Don’t Buy the Wrong Bed: Your 2025 Canadian Mattress Size Guide
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Time to read 6 min
Choosing a mattress shouldn’t feel overwhelming. Here’s how to pick the right size with confidence, from a firefighter-owned mattress store that gets real-life sleep needs.
If you’ve ever stood in a mattress store scratching your head, wondering whether a Double is smaller than a Full (spoiler: they’re the same), or if a California King is the biggest bed you can buy (it’s not — at least not in width), you’re not alone.
We’re Ken and Erik from Mr. Liquidator — two firefighters turned mattress guys who help customers figure this stuff out every single day. So we figured, let’s take the confusion out of mattress sizing once and for all. Not just with a chart — but with real advice , straight from the sales floor. So we figured, let’s take the confusion out of mattress sizes in Canada once and for all...
Let’s break it down.
Table of Content
Introduction Quick Note on Names (Because Yes, They're Confusing) Mattress Sizes in Canada Chart California King vs Eastern King — Which One’s Bigger? How to Choose the Right Mattress Size (Real Advice from Our Store) Common Mattress Size Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them) . 🧠 Mattress Sizes in Canada – FAQ ✅ Mattress Sizes in Canada – Quick Summary
Quick Note on Names (Because Yes, They're Confusing)
Let’s clear something up right off the bat: mattress names don’t always make sense.
Twin is also called a Single
Double = Full
King in Canada is usually what Americans call Eastern King
And Split King isn’t really a size — it’s two Twin XLs side-by-side
| Common Name | Also Known As |
|---|---|
| Twin | Single |
| Double | Full |
| King (Canada) | Eastern King |
| California King | Cal King |
| Split King | Two Twin XLs |
These naming quirks are one reason so many people struggle to understand mattress sizes in Canada , especially when shopping online or comparing options. Lets move on...
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Mattress Sizes in Canada Chart
🧠 How to read this :
To make sense of mattress sizes in Canada , it helps to look at the actual dimensions side-by-side. Width matters most for comfort with a partner (or dog), and length is key for tall sleepers. Everything is listed in both inches and centimetres so you can measure your space easily.
| Size | Inches (W x L) | CM (W x L) |
|---|---|---|
| Twin / Single | 38" x 75" | 96.5 x 190.5 cm |
| Twin XL | 38" x 80" | 96.5 x 203 cm |
| Double / Full | 53" x 75" | 134.5 x 190.5 cm |
| Queen | 60" x 80" | 152.5 x 203 cm |
| King (Eastern) | 76" x 80" | 193 x 203 cm |
| California King | 72" x 84" | 183 x 213 cm |
| Split King | Two Twin XLs | 2 x 96.5 x 203 cm |
Keep in mind, mattress sizes in Canada may differ from U.S. or European standards, so always double-check your frames and protectors before ordering online.
🧠 Want a printable version? Click here to download our mattress size chart PDF.
California King vs Eastern King — Which One’s Bigger?
This is probably the most common mix-up we see at the store. People hear “California King” and assume it must be the biggest bed you can get. But here's the truth:
Eastern King (also just called “King” in Canada) is wider
California King is longer
So if you’re trying to sprawl out with your partner, a toddler, and a dog — Eastern King gives you more side-to-side room. If you're over 6'3", and don’t mind a narrower sleep surface, California King gives you a bit of extra legroom.
Here’s what we tell customers:
Eastern King Pros:
The widest mattress you can buy — amazing for couples or families
Easy to find bedding, protectors, and bed frames in Canada
Fits most master bedrooms comfortably
Eastern King Cons:
It’s a bit shorter — might not be ideal for super tall folks
California King Pros:
Great if you’re very tall and want those extra four inches of length
Nice fit for long, narrow rooms or custom design layouts
California King Cons:
Harder to find sheets, protectors, and frames in Canada
Feels tighter side-to-side — not great for bed-sharing with kids or pets
Usually special order only at Canadian retailers (including us)
💡 Our Honest Advice
Unless you’re unusually tall or building a very specific designer bedroom, we almost always recommend the Eastern King . It’s more comfortable, more practical, and easier to shop for across Canada.
Image from Canva
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size (Real Advice from Our Store)
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We’ve helped thousands of people pick the perfect size. Here’s what we’ve learned:
👩❤️👨 For Couples
Queen is the sweet spot for most — enough room to sleep comfortably, fits most bedrooms.
King is ideal if you’ve got the space (and kids or pets crawling in).
- 🏙️ Small Spaces (Condos, Basements, or Older Homes)
Double or Queen are best.
Always measure stairwells and tight turns — King mattresses don’t bend .
- 🧒 Growing Kids & Teens
Go with a Twin XL — gives them extra length without the width of a Double.
- 🐾 Pets or Kids in Bed
King is the move. Or be prepared to sleep on the edge every night.
- 🚚 Move Often?
Queen is the safest choice — easier to move, still comfy.
Kings are heavy and awkward. You’ll feel it on moving day.
Common Mattress Size Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Thinking a Full is bigger than a Queen — it's not. It’s shorter and narrower.
Buying a Cali King in Canada — then struggling to find sheets or a protector.
Measuring your room, but forgetting to check stairwells and hallways .
Buying a bed so big it turns your bedroom into a wall-to-wall mattress.
“Most people think mattress sizes are universal — until they show up with sheets that don’t fit. We’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
. 🧠 Mattress Sizes in Canada – FAQ
1. What’s the difference between a Double and a Full?
Nothing! A Double and a Full are exactly the same size: 53” x 75”. The two terms are used interchangeably — it just depends where you’re shopping or who you’re talking to.
2. Is a Twin the same as a Single?
Yes — in Canada, a Twin and a Single are the same thing. It’s just a naming difference. Both measure 38” x 75”.
3. What’s the biggest mattress size in Canada?
The Eastern King (76” x 80”) is the widest standard mattress you can easily find in Canada. A California King is longer, but narrower — and much harder to shop for here.
4. Should I get a California King or an Eastern King?
We usually recommend the Eastern King unless you're over 6'3" or designing for a very long, narrow space. California Kings are harder to find bedding for in Canada and often have to be special ordered.
5. What’s a Split King?
A Split King is just two Twin XL mattresses side by side. This setup is popular with adjustable bases so each side can move independently.
6. Can I use U.S. mattress sizes in Canada?
Technically yes, but sizes and terminology can differ slightly — especially with frames, protectors, and sheets. We recommend buying Canadian-standard sizes to avoid mismatches.
✅ Mattress Sizes in Canada – Quick Summary
Twin = Single (38” x 75”) – Best for kids or tight spaces
Twin XL (38” x 80”) – Great for teens or tall solo sleepers
Double = Full (53” x 75”) – Good for one adult, tight for two
Queen (60” x 80”) – Ideal for most couples, most common size
King (Eastern) (76” x 80”) – Widest option, great for couples, pets, or co-sleeping
California King (72” x 84”) – Longer but narrower; great for tall people, less ideal for families
🧠 Pro Tips:
Eastern King is wider ; California King is longer but harder to find accessories for in Canada
Always measure your room + stairwells before buying
Leave 30 inches of space around the bed for comfortable movement
Don’t let the names confuse you — Double = Full, Twin = Single
Ken Eyjolfson
About the Author
Ken Eyjolfson is a firefighter, father, and co-owner of Mr. Liquidator Mattress Outlet in Chilliwack, BC. After nearly two decades of frontline service and a personal journey through PTSD and OCD, Ken became passionate about helping others improve their sleep as part of healing and recovery. At Mr. Liquidator, he combines his deep empathy, real-world experience, and commitment to honesty to guide customers toward better rest — without pressure or gimmicks. When he’s not in the store, you’ll find him with his family, sharing his story, or working on his next cup of strong coffee.
More to Come
This is the first in a series of posts where I’ll share my experiences with sleep, trauma, OCD, and healing. If this post resonated with you, keep an eye out for more soon. I want to create content that helps others feel less alone, and offers hope for real, practical progress.
