How to Accurately Measure Your Mattress: A Complete Guide
Choosing the right mattress size is crucial for a comfortable and restful sleep. Whether you’re buying new sheets, upgrading your bed frame, or simply curious about your mattress dimensions, accurate measurements are essential. A mattress that’s slightly too large or small can lead to ill-fitting bedding, an unstable sleeping surface, and overall discomfort. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of measuring your mattress with precision, ensuring you have the information you need for all your bedding and furniture needs.
## Why Measure Your Mattress?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s understand why accurate mattress measurements are so important:
* **Buying New Bedding:** Fitted sheets, mattress protectors, and comforters are all designed to fit specific mattress sizes. Incorrect measurements can result in sheets that are too tight and tear easily, or sheets that are too loose and bunch up uncomfortably.
* **Choosing the Right Bed Frame:** If you’re buying a new bed frame, you need to ensure it’s compatible with your mattress size. A frame that’s too small won’t support the mattress properly, while a frame that’s too large will leave unsightly gaps and potentially damage the mattress.
* **Determining the Right Room Size:** When planning your bedroom layout, knowing your mattress dimensions helps you determine how much space the bed will occupy and ensures you have enough room for other furniture and walking space.
* **Replacing an Existing Mattress:** If you’re replacing your current mattress, having its exact dimensions will help you find a suitable replacement with the same size and comfort level.
* **DIY Projects:** Planning on building a custom bed frame or headboard? Accurate mattress measurements are a must for a successful project.
## Tools You’ll Need
To measure your mattress accurately, gather the following tools:
* **Measuring Tape:** A flexible measuring tape is essential for measuring the length, width, and height (thickness) of your mattress. Choose one that is long enough to span the entire mattress and has clear, easy-to-read markings.
* **Ruler or Straight Edge:** A ruler or straight edge can be helpful for measuring the height of the mattress, especially if you’re having trouble getting an accurate reading with the measuring tape alone. It will also help you ensure that the measurement is straight and perpendicular to the mattress surface.
* **Level (Optional):** A level can be useful for ensuring the measuring tape is parallel to the floor and the ruler or straight edge is perpendicular to the mattress, providing even more accurate results. This is particularly useful if your floor is not perfectly level.
* **Paper and Pen/Pencil:** Use these to record your measurements as you go. It’s a good idea to take multiple measurements and calculate the average to ensure accuracy.
* **Helper (Optional):** While you can measure a mattress by yourself, having a helper can make the process easier, especially for larger mattresses. They can hold the measuring tape in place or help you maneuver the mattress if needed.
## Step-by-Step Instructions: Measuring Your Mattress
Follow these detailed steps to measure your mattress accurately:
**1. Prepare Your Mattress:**
* **Remove Bedding:** Clear the mattress of all bedding, including sheets, blankets, mattress protectors, and pillows. You want to measure the bare mattress to get the most accurate dimensions.
* **Place Mattress on a Flat Surface:** Ideally, measure the mattress while it’s resting on a flat, hard surface like the floor. This will prevent any sagging or unevenness that could affect your measurements. If you can’t move the mattress off the bed frame, make sure the frame provides even support.
* **Ensure Proper Lighting:** Good lighting is essential for clear visibility of the mattress edges and the measuring tape markings. If necessary, use a lamp or flashlight to illuminate the area you’re measuring.
**2. Measure the Length:**
* **Locate the Top and Bottom Edges:** Identify the top and bottom edges of the mattress. These are the two shorter sides.
* **Position the Measuring Tape:** Place the measuring tape at the center of the top edge of the mattress, aligning the zero mark with the very edge. Extend the tape straight down to the opposite (bottom) edge, ensuring the tape remains parallel to the long sides of the mattress.
* **Take the Measurement:** Read the measurement at the bottom edge of the mattress where the measuring tape ends. Record this measurement in inches or centimeters, depending on your preference. It is a good idea to measure in inches, as these are the most commonly used unit in North America for mattress sizes.
* **Repeat for Accuracy:** To ensure accuracy, repeat this measurement at least two more times, measuring along different points of the top and bottom edges. This will help you identify any inconsistencies and get a more reliable average.
**3. Measure the Width:**
* **Locate the Side Edges:** Identify the two long sides of the mattress.
* **Position the Measuring Tape:** Place the measuring tape at the center of one side edge of the mattress, aligning the zero mark with the very edge. Extend the tape straight across to the opposite side edge, ensuring the tape remains perpendicular to the length you just measured.
* **Take the Measurement:** Read the measurement at the opposite side edge of the mattress where the measuring tape ends. Record this measurement.
* **Repeat for Accuracy:** Repeat this measurement at least two more times, measuring along different points of the side edges. This will help you identify any inconsistencies and get a more reliable average.
**4. Measure the Height (Thickness):**
* **Position the Measuring Tape or Ruler:** This can be tricky, especially with softer mattresses. The best approach is to use a ruler or straight edge in conjunction with the measuring tape.
* **Stand the Ruler Upright:** Place the ruler or straight edge vertically against the side of the mattress, making sure it’s perpendicular to the floor (use a level if needed). The bottom of the ruler should be flush with the floor.
* **Measure to the Top Surface:** Extend the measuring tape from the base of the mattress (where it meets the floor) to the top surface of the mattress, alongside the ruler. Alternatively, read the height directly from the ruler if it’s tall enough.
* **Account for Contouring:** Memory foam and pillow-top mattresses can be difficult to measure accurately due to their contouring. Try to gently compress the surface to get a more consistent measurement of the core mattress thickness.
* **Repeat for Accuracy:** Repeat this measurement at several points along the edge of the mattress to account for any variations in thickness. Record each measurement and calculate the average.
**5. Calculate Averages:**
* **Add Measurements Together:** For each dimension (length, width, and height), add together all the measurements you took.
* **Divide by the Number of Measurements:** Divide the sum by the number of measurements you took for that dimension. The result is the average measurement.
* **Example:** If you measured the length three times and got 79.5 inches, 80 inches, and 79.75 inches, the average length would be (79.5 + 80 + 79.75) / 3 = 79.75 inches.
**6. Round to the Nearest Inch:**
* **Round Up or Down:** Round each average measurement to the nearest whole inch. Use standard rounding rules: if the decimal is .5 or higher, round up; if it’s less than .5, round down.
* **Example:** 79.75 inches rounds up to 80 inches. 79.25 inches rounds down to 79 inches.
**7. Compare to Standard Mattress Sizes:**
* **Use a Mattress Size Chart:** Compare your rounded measurements to a standard mattress size chart to determine the closest match. Keep in mind that there may be slight variations in dimensions between different manufacturers.
* **Common Mattress Sizes (US):**
* **Twin:** 38 inches wide x 75 inches long
* **Twin XL:** 38 inches wide x 80 inches long
* **Full (Double):** 53 inches wide x 75 inches long
* **Queen:** 60 inches wide x 80 inches long
* **King:** 76 inches wide x 80 inches long
* **California King:** 72 inches wide x 84 inches long
* **Check for Discrepancies:** If your measurements don’t perfectly align with a standard size, it’s possible you have a non-standard or custom-sized mattress. This is more common with older mattresses or those from specialty manufacturers. In these cases, use your actual measurements when buying bedding or furniture.
## Tips for Accurate Measurements
* **Use a Quality Measuring Tape:** A worn or stretched measuring tape can give inaccurate readings. Invest in a new, reliable measuring tape for the best results.
* **Measure in a Straight Line:** Ensure the measuring tape is straight and not sagging or bending during measurement. This is especially important for the length and width.
* **Take Multiple Measurements:** As mentioned earlier, taking multiple measurements and calculating the average significantly improves accuracy.
* **Account for Softness:** For very soft mattresses, gently compress the surface while measuring to get a more accurate representation of the core dimensions.
* **Measure at Different Points:** Check for inconsistencies by measuring at different points along each edge of the mattress.
* **Consider Mattress Protectors:** If you always use a thick mattress protector, you might want to measure the mattress *with* the protector on. This will ensure your bedding fits properly.
* **Don’t Assume Standard Sizes:** Even if you think you know the size of your mattress, it’s always best to measure to confirm. Manufacturing variations can occur.
* **Check Product Descriptions:** When buying bedding or furniture online, always double-check the product descriptions for exact dimensions and compatibility with your mattress size.
## What to Do If Your Mattress Isn’t a Standard Size
Sometimes, you might find that your mattress doesn’t perfectly match any of the standard sizes. This can happen for several reasons:
* **Older Mattresses:** Older mattresses may have been manufactured to slightly different dimensions than modern standards.
* **European Sizes:** If you purchased your mattress in Europe, the sizes will differ. A European King, for example, is generally wider than a US King.
* **Custom-Made Mattresses:** If you had a mattress custom-made, it will, by definition, be a non-standard size.
* **Manufacturing Tolerances:** Even standard-sized mattresses can have slight variations due to manufacturing tolerances. A Queen mattress, for instance, might be 59.5 inches wide instead of exactly 60 inches.
If your mattress is a non-standard size, here’s what you can do:
* **Prioritize Actual Measurements:** When buying sheets and mattress protectors, focus on the actual measurements of your mattress rather than trying to force it into a standard size. Look for products that offer flexible sizing or deep pockets to accommodate different mattress heights.
* **Consider Custom Bedding:** If you’re having trouble finding bedding that fits perfectly, consider ordering custom-made sheets and mattress protectors. This can be more expensive, but it will ensure a perfect fit and maximum comfort.
* **Measure Carefully for Bed Frames:** When buying a bed frame, pay close attention to the frame’s inner dimensions and make sure they closely match your mattress measurements. A frame that’s too large can cause the mattress to shift and slide, while a frame that’s too small won’t provide adequate support.
* **Consult with Bedding Retailers:** Don’t hesitate to consult with bedding retailers or manufacturers. They may be able to offer advice on finding bedding that’s suitable for non-standard mattress sizes.
## Mattress Size Chart (US Standard Sizes)
| Mattress Size | Width (inches) | Length (inches) | Common Uses |
| —————– | ————– | ————— | ————————————————————————— |
| Twin | 38 | 75 | Single sleepers, children’s rooms, small guest rooms |
| Twin XL | 38 | 80 | Taller single sleepers, college dorms |
| Full (Double) | 53 | 75 | Single sleepers who want more space, small couples |
| Queen | 60 | 80 | Couples, guest rooms, master bedrooms |
| King | 76 | 80 | Couples who want plenty of space, larger master bedrooms |
| California King | 72 | 84 | Taller couples, those who prefer a longer bed, larger master bedrooms |
## Common Mistakes to Avoid
* **Measuring with Bedding On:** Always remove all bedding before measuring.
* **Using an Inaccurate Measuring Tape:** Ensure your measuring tape is in good condition and provides accurate readings.
* **Not Taking Multiple Measurements:** Multiple measurements are crucial for accuracy, especially with softer mattresses.
* **Rounding Incorrectly:** Use standard rounding rules to avoid significant errors.
* **Assuming Standard Sizes:** Always measure to confirm, even if you think you know the size.
* **Ignoring Mattress Height:** Mattress height is important for finding sheets with the correct pocket depth.
## Conclusion
Accurately measuring your mattress is a simple but essential task that can save you time, money, and frustration when buying bedding or furniture. By following the steps outlined in this guide and paying attention to detail, you can ensure you have the correct dimensions and make informed decisions for a comfortable and restful sleep. So, grab your measuring tape, and get ready to unlock the secrets to a perfectly fitted bed!