Australian Bed Sizes: The Complete Guide to Every Mattress Dimension, Room Size, and How to Choose
Every standard Australian bed size with exact mattress dimensions in cm and inches, sleeping area comparisons, minimum room sizes, bed frame vs. mattress measurements, international size differences, clearance guidelines for furniture, and a practical framework for choosing the right size.
All Australian Bed Sizes at a Glance
| Bed Size | Width × Length (cm) | Width × Length (inches) | Sleeping Area (m²) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 | 36″ × 74″ | 1.73 | Children, bunk beds, compact rooms |
| Long Single | 92 × 203 | 36″ × 80″ | 1.87 | Tall teens, split king setups |
| King Single | 107 × 203 | 42″ × 80″ | 2.17 | Teens, single adults, guest rooms |
| Double | 138 × 188 | 54″ × 74″ | 2.59 | Solo adults, guest rooms, first homes |
| Queen | 153 × 203 | 60″ × 80″ | 3.11 | Couples (most popular — 61% of Australians) |
| King | 183 × 203 | 72″ × 80″ | 3.72 | Couples wanting space, co-sleeping families |
| Super King | 203 × 203 | 80″ × 80″ | 4.12 | Maximum space, luxury bedrooms |
All dimensions above are mattress dimensions. Bed frames add 5–15 cm in both width and length — more on that in the bed frame section.
Single Bed — 92 × 188 cm (36″ × 74″)
The Single is the most compact standard Australian bed size. It's the go-to choice for children's rooms, bunk beds, trundle beds, and studio apartments where floor space is tight. Most children will be comfortable on a Single from around age 3 until their early teens.
At 188 cm long, it's shorter than every other Australian bed size except the Double (also 188 cm). If your child is already tall for their age or approaching their teens, consider a Long Single or King Single for the extra 15 cm of length — it'll save you from replacing the mattress in a year or two.
Per-person space: 92 cm width (one sleeper only). Minimum room size: 2.4 m × 3.0 m.
Long Single Bed — 92 × 203 cm (36″ × 80″)
Same width as a Single but 15 cm longer. The Long Single is designed for taller teens and adults who need the length but don't have room for a wider bed. It's also the standard size used in split King setups — two Long Singles side by side equal a King (184 cm total width, close to the King's 183 cm).
If you're considering an adjustable bed base, Long Single is typically the unit size. They're also a smart daybed option for living rooms or home offices that double as guest rooms.
Per-person space: 92 cm width. Minimum room size: 2.4 m × 3.2 m.
King Single Bed — 107 × 203 cm (42″ × 80″)
The King Single is 15 cm wider and 15 cm longer than a standard Single, making it the best upgrade for teenagers and single adults who want more room without jumping to a Double. It's wide enough that most adults can sleep comfortably, and at 203 cm long, it accommodates sleepers up to about 188 cm tall.
It's also the most popular choice for guest rooms — generous enough for any visitor but compact enough to leave space for a wardrobe and bedside table in a smaller room.
Per-person space: 107 cm width. Minimum room size: 2.6 m × 3.2 m.
Double Bed — 138 × 188 cm (54″ × 74″)
The Double gives you 138 cm of width — enough for one adult to spread out, or for two adults in a pinch. At 188 cm long (the same as a Single), it's the shortest bed that accommodates two people, so taller couples should consider a Queen.
For couples sharing a Double, each person gets 69 cm of space — less than the 92 cm width of a Single bed. That's why most couples who try a Double end up upgrading to a Queen. The Double works best as a solo adult bed with generous room to move, or as a couple's bed in a guest room or small apartment where a Queen won't fit.
Per-person space: 69 cm (shared) or 138 cm (solo). Minimum room size: 3.0 m × 3.0 m.
Queen Bed — 153 × 203 cm (60″ × 80″)
The Queen is Australia's most popular bed size — roughly 61% of Australian adults sleep on one. It's 15 cm wider and 15 cm longer than a Double, and that extra space makes a meaningful difference for couples. Each person gets 76.5 cm of width, which is enough for comfortable side-by-side sleeping without constantly bumping elbows.
The Queen fits comfortably in most standard Australian bedrooms (3.0 m × 3.4 m or larger) and strikes the best balance between sleeping space and room for furniture. If you're unsure which size to get, the Queen is almost always the right default for couples.
Per-person space: 76.5 cm (shared). Minimum room size: 3.0 m × 3.4 m.
King Bed — 183 × 203 cm (72″ × 80″)
The King is 30 cm wider than a Queen — and those 30 cm are transformative. Each person gets 91.5 cm, nearly the width of an entire Single bed. If you're a restless sleeper, share the bed with kids on weekends, or simply value not touching your partner while you sleep, the King is worth the upgrade.
A King typically comes on a split base (two bases side by side), which makes it easier to manoeuvre through doorways and up stairs. Two Long Singles placed together approximate a King width, which is also how split-King adjustable setups work.
Per-person space: 91.5 cm (shared). Minimum room size: 3.2 m × 3.6 m.
Super King Bed — 203 × 203 cm (80″ × 80″)
The Super King is a perfect square — 203 cm in both directions. Each person gets 101.5 cm of width, more than a Single bed's full width. It's the largest standard mattress size available in Australia.
Not every mattress brand offers a Super King, and you'll need to ensure your bedroom is large enough to accommodate it with proper clearance. But if you have the space, it's the ultimate upgrade for couples who like room, families who co-sleep, or anyone who treats their bed as a personal kingdom.
Per-person space: 101.5 cm (shared). Minimum room size: 3.6 m × 4.0 m.
Minimum Room Sizes for Every Bed
These recommendations assume at least 60 cm clearance on each accessible side of the bed, space for a bedside table, and room to walk past the foot of the bed.
| Bed Size | Mattress (cm) | Min. Room Size | Comfortable Room Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | 92 × 188 | 2.4 m × 3.0 m | 2.7 m × 3.2 m |
| Long Single | 92 × 203 | 2.4 m × 3.2 m | 2.7 m × 3.4 m |
| King Single | 107 × 203 | 2.6 m × 3.2 m | 3.0 m × 3.4 m |
| Double | 138 × 188 | 3.0 m × 3.0 m | 3.2 m × 3.4 m |
| Queen | 153 × 203 | 3.0 m × 3.4 m | 3.4 m × 3.6 m |
| King | 183 × 203 | 3.2 m × 3.6 m | 3.6 m × 4.2 m |
| Super King | 203 × 203 | 3.6 m × 4.0 m | 4.0 m × 4.4 m |
Bed Frame vs. Mattress: The Size Difference That Catches People Out
Every dimension in this guide refers to the mattress. But your bed frame is bigger than your mattress — and if you plan your room around mattress dimensions alone, you may end up with a bed that doesn't fit the way you expected.
| Component | Adds to Width | Adds to Length |
|---|---|---|
| Frame rails / side panels | +5–10 cm total | +5–10 cm total |
| Headboard | Usually flush | +5–15 cm |
| Footboard (if present) | Usually flush | +5–10 cm |
| Typical total overhang | +5–10 cm | +10–25 cm |
A Queen mattress is 153 × 203 cm, but a Queen bed frame with a headboard and footboard can be 158–163 cm wide and 215–228 cm long. Always measure the full frame footprint — not just the mattress — when planning your room layout.
Clearance Guidelines for Wardrobes, Drawers, and Doors
Fitting a bed into a room isn't just about whether it physically fits — you need clearance for furniture, walking paths, and door swings.
| Clearance Area | Minimum | Comfortable | Accessibility / Universal Design |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walking path (each side of bed) | 60 cm | 75 cm | 90 cm+ |
| Foot of bed to wall/furniture | 60 cm | 90 cm | 120 cm |
| Wardrobe — hinged doors | 60–75 cm swing arc | 90 cm in front | 100 cm+ |
| Wardrobe — sliding doors | 0 cm (no swing) | 60 cm in front | 75 cm |
| Chest of drawers | 75–100 cm (drawer extension + standing room) | 100 cm | 120 cm |
| Bedroom door swing (820 mm standard) | Full arc clearance | Door must not hit bed frame | Full arc + 60 cm |
The standard Australian interior door width is 820 mm. If your bed is near the door, check that the door can open fully without hitting the bed frame. In tight rooms, consider a sliding wardrobe to eliminate swing clearance entirely — this can free up 60–75 cm of usable floor space.
Australian vs. International Bed Sizes
Australian bed sizes are unique. If you're buying a mattress, bed frame, or sheets from an international retailer — including IKEA (European sizing), US brands, or UK stores — you need to know the exact differences.
Queen Size Comparison
| Country | Width × Length (cm) | Difference from AU |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 153 × 203 | — |
| United States | 152 × 203 | 1 cm narrower |
| United Kingdom | 152 × 198 | 1 cm narrower, 5 cm shorter |
| Europe (IKEA) | 160 × 200 | 7 cm wider, 3 cm shorter |
King Size Comparison
| Country | Width × Length (cm) | Difference from AU |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 183 × 203 | — |
| United States | 193 × 203 | 10 cm wider |
| United Kingdom | 152 × 198 | 31 cm narrower, 5 cm shorter (UK "King" ≈ AU Queen) |
| Europe (IKEA) | 180 × 200 | 3 cm narrower, 3 cm shorter |
The key takeaway: the Australian Queen is nearly identical to the US Queen (1 cm difference — negligible for sheets). But the Australian King is 10 cm narrower than the US King, which means US King sheets and bedding will be too wide for an Australian King mattress.
Will International Sheets Fit Australian Beds?
| Scenario | Will It Fit? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| US Queen sheets on AU Queen | ✅ Yes | Only 1 cm difference — fitted sheets stretch |
| US King sheets on AU King | ❌ No — too wide | US King is 10 cm wider; sheets will be baggy |
| UK King sheets on AU Queen | ⚠️ Close but tight | UK King (152 × 198) is similar to AU Queen but 5 cm shorter |
| UK Double sheets on AU Double | ⚠️ Close but not exact | UK Double (135 × 190) vs AU Double (138 × 188) |
| IKEA Queen sheets on AU Queen | ⚠️ Width works, length is 3 cm short | European Queen is 160 × 200 vs AU 153 × 203 |
Bedroom Layout Strategies by Room Size
Small Bedroom (Under 3.0 m × 3.0 m)
A King Single or Double is your best bet. Push the bed against one wall to open floor space, and use a sliding wardrobe to eliminate door swing clearance. Floating shelves or a wall-mounted bedside light can replace a bedside table. If the room is for a child, a Single with under-bed storage drawers maximises every centimetre.
Standard Bedroom (3.0 m × 3.4 m to 3.4 m × 3.6 m)
A Queen fits well here with 60–75 cm clearance on both sides. You'll have room for two bedside tables and a wardrobe on the opposite wall. Centre the bed on the longest wall and avoid placing it directly under a window if possible — it blocks airflow and makes the room feel smaller.
Large Bedroom (3.6 m × 4.2 m or larger)
A King or Super King works beautifully. With this much space, you can centre the bed on the main wall with matching bedside furniture, keep a full-sized wardrobe with hinged doors, and still have 90 cm+ clearance on all sides. If you're opting for a Super King, make sure the room is at least 4.0 m × 4.4 m for truly comfortable proportions.
How to Choose the Right Bed Size
Step 1: Measure your room. Use a tape measure from skirting board to skirting board. Note where windows, doors, wardrobes, and power outlets are — these all constrain bed placement.
Step 2: Choose your mattress size from the table above based on who's sleeping in it and the minimum room size guidelines.
Step 3: Add frame dimensions. Add 10 cm to the mattress width and 20 cm to the length to estimate your bed frame footprint. Check this fits your room with at least 60 cm clearance on the sides you need to access.
Step 4: Check furniture clearance. Map your wardrobe doors (60–75 cm swing), chest of drawers (75–100 cm pull-out), bedroom door swing (820 mm), and any other furniture. If things are too tight, consider a smaller bed size, a sliding wardrobe, or wall-mounted furniture.
Step 5: Think ahead. If you're buying for a growing child, start with a King Single — it'll last through their teenage years and works as a guest bed after that. For couples, the price difference between a Double and Queen is usually small, but the comfort difference is significant. Default to the Queen unless your room genuinely can't fit one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Australian and US bed sizes?
The Australian Queen (153 × 203 cm) is nearly identical to the US Queen (152 × 203 cm) — sheets are generally interchangeable. However, the Australian King (183 × 203 cm) is 10 cm narrower than the US King (193 × 203 cm), making US King bedding too wide for Australian King mattresses. Australia also has a King Single size (107 × 203 cm) that doesn't exist in the US market.
Will US or UK sheets fit an Australian mattress?
US Queen sheets generally fit an Australian Queen (only 1 cm difference). US King sheets won't fit an Australian King — they're 10 cm too wide. UK sheets are trickier: a UK King (152 × 198 cm) is close to an Australian Queen but 5 cm shorter, so fitted sheets may not reach. Always check the centimetre dimensions on the packaging rather than relying on size names.
How much bigger is a bed frame than the mattress?
Bed frames typically add 5–10 cm to the width and 10–25 cm to the length of the mattress. Headboards and footboards increase the length further. Always measure the full frame footprint — not just the mattress — when planning your room layout.
What is the difference between a King and Super King bed in Australia?
Both are 203 cm long. The King is 183 cm wide while the Super King is 203 cm wide — 20 cm wider, making it a perfect square. The Super King gives each person about 101.5 cm of width (more than a whole Single bed), but it requires a room of at least 3.6 m × 4.0 m to fit with proper clearance.
What size bed should I get for a small bedroom?
For rooms under 3.0 m × 3.0 m, a Double or King Single is the best fit. Consider sliding wardrobes to save clearance space and push the bed against one wall. If the room is for a child, a Single with under-bed storage works well. Measure from skirting board to skirting board and use the DuuDuu Bed Size Calculator to visualise the layout before buying.
Is a King Single the same as a US Twin XL?
No, but they're close. The Australian King Single (107 × 203 cm) is 10 cm wider than the US Twin XL (97 × 203 cm). They share the same length, but the King Single is a uniquely Australian size — you won't find an exact equivalent in US or UK markets.
How much space does each person get in a Queen bed?
On a Queen bed (153 cm wide), each person gets 76.5 cm of width. For context, that's about 17% less than a Single bed's 92 cm. It's enough for comfortable side-by-side sleeping for most couples. If you want closer to a full Single's width per person, upgrade to a King (91.5 cm each) or Super King (101.5 cm each).
What clearance do I need around my bed for accessibility?
For standard use, 60 cm minimum on each accessible side. For universal design and accessibility compliance, 75–90 cm is recommended. Wheelchair access typically requires 90 cm or more of clearance. Don't forget to account for wardrobe door swing (60–75 cm for hinged doors) and chest of drawers pull-out (75–100 cm).
Australia has seven standard bed sizes, from the compact Single (92 × 188 cm) to the spacious Super King (203 × 203 cm). The Queen is the most popular for good reason — it fits most bedrooms, suits most couples, and offers a meaningful upgrade over the Double in both width and length. Always measure your room from skirting board to skirting board, plan around the bed frame's footprint (not the mattress), and leave at least 60 cm clearance on each accessible side. If you're buying sheets or a bed from an international retailer, check the centimetre dimensions — Australian sizes don't match US, UK, or European standards, with the notable exception of the Queen.
