Bed Frame Dimensions
A bed frame is the size of its mattress plus a little: a queen mattress is 60 × 80 in (152 × 203 cm), and a queen bed frame is usually 62–64 in wide and 82–86 in long. How much the frame adds depends on its style: a platform frame that hugs the mattress adds 1–2 in, a frame with a headboard and footboard can add 6–10 in to the length. The chart below gives every size. For beds that fold into the wall, see Murphy bed dimensions. To make your own frame, see how to build a bed frame.
Bed frame dimensions chart
| Size | Mattress (in) | Mattress (cm) | Typical frame (in) | In feet (mattress) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 × 75 | 97 × 191 | 40–42 × 77–80 | 3 ft 2 in × 6 ft 3 in |
| Twin XL | 38 × 80 | 97 × 203 | 40–42 × 82–85 | 3 ft 2 in × 6 ft 8 in |
| Full (double) | 54 × 75 | 137 × 191 | 56–58 × 77–80 | 4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in |
| Queen | 60 × 80 | 152 × 203 | 62–64 × 82–86 | 5 ft × 6 ft 8 in |
| King | 76 × 80 | 193 × 203 | 78–80 × 82–86 | 6 ft 4 in × 6 ft 8 in |
| California king | 72 × 84 | 183 × 213 | 74–76 × 86–90 | 6 ft × 7 ft |
When you build a frame, size the inside of the frame to the mattress plus about 1/2 in (12 mm) in each direction: the mattress drops in easily and does not slide around.
European and UK sizes
Outside North America, mattresses come in metric sizes, and a frame built for one will not fit the other.
| Size | Europe | UK |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 90 × 200 cm | 90 × 190 cm |
| Small double | 120 × 200 cm | 120 × 190 cm |
| Double | 140 × 200 cm | 135 × 190 cm |
| Queen / king | 160 × 200 cm | 150 × 200 cm (king) |
| King / super king | 180 × 200 cm | 180 × 200 cm (super king) |
Bed frame height
| Bed | Height of the frame (to the slats) | Top of the mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Low platform bed | 6–10 in (15–25 cm) | 16–22 in |
| Standard platform bed | 10–16 in (25–40 cm) | 20–28 in |
| Frame with a box spring | 7–9 in, plus 9 in of box spring | 25–30 in |
| Tall or storage bed | 18–24 in (45–60 cm) | 28–36 in |
Most adults find a mattress top at 20–25 in (50–64 cm), about knee height, the easiest to sit on and get out of. A higher bed leaves room for storage boxes underneath; a lower one makes a small room feel larger. Match the nightstand height to the top of the mattress.
Room size and clearances
Leave at least 24 in (60 cm) on each side you walk past and 30–36 in (75–90 cm) at the foot, so that drawers and wardrobe doors can open. That gives these smallest comfortable rooms:
| Bed | Smallest room |
|---|---|
| Twin | 7 × 10 ft (2.1 × 3 m) |
| Full | 9.5 × 10.5 ft (2.9 × 3.2 m) |
| Queen | 10 × 10 ft (3 × 3 m) |
| King | 12 × 12 ft (3.7 × 3.7 m) |
Building a platform bed
A platform bed is one of the easiest beds to build from sheet goods: a box of four panels with a centre rail, and slats or a plywood deck on top. Use slats no more than 3 in (75 mm) apart, or a ventilated deck, so the mattress can breathe, and add a centre leg on full, queen and king frames. Our platform bed plan is sized from the mattress you type:
Frequently asked questions
What are the dimensions of a queen bed frame?
A queen mattress is 60 × 80 in (152 × 203 cm). A queen bed frame is usually 62–64 in wide and 82–86 in long, more with a headboard and footboard.
What are the dimensions of a king bed frame?
A king mattress is 76 × 80 in (193 × 203 cm); the frame is about 78–80 in wide and 82–86 in long. A California king is 72 × 84 in, narrower and longer.
What size is a full bed frame in feet?
A full mattress is 4 ft 6 in × 6 ft 3 in (54 × 75 in). The frame adds an inch or two all round: about 4 ft 8 in × 6 ft 5 in.
How tall is a platform bed?
Most platform beds are 8–16 in (20–40 cm) from the floor to the top of the slats. With a 10–12 in mattress, the top of the bed ends up 18–28 in high.
How much room do you need around a bed?
At least 24 in (60 cm) on the sides you walk past and 30–36 in (75–90 cm) at the foot. A queen bed fits best in a room at least 10 × 10 ft; a king in 12 × 12 ft.