What Sheets Fit a California King Bed?

September 23, 2025

A common inquiry when considering a "big bed" or sheets for a "big bed" is whether to choose a standard King-size or California King-size. For some shoppers, distinguishing between the two sizes can become tricky, as most find it difficult to tell the difference between the sizes just by looking at them.

Many people have a common misconception: that Cal King beds are the largest size. Well, that depends on what the term "large" means to you. Are you tall and would prefer to have extra legroom? Or, would you be more satisfied with a bed with more space for your arms and body to move and change positions freely without disrupting anyone else in the bed? When it comes to California King and standard King-size sheets and mattresses, there are distinct differences, as well as advantages and disadvantages to consider with both sizes.

Key Considerations

Select sheets with the appropriate pocket depth.
Different brands produce sheets with a slight variance of dimensions, so it's wise to check the sheet packaging for exact measurements.
It is common to mistake a California King-size for a regular King-size, although their dimensions are different; one is slightly more rectangular, while the other is more square.
A California King-size mattress, also called Western King, measures 72 inches by 84 inches, creating a more rectangular shape, slightly narrower and longer than a regular King.
A standard or regular King, also known as an Eastern King, has dimensions of 76 inches by 80 inches, which is more square-shaped than a California King.

What is California King-size Exactly?

The California King-size, no matter which type of sleep product you're after, is somewhat of a more specialty item. Typically, Cal King sizes are produced in smaller quantities than standard King or Queen; this is due to the nature of supply and demand. Fewer people pursue and purchase a California King mattress and accessories, such as sheets, because they are less common in American households overall.

While you will still find some Cal King-size sheets at most major in-store and online retailers, unfortunately, the lack of demand can make finding an ideal set of sheets—i.e., color, texture, or material— a little more of a challenge.

One of the more commonly asked questions about bed sheets is whether a King-size fitted sheet would fit a California King-size mattress. There isn't necessarily one right or wrong response here; the answer is not as straightforward and will depend on the sheet's brand, dimensions, and the quality of the materials used to make the sheets. Generally speaking, to provide an answer sort of within the “gray area,” if the sheet material is substantially stretchy, they could fit. However, if the sheet material is crisp or taut, they typically won't fit, even from the get-go.

California King-size beds require the use of the longest, but still not the widest, mattress available today. Cal King-size sleep products, like a Cali-King mattress, are specifically engineered to cater to long-legged individuals and to enable undisrupted co-sleeping with your furry friends near the foot of the bed.

The Cali King size—72 inches wide and 84 inches long—ends up measuring in at 4 inches longer and 4 inches narrower than a standard King. Nevertheless, even though Cal King actually provides less width than the standard King, it is still 12 inches wider than a Queen-size bed. Nevertheless, the Cali King bed will still provide you with a sizable sleeping surface compared to most other sizes.

Regarding sheets, if the mattress is a Cali King measuring 72 inches x 84 inches, then naturally, when you go out to purchase a set, Cal King sheets will typically measure:

Fitted Sheet: Generally between 72-73 inches wide and 84-85 inches long.
Flat Sheet: Generally between 108-110 inches wide and 106-107 inches long.

What to Find Out First: Mattress Height and Sheet Pocket Depth

As you go about trying to find a new set of sheets or are upgrading to an entirely new and bigger size mattress, like a California King, you should keep in mind three significant things. These considerations will make your life so much easier in finding sheets that fit and stay on the mattress.

Before purchasing a new set of sheets, you should always:

#1: Take measurements so that you know the exact length, width, and height of the mattress that you plan to use the sheets on.
#2: Read the sheet packaging label to ensure the advertised pocket depth is appropriate for the height of the mattress that you plan to use the sheets on.
#3: The general rule of thumb is to select sheets with a pocket depth that is approximately 3 to 5 inches deeper than the measured height of the mattress you plan to use.

Common Misbeliefs About Cal King Size

Often, people misconstrue the Cali-King size for the largest mattress size. Is it because of the clever name—California King? No one may ever know why so many people think Cal King is the biggest and best size. Regardless, the term "biggest" can take on more than one meaning.

Big, as in wide, or big as in tall?

The Cal King size is undeniably the longest mattress option, which could be why many assume it’s the biggest. Still, Cal King beds are actually narrower than the standard King, by four inches to be exact.

Top Reasons for Choosing Cal King

Cal King is an ideal size for anyone tall or above average height, or for sleepers who want the extra leg room for their furry friends to sleep at the foot of the bed. California King beds are also ideal for longer, rectangular, or uniquely shaped bedrooms. The Cal King-size can be especially suitable if you prefer to have bedroom furniture, like a bedframe , a headboard, and a footboard or nightstands, to accompany your mattress.

Likewise, for anyone who simply craves sleeping on a massive bed with a vast sleeping surface, any variation of a King bed just may be the one that you should go for!

Still, the key distinction between them—Cal King and standard King— is the potential ease or hassle to find ideal sheets that fit your preferences for size, color, texture, and pocket depth. While standard King-size sheets are readily available, California King sheets are accessible, but not usually as easy to find and check off the boxes that fit your preferences.

Can You Use Cal King Sheets on a Regular King Bed?

As mentioned above, a significant disadvantage of a California King bed is that it can be more of a challenge to find ideal bed sheets with a satisfying fit, feel, color, and design. Standard King sheets are available for sale in nearly every major department store. Still, California King sheets can be trickier to come by.

The fact that Cal King can be more difficult to find often poses the next common question:

"Will standard King sheets fit on a California King-size mattress?"

It is unlikely that fitted sheets are interchangeable between a King and California King-sized beds, but this can depend on the sheet material, its elasticity, and the overall quality. Some sheets, due to their pliable, highly elastic qualities, are purposefully designed to fit both King and California King mattresses. And, in some instances, you might be able to make interchanging the sizes work temporarily.

And, as the saying goes, "You can't put a square peg in a round hole." That said, most of the time, King sheets just won't fit on a Cal King bed or vice versa.

Sometimes, bed sheets almost fit, but after even the slightest bit of shrinkage in the washer or dryer, you'll find yourself annoyed by the adverse experience of the sheets not staying on the bed as they should. The sides and corners of the fitted sheet constantly sliding off is not something that anyone really wants to deal with. "I wish I could re-put the sheets on my bed every day!" Said no one ever.

If you're tired of ill-fitting sheets or are upgrading to a King or Cal King bed, you can search through retail shops in your town without any promise to find exactly what you need.

Or, you can more easily discover a decent selection of Cal King sheets by seeking brands, like Bed Tech, that specialize in plentiful size availability of sleep products like:

Bed Tech Thread Sheets: Easily Discover the Size, Color, Fit, and Feel You Desire for Your Sheets

If you aspire to cut to the chase and get straight to the point, this sounds like you want to find a set of sheets that will fit and stay on your California King-size bed. So, look no further than hypoallergenic Bed Tech Thread™ sheets, found online in the Bed Tech Thread™ Sheet Shop.

Thread™ Sheets, made by Bed Tech, are available in King and California King—Bamboo, Microplush+Bamboo, and ultra-soft Microfiber with four neutral color options. Each set offers a universal fit for all mattresses ranging from 6 to 18 inches in height, and includes elastic corner bands to ensure a secure fit, even with the movements of an adjustable bed.

Bed Tech Thread™ Sheets, particularly in King and Cal King sizes, are readily available to browse before you buy in the Bed Tech online shop, so hop on and get yours shipped on the way to you, today!

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