Australian Bed Sizes: A Complete Guide to Getting the Right Fit

Few things are more frustrating than receiving a beautiful new sheet set only to discover it doesn't fit your mattress. The fitted sheet barely stretches over the corners, the flat sheet leaves your feet exposed, and you're left wondering what went wrong.

The problem often stems from bed size confusion. Australian bed sizes don't match American or UK standards, and even within Australia, there's some variation between manufacturers. Understanding these dimensions before you shop will save you returns, frustration, and wasted money.

Standard Australian Bed Sizes

Here are the standard mattress dimensions used across Australia. Note that these are mattress sizes—bed frames are typically slightly larger.

Single (92cm × 188cm)

The single bed is designed for one person and is the standard choice for children's rooms and smaller spaces. At 92cm wide and 188cm long, it provides adequate room for a child or small adult. Single beds are also popular for bunk beds and trundle beds.

Sheet sets for single beds are widely available and typically the most affordable option.

King Single (107cm × 204cm)

The king single offers extra length and width compared to a standard single—perfect for growing teenagers or taller individuals who don't need a full-size bed. The additional 16cm in length makes a significant difference for anyone over 175cm tall.

King single sheets are less common than standard single, so you may have fewer options at discount retailers. However, most quality bedding brands offer this size.

Double (138cm × 188cm)

Also known as a "full" size in other countries, the double bed is 138cm wide and 188cm long. While it can technically accommodate two people, it's quite snug—each person gets just 69cm of sleeping space. Doubles are better suited for single sleepers who want extra room or for guest rooms.

Double beds are becoming less common in Australian homes, with many couples opting for queen or larger. However, they remain useful for smaller bedrooms where a queen won't fit.

Queen (153cm × 203cm)

The queen size is Australia's most popular bed size for couples, offering a good balance between sleeping space and room size requirements. At 153cm wide and 203cm long, each person gets about 76.5cm of space—a meaningful upgrade from the double.

Queen sheets are the most readily available size, with the widest selection of colours, materials, and price points. If you're ever unsure about which size a product comes in, queen is almost always an option.

King (183cm × 203cm)

King beds offer 30cm more width than queens while maintaining the same length. This extra space makes a noticeable difference for couples, providing about 91.5cm per person—nearly the width of a single bed each.

King beds require more room—both for the bed itself and for walking around it. They're best suited for master bedrooms of at least 3.6m × 3.6m (12ft × 12ft).

Super King (204cm × 204cm)

The super king is Australia's largest standard bed size, measuring a generous 204cm in both width and length. This square shape provides maximum sleeping space and is ideal for families who co-sleep, couples with pets, or anyone who simply loves space.

Super king sheets can be harder to find and typically cost more than smaller sizes. The square dimensions also mean flat sheets need to be correspondingly larger to tuck in properly on all sides.

How Australian Sizes Compare to International Standards

If you're shopping from international retailers, be aware of these key differences:

US Sizes

American beds are measured in inches and often differ from Australian standards. A US Queen (60" × 80") is similar to an Australian Queen, but a US King (76" × 80") is slightly narrower than an Australian King. US California King (72" × 84") is narrower but longer than Australian King.

UK Sizes

British bed sizes use yet another system. A UK Double (135 × 190cm) is similar to Australian Double, but UK King (150 × 200cm) is smaller than both Australian Queen and King. UK Super King (180 × 200cm) is slightly smaller than Australian King.

Measuring Your Mattress

Before purchasing sheets, measure your mattress to ensure a perfect fit. Here's how:

Width: Measure across the widest point of the mattress surface.

Length: Measure from head to foot along the mattress surface.

Depth: This is crucial for fitted sheets. Measure from the top of the mattress to the bottom, including any pillow top or topper. Modern mattresses often run 30-40cm deep, much thicker than older styles.

When shopping, look for fitted sheets that match your mattress depth. A sheet designed for a 25cm mattress won't stay tucked on a 35cm mattress. Many quality sheets now offer "deep pocket" or "super deep pocket" options for thicker mattresses.

Special Considerations

Pillow Tops and Mattress Toppers

If you use a mattress topper or have a pillow-top mattress, add that thickness to your measurements. A 30cm mattress with a 5cm topper needs sheets for a 35cm depth.

Adjustable Beds

Split adjustable beds typically use two Long Single mattresses side by side, which equals King width. You'll need individual fitted sheets for each side and can use a King flat sheet across the top.

Antique and Unusual Beds

Older bed frames may use non-standard sizes. European antiques often have unusual dimensions, and some Australian brands offer slightly different measurements. Always measure rather than assume.

Tips for Perfect Fit

• Check sheet dimensions carefully, not just the size name
• Look for fitted sheets with all-around elastic, not just corner elastic
• Consider sheets one size up if you prefer a looser fit on the top sheet
• For deep mattresses, look for "deep pocket" fitted sheets (typically 40cm+)
• When buying online, check the return policy in case sheets don't fit

Getting the right size is the first step to great sleep. Once you've nailed your measurements, explore our guide to sheet materials to find the perfect fabric for your needs.