Bedding size guide: what size do I need?
The complete guide to bedding sizes — UK names alongside exact dimensions in cm, for fitted sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases.
Bedding sizes are one of those things that look simple until you actually have to choose. Fitted sheets are sized to the mattress, duvet covers to the duvet, pillowcases to the pillow — and a sheet should usually be larger than the mattress, while a fitted sheet has to be exactly right. Add international naming differences (Single, Queen, King, Super King) to the mix and it gets confusing fast. This guide cuts through it: every size you need, with both the UK name and the exact dimensions in cm.
Fitted sheets
A fitted sheet wraps tightly around your mattress. Match the size to the mattress dimensions exactly — too small and it pops off, too large and it bunches.
Standard depth — fits mattresses up to about 30 cm thick.
| Size (cm) | UK name | Bed type |
|---|---|---|
| 80 x 200 | Single / Twin | Single bed |
| 90 x 200 | Single / Twin | Single bed (most common) |
| 100 x 200 | Single (wide) / Twin | Wide single |
| 120 x 200 | Small Double | Small double / day bed |
| 140 x 200 | Double | Double bed |
| 160 x 200 | Queen | Queen bed |
| 180 x 200 | King | King-size bed |
| 200 x 200 | Super King | Super King-size |
Long versions — for mattresses 210 or 220 cm long (typical for taller sleepers).
| Size (cm) | UK name | Bed type |
|---|---|---|
| 80 x 220 | Single XL / Long Twin | Long single |
| 90 x 220 | Single XL / Long Twin | Long single |
| 140 x 220 | Double XL | Long double |
| 160 x 220 | Queen XL | Long queen |
| 180 x 220 | King XL | Long king |
Duvet covers
A duvet cover should match the size of your duvet, not your mattress. The duvet itself is usually slightly larger than the mattress so it overhangs comfortably.
| Size (cm) | UK name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 140 x 200 | Single | Single bed (90 x 200) |
| 140 x 220 | Single Long | Long single bed |
| 200 x 200 | Double | Double bed (140 x 200) |
| 200 x 220 | Double Long | Double bed (long mattress) |
| 240 x 200 | Queen / King | Queen and King beds (160-180 x 200) |
| 240 x 220 | Queen / King Long | Queen / King with long mattress |
| 260 x 220 | Super King | Super King beds (200 x 200) |
For more on choosing the right cover, see how to choose the perfect duvet cover size.
Flat sheets
A flat sheet should be larger than your mattress so it tucks in properly on all sides.
| Size (cm) | UK name | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 180 x 280 | Single | Single bed |
| 240 x 280 | Double | Double bed |
| 270 x 290 | King / Super King | King and larger beds |
Pillowcases
Pillowcases are sized to the pillow, not the bed. The standard sizes:
| Size (cm) | UK name | Pillow type |
|---|---|---|
| 50 x 60 | Standard | Most common pillow size |
| 60 x 70 | European / Continental | Larger square-ish pillow |
| 40 x 60 | Children's | Toddler / child pillows |
A few buying tips
- Measure before you buy — especially for older or non-standard mattresses. Mattress thickness matters too: a 30 cm mattress needs a fitted sheet with a deeper pocket.
- Buy the duvet cover slightly bigger if you and a partner are different heights — extra coverage at the foot end avoids the "fighting over the duvet" issue.
- Don't go bigger on a fitted sheet — it'll never sit right. The size has to match.
- Pillowcases stretch slightly — a standard pillowcase will fit a slightly larger pillow, but not the other way around.
If you're still unsure, the safest approach is to measure your mattress, your duvet, and your pillows directly. A tape measure beats a tag every time. Browse the full bamboo bedding range with all sizes available.
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