Bed Sheet Sizes And Dimensions Guide (With Sizing Chart)

Bed sheets are arguably one of the most important comfort factors when building an ideal sleeping space – and for good reason. They can keep you warm, add a little more fluffiness and snugness, or elevate your bed’s overall look regardless of mattress size. 

Unfortunately, however, ill-fitting sheets won’t help you achieve any of these things – that’s why finding perfectly-sized bed sheets is so important. This guide outlines standard dimensions and discusses different bedding types. Keep reading to find the perfect sheets for your bed!

Standard Bed Sheet Sizing Chart

Crib-Size Sheets

As the name suggests, crib-size sheets are designed for use in cribs. Because babies, toddlers, and smaller children don’t sleep with flat sheets, you only need a specialty fitted sheet. In addition, crib-size beds usually don’t require duvets or bed skirts due to compatibility issues and safety reasons.

Twin-Size Sheets

Twin-size beds are the smallest and one of the most common options on the market. This is mainly because twin beds easily fit smaller rooms, dorms, and studio condominiums. As a result, twin-size sheets are available in abundance, which gives buyers a large selection of colors, styles, and materials to choose from. 

Fitted twin sheets are slightly larger than the mattress at a modest 39 x 75 inches, while flat sheets are significantly more vast at 66 x 96 inches. Likewise, duvet covers are relatively large at 72 x 96 inches since they tend to hover slightly above the ground. If you’re the type who appreciates a bed skirt, look for a piece marginally narrower than your mattress, measuring 38 x 75 inches.

Twin XL Sheets

Twin XL mattresses and sheets are distinct from regular twins in one significant way: they’re five inches longer. As a result, they usually require their own sets of fitted sheets measuring 39 x 80 inches, which can confuse some buyers. You can use sheets for a twin XL on a twin bed, though the sheets will be slightly too long and may not fit as snugly. All other bed accessories are identical to their twin counterparts, so the upgrade isn’t too costly. 

Double Or Full-Size Sheets

Double or full-size beds are wider than a twin but not so wide that they take up the entire room. Meant for single sleepers with a little bit more floor space, full-size beds are the perfect choice for guest rooms and growing kids. 

These double beds require fitted sheets that measure around 54 x 75 inches, while flat sheets usually measure a sprawling 96 x 102 inches. You can set a billowy duvet measuring 93 x 96 inches on top of the flat sheet. Lastly, bed skirts that measure 53 x 75 inches are usually a perfect fit.

Queen-Size Sheets

The queen-size bed is where buyers cross the threshold of single-sleeper mattresses into beds meant for couples. Because of this, queen-size sheets are significantly larger than double or twin alternatives. 

Queen-size fitted sheets are 60 x 80 inches in size, which is identical to the mattress and bed skirt measurements. However, the hygienic flat sheet is a bit larger at 96 x 102 inches, while duvet covers are a more compact 95 x 98 inches.

King-Size Sheets

King-size mattresses are one of the largest mattress options available at standard retailers, meaning they have large sheets to match. The mattress, fitted sheets, and bed skirt all measure a considerable 76 x 80 inches, which may seem small compared to its 102 x 112-inch flat sheets. 

Like all other mattress sizes, duvet covers are slightly smaller at 96 x 109 inches.

California King-Size Sheets

California king-size beds are almost identical to standard kings, except they’re two inches narrower and four inches wider than their more common counterparts. As a result, both kings share the same duvet size at 96 x 109 inches and 102 x 112 inches for flat sheets. However, they differ for every other type of bedding.

These longer kings measure 72 x 84 inches, which is similar in size to the fitted sheets and bed skirts you’ll end up purchasing for them.

Different Types Of Bed Sheets

When discussing bed sheets, most people think of thin blankets that fit loosely over your bed or are tucked under the mattress. However, there are actually several types of bed sheets on the market, with some serving purposes other than keeping you warm at night.

Fitted Sheets

Fitted sheets are a type of bed covering outlined by a sturdy elastic band that clamps onto the edge of a bed. These elastic edges make changing your sheets extremely straightforward, which is convenient for households of all sizes. That said, purchasing the wrong size of fitted sheets can result in a more challenging sheet-changing experience.

For example, too-large fitted sheets won’t be able to clamp down properly on your mattress, which results in loose and saggy corners. Likewise, fitted sheets that are too small won’t have enough stretch to encapsulate your bed correctly. 

Flat Sheets

A flat sheet is your first line of defense against nighttime chills. It sits right on top of a bed’s fitted sheet or covering and is sometimes called a “top sheet.” These thin blankets are often larger than their fitted counterparts and act as a hygienic barrier between a person’s body and other beddings that may be added for extra warmth or aesthetic purposes.

Because of their extra length and width, flat sheets are sometimes tucked under the mattress to avoid brushing against the floor. Some people use flat sheets instead of fitted sheets as a bottom layer, tucking the corners under the mattress, but it’s important to consider the pros and cons of flat vs. fitted sheets first. Again, this comes down to personal preference.

Duvets

Duvets are large, plush coverings that sit over your flat sheets. Because of their large size and loft, they’re often confused for quilts or comforters. In more elaborate bed setups, duvets sit neatly over quilts and flat sheets. However, they’re also perfectly fine when used alone or paired with flat sheets. 

Duvets have interchangeable covers for aesthetic and functional purposes. For example, some duvet covers may be warmer and retain body heat more effectively, while others are designed to increase airflow. Likewise, duvet covers come in all colors and designs to suit everyone’s preferences.

Not sure what duvet size is right for you? Check out our duvet size guide. 

Bed Skirts

While you won’t find a bed skirt in many modern bedrooms, they are a mainstay in more traditional homes. Unlike the other sheets in this list, bed skirts are used exclusively for aesthetic purposes. They can cover up bed frames, platform beds, and worn-down legs while elevating a space’s overall look. 

Furthermore, their interchangeable nature means they can be swapped out for other colors to match different duvet covers and bed sheets. So, while they aren’t an absolute necessity for most bedrooms, they can still pull a room’s look together.

Final Thoughts On Bed Sheet Sizes

The perfect sleeping area isn’t all about the right mattress and pillow size. Instead, it’s a delicate balance that includes bedding, sheets, and other sleep-related accessories. 

Luckily, there are so many incredible options that you can try. Check out the Purple website to find out more about our oh-so-comfortable bedding!