Guide to Bed Sheet Sizes
Find the perfect fit.
Shopping for bed sheets is easy when you know what size to look for. Most are designed to fit with specific mattress sizes, but you may also need to consider the mattress depth (for fitted sheets) and how far you want flat sheets to overhang from the bed. Read on to find out how you can determine which bed sheet size you need.
Standard Bed Sheet Sizes
Fitted-Sheet Pocket Depth
Flat Sheet Overhang
Pillowcase Sizes
Standard Bed Sheet Sizes
This chart outlines the standard sheet sizes that are compatible with each mattress size. Fitted bed sheets are designed to match the mattress size for a snug fit, while flat sheets are designed to be slightly longer/wider than the compatible mattress for proper coverage and comfort.
Pocket size and depth are important considerations when buying fitted sheets to ensure your sheets will stay in place around the mattress. Keep in mind that pocket size varies between linen manufacturers, and you should always check both your mattress’s dimensions and the sheets’ pocket size before you purchase.
Pocket depth can be a little tricky, because the term describes the length of the sheet’s corner seam instead of the mattress depth it will fit. Pocket depth should be 1" – 3" longer than the mattress depth. To determine if your mattress will fit, subtract 2" from the pocket depth of the fitted sheet. If the remaining size is larger than or the same as your mattress depth, the sheets will fit.
If the fitted bed sheets’ product description provides information about "mattress height" or "mattress depth" instead of pocket depth, then those sheets will fit a mattress of the given height – no subtraction needed.
Tip!
If you're choosing bed sheets for a mattress with a depth of 8" or less (like a kids mattress or a sofa bed mattress), you may need low-profile pocket depth sheets instead.
Consider how much you want your flat sheets to hang off your mattress for comfort and visual appeal. You can determine how wide and long you would like your sheets to be with a few simple equations. These equations can be used to find a sheet that will perfectly hang over the bottom end of your mattress and the two sides. If you would like to be able to tuck your sheets on three sides, add a few inches to the mattress depth in the equations above. Doing your own math is always a good idea to find the perfect fit.
Tip!
Some sheet sets come with a split king–size option. A split king bed is essentially two twin XL mattresses on a king-size bed. A split king sheet set comes with two fitted sheets for the mattresses, and sometimes one king-size flat sheet and pillowcases. For more information about bedding, check out our guide Basic Parts of Bedding You Need to Know.
Pillowcase sizes can range depending on manufacturer, but they're usually designed to fit a particular bed pillow size. Learn more in our guide Choose the Perfect Pillowcase Size for Your Pillows.
If you’d like to learn more about bed, blanket, and quilt sizes, check out our guides Blanket & Quilt Sizes for All Your Needs and What Are the Most Common Bed Sizes?.
