King vs. Split King: What’s the Difference?

By Sanchita Sen Certified Sleep Coach

Last Updated On May 26th, 2023
King vs. Split King: What’s the Difference?

Both king and split king are the largest standard mattress sizes on the market. Their wider size allows for more personal space, so couples don’t feel crowded. But which mattress should you choose? We share information on both sizes, including benefits and drawbacks.

What Is a King Size?

A king-size, or eastern king mattress measures 75 inches by 80 inches. King size mattresses are a great choice for couples and offers more personal space for both sleepers. These types of mattresses fit comfortably in a 12 feet by 12 feet bedroom, including a couple of nightstands with walking space.

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Benefits

  • Largest standard mattress size
  • More personal space
  • Best for large master bedrooms

Drawbacks

  • Not ideal for bedrooms smaller than 12 feet by 12 feet
  • Difficult to move due to large size

What Is a Split King Size?

A split king mattress is the same size as a king-size bed, except it is two twin XL mattresses side by side instead of one uniform bed. Split kings are great mattresses for couples with differing sleep preferences, and they’re compatible with adjustable beds.

King vs Split King

Split king mattresses allow sleepers to adjust the bed to their preference without disturbing the comfort of their sleep partner, unlike traditional king-size beds. Plus, some companies offer customized split kings that allow couples to choose how firm or soft they want their bed to feel, which is an added bonus for couples with very different sleep needs.

Benefits

  • Perfect for couples with differing sleep preferences
  • Easier to move—two smaller mattresses instead of one large bed
  • Isolates motion transfer

Drawbacks

  • Separate fitted sheets
  • Too big for some bedrooms

Best Amerisleep King Mattresses

Quick Guide: A 30-Second Summary

Best King Mattress Overall Amerisleep AS3
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Pricing of Amerisleep King Mattresses

MattressPrice
AS1$1199
AS2$1399
AS3$1599
AS3 Hybrid$1699
AS4$1599
AS5$2199
AS5 Hybrid$2399
Amerisleep Organica$1599

Other Mattress Sizes

If you feel that a king or split king mattress isn’t the right size for you, other standard sizes include twin, twin XL, full, queen, California king, and split California king.

Twin Size

Twin size mattresses measure 38 inches by 75 inches and are the smallest standard mattress size on the market. Twin beds are great for children and for adults looking to save on space. For families with more than one child, bunk bed frames are a perfect space-saving option for multiple twin size mattresses in a single room.

Twin XL Size

Twin XL beds are 38 inches by 80 inches. They’re most common in college dorm rooms and great for tall people looking for more sleep space. Like twin mattresses, twin XL beds comfortably fit in smaller living spaces.

Full Size

Full-size mattresses are 54 inches by 75 inches. Full bed sizes are wonderful for teenagers and adults looking for more room to spread out. Full-size mattresses are also good for restless sleepers or those who switch between different sleeping positions at night.

Queen Size

A queen-size bed measures 60 inches by 80 inches. Queen mattresses are one of the best options for single adults and couples who like to sleep close to each other. They’re also great as guest beds.

California King Size

California king mattresses have similar mattress dimensions as king-size, but while a king-size bed is wider, a Cal king mattress is longer and more narrow at 72 inches by 84 inches. Also known as “western king,” California king beds are a good option for taller individuals or couples who like to sleep closer together.

Split California King Size

Split California king beds measure 72 inches by 84 inches. Like the standard king-size, California king is also available in split sizing, though they’re not as widely available as split king. A split Cal king mattress is another great option for couples with different sleeping preferences and also compatible with adjustable beds.

FAQs

Are all king mattresses split?

Most mattress brands offer split king sizes, though some may not.

Do two twin XL mattresses make a California king?

No–a twin XL mattress is 38×80, while a California king size is 72×84. However, two twin XL mattresses do make a split king size.

Is a split king the same size as a king?

Yes, the only difference is the split in the middle—a split king is two twin XL mattresses placed next to each other.

Which Size is Right For You?

No matter which size you choose, the best mattress size will comfortably fit the bedroom with walking space and areas for furniture for aesthetic appeal. A king-size is a great option with its wider dimension, offering more personal space for couples. A split king size is another great option, providing catered sleeping preferences so both couples have optimal comfort without compromise. Both are excellent choices for any master bedroom.


About the author

Sanchita Sen is a full-time writer focusing on the sleep health and mattress industry. She is a former journalist who has written numerous articles on the healthcare sector. Some of the topics she has covered include how to lucid dream, fever dreams, melatonin for sleep, and best gel memory foam mattress. Sanchita holds a Master of Arts in Communications from Convergence Institute of Mass Media and Information Technology Studies. She is also a published author, who seeks inspiration from both real life and the world of fiction.

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