How To Measure A Mattress: A Simple Measuring Guide

Summary

You may know that your mattress is a double or a king bed, but you may not know the exact dimensions of the mattress. Here are instructions for how to measure a mattress, whether it is the proper length and width or the height of the mattress. You will also learn to determine the height of a mattress with extra padding and what you should and shouldn’t use to measure its height.

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You might be aware that your mattress is a double or king-size but don't really know what the dimensions are. It can be an issue when you are purchasing a replacement or when you are checking out whether new bedding will fit. Understanding how to measure a mattress will help you know the actual numbers to deal with. You just have to take away the bedding and any separate topper, and then measure the mattress knowing the right steps.

How To Measure A Mattress Correctly In 5 Steps

You don't need any special measuring equipment for this job. A tape measure and somewhere to write down each figure should be enough. Before you begin, remove anything that could hide the mattress edges, then work through the length, width and height one at a time.

1. Remove The Bedding Before Taking Any Measurements

The initial task is to uncover the mattress fully and observe the edges.

Protectors and toppers are also relatively thick, and one may have difficulty knowing where the edge of a mattress is. Leaving them in place may therefore affect your measurements.

Before you start, remove:

• Duvets and pillows
  
• Mattress protectors
  
• Any topper placed over the mattress
  
• Blankets

Once the bedding has been removed, leave the mattress lying in its normal position on the bed. You can then measure from its actual edges without additional layers getting in the way.

2. Measure The Mattress Length & Width

With the bedding removed, take the length first. It is always advisable to start at the head of the mattress and measure directly to the foot end. Once that measurement is noted, cross the measuring tape over the mattress and see how wide it is from left to right.

As you go:

• Keep the tape flat against the mattress
  
• Use the outer edges as your measuring points
  
• Don't include any part of the bed
  
• Take each measurement twice
  
• Record the length and width figures

This will provide you with the two measurements that you will consider when comparing your mattress to standard bed sizes.

3. Take Extra Care With Rounded Mattress Edges

Some mattresses have clearly defined sides, while others have rounded corners, piping or thick padding around the edges.

These features can make it difficult to decide exactly where your tape should begin and finish. The use of tape is recommended, but not around a curved point, to identify the outer edge.

For instance, you can use:

• A hardback book
  
• A ruler
  
• A piece of firm cardboard
  
• Another flat object with a straight edge

It is advisable to place the straight object against the outermost point of the mattress and measure to the corresponding point on the other side. This gives you a clearer reference when the mattress shape makes a direct reading difficult.

4. Take A Measurement From Bottom To Top

Once the length and width are measured, the next measurement to be taken on the mattress should be its height.

For those who want to know how to measure a mattress height, just lay the measuring tape vertically against the side of the mattress. Then you must start at the lowest part of the mattress itself and measure up until the highest permanent point on the mattress.

For an accurate reading:

• Make sure the tape stays straight
  
• Measure from the lower edge
  
• Measure to the highest point
  
• Don't include the bed base
  
• Remove separate toppers beforehand

A built-in pillow top forms part of the mattress, so include it in the height. A removable topper is separate and shouldn't be counted as part of the mattress measurement.

5. Always Measure A Bed Before Buying A New Mattress

When you are measuring to find a new mattress, it's also helpful to measure the bed, too.

An old mattress can become soft over the years and might not fit the standard dimensions of the mattress it was made for. The recommended practice is to measure the space where the mattress fits and record the figures.

Check:

• The available width
  
• The available length
  
• Inside measurements of a surrounding frame
  
• Any raised edges
  
• Unusual corners or restricted areas
  

What To Consider After Measuring The Mattress?

After you have taken the 3 main measurements, take proper notes of them. The length and width can now be easily compared to some of the most popular mattress sizes in the UK, and the height is used when purchasing fitted sheets.

• Compare Your Measurements With UK Mattress Sizes

Mattress size names are useful, but the actual dimensions tell you far more when you're uncertain about the bed you own.

Here are some commonly used UK mattress dimensions: