European Bed Size Frequently Asked Questions

Our European bed sizes page covers the range of bed dimensions used across Continental Europe. Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about European bed sizes and how they compare internationally.

  • Q. Why are there so many different bed sizes in Europe?
  • A. European bed sizes vary because there is no single pan-European standard. Different countries developed their own sizing conventions, though many sizes have converged around the 90cm width for singles and 200cm length for northern European countries.
  • Q. What is the most common single bed size in Europe?
  • A. The most common European single bed size is 90cm x 200cm, supplied by pan-European retailers. However 80cm and 100cm widths are also widely available.
  • Q. What is the standard double bed size in Europe?
  • A. The most common European double bed size is 135cm x 200cm, though 140cm x 200cm is also widely found.
  • Q. Do European countries use different bed lengths?
  • A. Yes. Northern European countries (Germany, Netherlands, Scandinavia) typically use 200cm as the standard length. Southern European countries (France, Spain, Italy) commonly use 180cm and 190cm alongside the 200cm length.
  • Q. What is the European equivalent of a queen size bed?
  • A. The European equivalent is a 160cm wide bed, typically 160cm x 200cm. A slightly narrower 150cm x 200cm version is also common across Europe. See our queen bed sizes page for international comparisons.
  • Q. What is the European equivalent of a king size bed?
  • A. A 180cm x 200cm bed is the European equivalent of a king size. In some markets a 200cm x 200cm bed is also considered king size.
  • Q. Why are some European beds available in extra long lengths?
  • A. Extra long beds (210cm and 220cm) are available in Germanic and Scandinavian countries due to the above-average height of the population in these regions. The 200cm standard was itself set to accommodate the average adult height in northern Europe.
  • Q. Are European and US bed sizes compatible?
  • A. No, European and US bed sizes use different measurement systems and do not correspond directly. US beds use feet and inches and a different set of standard widths to European beds measured in centimetres.
  • Q. What is the largest bed commonly available in Europe?
  • A. The largest beds commonly available are 200cm x 200cm. In some Northern European countries 200cm x 210cm and 200cm x 220cm options are also found. See our super king size page for more on the largest beds worldwide.
  • Q. What is a German bed size?
  • A. German beds typically follow the Northern European standard with 90cm x 200cm for singles, 140cm x 200cm or 180cm x 200cm for doubles and larger sizes.
  • Q. Are French bed sizes the same as other European bed sizes?
  • A. French bed sizes are broadly similar to other European sizes but 190cm length beds are very common in France alongside the 200cm standard. The French standard for a double bed is 140cm x 190cm.
  • Q. What is a 160cm x 200cm European bed equivalent to in the UK?
  • A. A 160cm x 200cm European bed is closest to a UK king size (1.52m x 1.98m) in width, but 8cm wider and 2cm longer. It does not correspond exactly to any UK standard size.
  • Q. What size bed does IKEA sell in Europe?
  • A. IKEA sells beds in European metric sizes, primarily 90cm, 120cm, 140cm, 160cm, 180cm and 200cm widths, with 200cm as the standard length. Sizes vary slightly by country.