South African Bed Size Frequently Asked Questions

Our South African bed sizes page covers standard SA bed dimensions. Here we answer the most commonly asked questions about South African bed sizes, including the unique three quarter size and how SA beds compare internationally.

  • Q. What are the standard bed sizes in South Africa?
  • A. The standard South African bed sizes are Single (92cm x 188cm), Three Quarter (107cm x 188cm), Double (137cm x 188cm), Queen (152cm x 188cm) and King (183cm x 188cm).
  • Q. What is a three quarter bed in South Africa?
  • A. The three quarter bed (107cm x 188cm / 3'6" x 6'2") is a size not widely found outside South Africa. It sits between the single and double in width and is suitable for one person wanting more space or for a small double room.
  • Q. Are South African bed sizes the same as Australian sizes?
  • A. They are broadly similar in naming but differ in dimensions. The South African single (92cm x 188cm) is the same width as an Australian single but 1cm shorter. The South African king (183cm x 188cm) is the same width as the Australian king but 15cm shorter in its standard form.
  • Q. Are extra long bed sizes available in South Africa?
  • A. Yes. All standard South African sizes have an extra length variant at 200cm. For example the extra length single is 92cm x 200cm, the extra length double is 137cm x 200cm, and the extra length king is 183cm x 200cm.
  • Q. Is a South African queen the same as a US queen?
  • A. No. The standard South African queen measures 152cm x 188cm, while a US queen is 152cm x 203cm (5' x 6'8"). They are the same width but the US queen is 15cm longer. The South African extra length queen at 152cm x 200cm is closer to the US queen in length.
  • Q. What is the standard South African single bed size?
  • A. The standard South African single measures 92cm x 188cm (3' x 6'2"). An extra length version at 92cm x 200cm (3' x 6'7") is also available.
  • Q. How does the South African king compare to a UK super king?
  • A. A South African king (183cm x 188cm) is the same width as a UK super king (183cm x 198cm) but 10cm shorter in its standard length. With the extra length option (183cm x 200cm) the South African king is 2cm longer than the UK super king.
  • Q. Does South Africa have a super king size bed?
  • A. South Africa does not have a standard super king size. The king (183cm x 188cm or 183cm x 200cm) is the largest standard size available.
  • Q. What is the South African double bed size compared to a UK double?
  • A. A South African double (137cm x 188cm / 4'6" x 6'2") is the same width as a UK double (137cm x 191cm) but approximately 3cm shorter in length.
  • Q. Why is the standard South African bed length 188cm rather than 190cm or 200cm?
  • A. The 188cm length corresponds to approximately 6'2" in imperial measurement, reflecting the historical use of imperial sizing in South Africa before metrication. The extra length option at 200cm reflects more modern metric sizing conventions.
  • Q. Can I use UK bed linen on a South African bed?
  • A. Widths are often similar but lengths differ. The UK double (137cm x 191cm) is close to the SA double (137cm x 188cm) in both dimensions. However for queen and king sizes there are notable length differences. Always check exact dimensions before purchasing.
  • Q. Is the South African three quarter bed the same as a European bed?
  • A. The three quarter bed at 107cm x 188cm is broadly similar in width to the extra-wide European singles available at 100cm or 120cm widths, though it does not correspond to any standard European size.