King vs Super King Bed: Size Difference and Which to Buy

Grey Chesterfield velvet divan bed, available in king and super king

Trying to decide between a king vs super king bed? In the UK, a king size bed is 150cm wide and 200cm long (5ft), and a super king is 180cm wide and 200cm long (6ft). Both are the same length, so the only difference is 30cm of extra width. This guide explains what that extra width means in practice and how to tell which one your bedroom can take.

What is the difference between a king and a super king bed?

A super king is 30cm wider than a king, which gives each sleeper about 15cm more space. Both are 200cm long, which is 10cm longer than a UK double. The bed frame will be larger than the mattress, so always check the external dimensions on the product page.

Size Feet Mattress (cm) Width per person (couple)
Double 4ft 6in 135 x 190 67.5cm
King 5ft 150 x 200 75cm
Super King 6ft 180 x 200 90cm

For comparison, a standard UK single mattress is 90cm wide, so on a super king each person has roughly the width of a single bed.

How big does my room need to be?

A useful rule of thumb is to leave at least 60cm of clear floor space on both sides of the bed and at the foot, so you can walk around it and open drawers. Using that rule, a king needs a room at least 2.7m wide, and a super king needs at least 3m wide, before you add wardrobes or bedside tables. Measure your room and mark the bed size on the floor with tape to see how it feels.

Who should choose a king size bed?

  • Couples moving up from a double who want more space without a much bigger room.
  • Average UK master bedrooms where a super king would make the room feel crowded.
  • Single sleepers who like to spread out.

See the King Size Divan Bed with Mattress Included if you want the bed and mattress in one order.

Who should choose a super king bed?

  • Couples where one or both partners move a lot at night.
  • Families whose children often climb in during the night.
  • Larger master bedrooms where a king would look small.

The Super King Divan Bed with Mattress and our super king beds collection are good places to start.

Can I fit a super king through the stairs?

Many super king divan bases come in two halves that zip or link together, which makes them easier to carry upstairs. Bed frames are usually delivered flat packed. Mattresses do not fold, so measure tight landings and doorways before ordering a super king mattress. A zip and link divan bed can also be split into two singles later.

Is a super king mattress more expensive?

Usually, yes. Larger mattresses and bedding cost more, so factor in a new duvet, sheets and pillows as well as the bed. Super king bedding is widely available in the UK, but check the size before you buy, as some brands label 6ft bedding differently.

Frequently asked questions

Is a super king the same as two singles?

Two UK singles side by side measure 180cm x 190cm, which is the same width as a super king but 10cm shorter. Zip and link beds join two longer single halves so they match a super king's 200cm length.

Is a UK king the same as a US king?

No. A US king is about 193cm wide, which is closer to a UK super king. If you buy bedding or mattresses from abroad, check the measurements in centimetres.

Will a king mattress fit a super king frame?

No. A king mattress is 30cm narrower and would leave a gap. Always buy the mattress in the same UK size as the bed frame.

Read our full UK bed sizes guide or browse all beds and mattresses. We deliver free across the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Wakefield, Sheffield and Bradford.