If you are planning a move, buying a storage unit, or comparing mattress sizes, you may wonder: how many cubic feet is a king size mattress?
The answer depends mainly on the mattress thickness. A standard king size mattress usually measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Once you add the height or thickness, the total volume generally ranges from 35 to 70 cubic feet.
Understanding mattress volume is useful for:
- Moving and shipping
- Storage planning
- Truck space calculations
- Comparing mattress types
- Buying mattress bags or covers
In this guide, you will learn exactly how to calculate the cubic feet of a king size mattress, see easy examples, and discover practical tips for moving or storing your mattress safely.
Understanding Mattress Volume
Before calculating mattress size, it helps to understand what cubic feet actually means.
What Does Cubic Feet Mean?
Cubic feet is a measurement of volume. It shows how much three-dimensional space an object takes up.
For a mattress, volume includes:
- Length
- Width
- Height (thickness)
The formula looks like this:
Cubic Feet=1728Length×Width×Height
Since mattress measurements are usually in inches, dividing by 1,728 converts cubic inches into cubic feet.
Why Mattress Volume Matters
Knowing mattress volume helps with several real-world tasks.
Moving
Moving companies often estimate truck space based on cubic feet.
Storage
Storage units have volume limits. A king mattress can take up a large percentage of a small unit.
Shipping
Freight companies may calculate shipping rates using dimensional volume.
Room Planning
Large mattresses can affect bedroom layout and furniture placement.
Standard King Size Mattress Dimensions
To answer “how many cubic feet is a king size mattress,” you first need the standard dimensions.
Standard Measurements
A standard king mattress typically measures:
- Width: 76 inches
- Length: 80 inches
That equals:
- 6 feet 4 inches wide
- 6 feet 8 inches long
King mattresses are among the largest standard bed sizes available.
Variations in Thickness
Mattress thickness varies by type and brand.
Common thickness levels include:
| Mattress Type | Typical Thickness |
|---|---|
| Budget Foam Mattress | 8–10 inches |
| Standard Mattress | 10–12 inches |
| Pillow Top Mattress | 12–16 inches |
| Luxury Hybrid Mattress | 14–18 inches |
Thickness directly affects cubic feet.
How Many Cubic Feet Is a King Size Mattress?
The cubic footage depends on the mattress height.
Using standard king dimensions:
- Length = 80 inches
- Width = 76 inches
Now multiply by the thickness.
Basic Formula
Volume=172880×76×Thickness
Let’s look at common examples.
Example Calculations
10-Inch King Mattress
172880×76×10≈35.2 cubic feet
A 10-inch king mattress is approximately 35 cubic feet.
12-Inch King Mattress
172880×76×12≈42.2 cubic feet
A 12-inch mattress equals roughly 42 cubic feet.
14-Inch King Mattress
172880×76×14≈49.3 cubic feet
A thicker luxury mattress may reach nearly 50 cubic feet.
King Mattress Cubic Feet Chart
Here is a quick reference chart for standard king mattresses.
| Thickness | Approximate Cubic Feet |
|---|---|
| 8 inches | 28 cubic feet |
| 10 inches | 35 cubic feet |
| 12 inches | 42 cubic feet |
| 14 inches | 49 cubic feet |
| 16 inches | 56 cubic feet |
| 18 inches | 63 cubic feet |
This chart provides useful estimates for moving and storage calculations.
How to Calculate Mattress Volume Yourself
You can calculate mattress cubic feet in just a few minutes.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Measure the Length
Measure from head to foot in inches.
Step 2: Measure the Width
Measure side to side in inches.
Step 3: Measure Thickness
Measure the height from bottom to top.
Step 4: Multiply All Three Numbers
Length×Width×Height
Step 5: Divide by 1,728
1728Cubic Inches
The result is cubic feet.
Common Measurement Mistakes
People often make small errors when measuring mattresses.
Avoid these mistakes:
- Forgetting to include pillow tops
- Measuring in feet instead of inches
- Rounding too early
- Ignoring compressed packaging differences
- Using manufacturer estimates only
Always measure the actual mattress when possible.
Why Cubic Feet Matters for Moving and Storage
Mattress size affects more than just bedroom comfort.
Storage Units
A king mattress can consume a large portion of a storage unit.
For example:
| Storage Unit Size | Mattress Fit |
|---|---|
| 5×5 | Too small |
| 5×10 | Tight fit |
| 10×10 | Comfortable fit |
| 10×15 | Plenty of room |
If the mattress remains flat, it takes more space.
Moving Trucks
Moving trucks are rated by cubic feet.
Typical truck capacities include:
| Truck Size | Approximate Capacity |
|---|---|
| Cargo Van | 250–400 cubic feet |
| 10-foot truck | 400–500 cubic feet |
| 15-foot truck | 700–900 cubic feet |
A king mattress may use 5% to 10% of a small moving truck’s volume.
Shipping Costs
Some freight companies use dimensional weight pricing.
A larger mattress may cost more to ship even if it is lightweight.
Hybrid and pillow-top mattresses often cost more because they occupy greater volume.
Different Types of King Mattresses and Their Volume
Not all king mattresses have the same cubic footage.
Memory Foam Mattresses
Memory foam mattresses are usually:
- Easier to compress
- Lighter in weight
- Slightly thinner
Many come vacuum-packed in boxes.
Hybrid Mattresses
Hybrid mattresses combine:
- Foam layers
- Metal springs
- Support systems
These are often thicker and heavier.
As a result, they may exceed 50 cubic feet.
Pillow Top Mattresses
Pillow top models add extra cushioning.
Benefits include:
- Softer comfort
- Better pressure relief
However, they also increase total mattress volume significantly.
California King Comparison
A California king differs slightly from a standard king.
| Mattress Type | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Standard King | 76 x 80 inches |
| California King | 72 x 84 inches |
California kings are narrower but longer.
Their cubic footage is usually similar because the total surface area is close.
Can a King Mattress Be Compressed?
Many shoppers wonder whether mattress volume changes after compression.
Bed-in-a-Box Mattresses
Modern foam mattresses can shrink dramatically when vacuum-sealed.
A mattress that normally occupies 40 cubic feet may fit inside a much smaller shipping box.
Compression reduces shipping costs and simplifies delivery.
Compression Limitations
Not every mattress compresses equally.
Traditional innerspring mattresses:
- Resist compression
- Require larger trucks
- Take more storage space
Some luxury hybrid models should never remain compressed for extended periods.
Expert Tips for Measuring Mattress Size Accurately
Use these tips for more accurate calculations.
Measure on a Flat Surface
Uneven flooring can affect thickness readings.
Include Mattress Toppers
Toppers add extra inches and increase cubic footage.
Use a Metal Tape Measure
Flexible tape can create measurement errors.
Check Manufacturer Specs
Many brands list exact dimensions online.
Measure After Expansion
Bed-in-a-box mattresses expand after unpacking.
Always measure once fully expanded.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cubic feet is a standard king size mattress?
Most standard king mattresses range from 35 to 50 cubic feet, depending on thickness.
What is the average thickness of a king mattress?
The average king mattress thickness is usually 10 to 14 inches.
How do you calculate mattress cubic feet?
Multiply length × width × height in inches, then divide by 1,728.
Is a California king larger than a standard king?
A California king is longer but narrower. Overall volume is usually similar.
Can a king mattress fit in a small storage unit?
Usually not comfortably. A 10×10 storage unit works much better for a king mattress and other furniture.
10. Conclusion
So, how many cubic feet is a king size mattress? In most cases, a standard king mattress measures between 35 and 63 cubic feet, depending on thickness and construction type.
A simple foam mattress may stay near the lower end, while luxury pillow-top or hybrid models can exceed 50 cubic feet easily.
Understanding mattress volume helps with:
- Moving preparation
- Shipping estimates
- Storage planning
- Comparing mattress sizes
- Buying the right transport equipment
To calculate the cubic feet yourself, simply measure the mattress dimensions and apply the standard volume formula. With accurate measurements, you can avoid storage problems, moving surprises, and shipping mistakes.
