than softer mattress alternatives.
Low motion transfer for minimal partner disruption.	Not ideal for users seeking deep contouring or plush comfort.

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2. Eastman House Spruce Medium Pillow Top 11" Mattress

Overview:

The Eastman House Spruce Medium Pillow Top 11″ Mattress offers a balanced blend of plush comfort and resilient support, thanks to its breathable pillow-top design and responsive innerspring core. Ideal for back and combination sleepers, it features eco-friendly foam layers and zoned construction for improved spinal alignment all backed by a 10-year warranty.

Key Features:

• Health-Sense Breathable Fabric: Keeps the sleep surface cool and dry with moisture-wicking, airflow-friendly material.
• 432 Verti-Coil Spring System: Offers sturdy, flexible support and long-lasting durability.
• Extra-Firm Eco-Flex™ Foam: High-density, eco-conscious foam layer adds reinforced spinal support beneath the pillow top.
• Tri-Zoned Foam Encasement: Targeted support zones for shoulders, hips, and legs, promoting balanced pressure relief. 
• Medium Pillow-Top Feel: Delivers a soft initial feel with underlying firm support great for versatility.
• 10-Year Warranty: Ensures long-term coverage for materials and workmanship.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Balanced comfort plush surface with firm support core	Not ideal for those seeking deep, sink-in softness
Breathable fabric promotes cooler sleep.	Medium feel may be too firm for side sleepers seeking plushness.
Zoned support offers targeted pressure relief.	Pillow-top adds height, might require deeper sheet pockets.
Eco-conscious foam construction.	Heavy weight may require 2 people for setup
Durable innerspring structure with solid edge support.	Certain users may find firmness level slightly too firm.

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King Mattresses

1. Spring Air Value Collection Olive Firm 8" Mattress

Overview:

The Olive 8″ Firm Value Collection Mattress by Spring Air is a budget-friendly, firm-profile innerspring option, ideal for back and stomach sleepers, guest rooms, kids’ spaces, or bunk beds. Its compact 8-inch height, 460-count VertiCoil system, firm foam quilting, and breathable knit cover deliver supportive, space-saving comfort. The mattress includes a natural fire-resistant fiber layer and comes with a 10-year warranty plus perks like free delivery, 120-night exchange, and flexible financing at LA Mattress Store.

Key Features:

• Firm Support with VertiCoil System: 6" 460-count innerspring promotes even support and helps minimize motion transfer.
• Compact 8" Profile: Perfect for bunk beds, trundles, small bedrooms, or setups requiring low-height mattresses.
• Firm Foam Quilt + Densified Fiber: Adds structure and a sturdy surface for proper spinal alignment.
• Natural FR Fiber Fire Barrier: Provides fire safety without harmful chemicals.
• Breathable Knit Fabric Cover: Promotes airflow and all-day comfort. 
• Supportive Value Pack: Includes 10-year warranty, 120-night exchange, free delivery/setup, and “lowest price” guarantee.

Pros & Cons:

Pros	Cons
Strong, firm support ideal for stomach/back sleepers & proper posture.	Limited comfort cushioning may feel too firm for side sleepers.
Space-saving 8" height, works well in bunk beds, trundles, small rooms.	Edge support not reinforced may feel less stable at the edges .
Safe and breathable materials (natural FR barrier + knit cover).	Basic construction lacks advanced features like memory foam, cooling gel, or adjustable layers.
Great value with a solid warranty, free delivery/setup, and trial period.	General concerns about durability of Spring Air lines noted in broader reviews.

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2. Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt® Medium 12" Mattress

Overview:

The Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-ProAdapt Medium mattress offers a well-balanced medium firmness, catering to side, back, and combination sleepers, with standout pressure relief and motion isolation thanks to its dual-layer TEMPUR memory foam construction and SmartClimate® cooling cover.

Its deep body-conforming feel aids in alleviating pressure points, while the cooling, removable cover and sound motion absorption are ideal for couples.However, it may retain warmth and lacks edge support compared to hybrid models, and its price is on the higher side.

Key Features:

• Medium Firmness (12″ profile): Designed to suit a broad range of sleep positions with balanced comfort and support.
• TEMPUR-APR® and TEMPUR-ES® layers: Combines deep pressure relief and contouring feel .
• SmartClimate® Dual Cover: A cool-to-touch, zip-off outer layer for temperature regulation and easy cleaning.
• Excellent Motion Isolation: Minimizes disturbance from movement, ideal for sharing beds.
• Adjustable Base Compatibility & Warranty: Works with adjustable frames and includes a 10-year limited.

Pros & Cons:

Pros	Cons
Excellent pressure relief for side, back, and combo sleepers.	Poorer edge support; not ideal for those needing firm perimeters.
Fantastic motion isolation great for couples.	Tends to retain heat; may sleep warm for hot sleepers.
Cooling, removable SmartClimate® cover.	High price point compared to many competitors.
Compatible with adjustable bases; backed by a 10-year warranty.	“Sinking” feel may be too deep for heavier individuals.
Versatile medium feel suits varied preferences.	All-foam design lacks bounce and responsiveness of hybrid models.

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Video Guide: Mattress Size Differences

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Conclusion

When it comes to California King vs King, the decision depends on your height, room dimensions, and lifestyle. A King offers unmatched width for couples and families, while a California King provides extra legroom for tall sleepers. Both are luxurious choices, and the right one ensures restful nights.

FAQs

1. Is a California King bigger than a King?

No. A King is wider, while a California King is longer.

2. Which mattress is best for tall people?

The California King, as it adds 4 extra inches of length.

3.Do King and California King mattresses cost the same?

Generally, yes. The price difference is minimal, but accessories for Cal King may be pricier.

4.Will King sheets fit a California King?

No. King sheets are wider but shorter, so they won’t fit properly.

5.Which mattress is better for pets and kids who co-sleep?

The King mattress, thanks to its width.

6.Do I need a bigger room for a California King?

Not necessarily. Cal King fits better in longer rooms, while King suits square rooms.

7.Which mattress is more popular?

The King mattress is more commonly purchased.

8.Can I use the same bed frame for King and California King?

No, they require different frames due to size differences.

9.Is moving a King mattress harder than a California King?

Both are heavy and large, but King is slightly more difficult due to its width.

10.Where can I buy King and California King mattresses in Los Angeles?

At Mattress Stores Los Angeles, where you’ll find a variety of both sizes.