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Split California King Mattress Dimensions

Last updated Researched from published specifications and owner reviews, not tested in person

Quick answer

A Split California King mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long (183 by 213 cm), which is 42 square feet of sleeping surface. Shared by two people that is 36 inches each.

The split california king is a standard US mattress size, which means every manufacturer builds it to the same 72 by 84 inch footprint. The numbers that actually decide whether it works in your bedroom are the room it needs and the height it ends up at, both of which are below.

What are the exact split california king mattress dimensions?

Split California King mattress dimensions
MeasurementInchesCentimetresFeet
Width721836 ft
Length842137 ft
Sleeping area6,048 sq in38,979 sq cm42 sq ft
Width per sleeper36 in91 cm3 ft

Industry standard

These are standard published dimensions, the same across manufacturers.

How much room does a split california king bed need?

Add about 3 inches of frame on each side, then the walking clearance you want. The convention is 24 inches to squeeze past and 30 or more to be comfortable.

Minimum room size for a split california king bed
Clearance on each sideRoom width neededRoom length needed
24 in126 in (10.5 ft)114 in (9.5 ft)
30 in138 in (11.5 ft)120 in (10 ft)
36 in150 in (12.5 ft)126 in (10.5 ft)

Convention, not a standard

This is widely repeated guidance rather than a measured standard. Treat it as a starting point.

Assumes a frame about 3 inches wider than the mattress on each side, clearance on both sides and at the foot, and the headboard against a wall. Check yours with Room Size and Clearance Calculator.

How does a split california king compare to other mattress sizes?

Mattress size comparison
SizeWidth (in)Length (in)Area (sq ft)Standard size
Split California King (this page)728442Yes
Twin387519.8Yes
Twin XL388021.1Yes
Full (Double)547528.1Yes
Full XL548030Yes
Queen608033.3Yes
Olympic Queen668036.7No

Industry standard

These are standard published dimensions, the same across manufacturers.

Which mattresses come in split california king?

We do not currently list a mattress that publishes split california king as its size, which is normal for a size this uncommon. The mattresses below are the ones we do list, in other sizes. Check the size on the product page before ordering, and expect a split california king to need a specialty retailer.

Frequently asked questions

What are the dimensions of a split california king mattress?

A split california king mattress measures 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, or 183 by 213 centimetres. That works out to 42 square feet of sleeping surface. This is a standard US size, so it is the same from every manufacturer.

How big a room does a split california king bed need?

For comfortable movement, allow the mattress plus about 3 inches of frame on each side plus 30 inches of walking clearance. For a split california king that means roughly 138 inches of room width and 120 inches of length. You can get away with 24 inches of clearance, but a nightstand will crowd it.

What size sheets fit a split california king mattress?

Buy sheets labelled split california king. The fitted sheet also has to clear the depth of the mattress, so check the pocket depth separately: standard pockets fit up to 12 inches, deep pockets 13 to 17 inches, and extra deep pockets 18 to 22 inches. A topper adds its full thickness to what the sheet must clear.

Is a split california king long enough for a tall person?

A mattress should be about 4 to 6 inches longer than the tallest sleeper. At 84 inches, a split california king suits someone up to roughly 80 inches tall, which is 6 feet 8 inches. Above that, look at an even longer specialty size.

Does split california king refer to thickness as well?

No. Size describes only the width and length. Thickness is separate and ranges from about 6 inches to over 16, with 9 to 12 inches counting as standard. Thickness changes the total height of the bed and the sheet pocket depth you need, but it never changes the 72 by 84 inch footprint.

How to read the numbers on this page. Standard mattress and bedding dimensions are industry-wide and the same across manufacturers. Guidance like replacement intervals, firmness by body weight and walking clearance is convention rather than a measured standard, and every table here says which it is. Where a manufacturer does not publish a figure we leave it out instead of estimating. This is not medical advice: a mattress is not a treatment for a medical condition, and persistent pain is a reason to see a clinician.