As you shop for a new comforter or bedspread, you will want something cozy, breathable, and inviting. But, more importantly, you will want something that fits your bed perfectly. 

As you shop for a new comforter or bedspread, you will want something cozy, breathable, and inviting. But, more importantly, you will want something that fits your bed perfectly. There is nothing worse than bringing home a new comforter only to find that it’s too small to cover the sides of the bed, or so big that it drags on the ground.

In the U.S., mattress sizes are standard, so you would think comforter sizes would be standard too, right? Unfortunately, this isn’t the case. Some bedding manufacturers use the same dimensions for full and queen size comforters, while others do not. Even twin comforters vary in length and width depending on the brand.

Below, we have provided a quick overview of the most common bedding sizes. Plus, we included some tips that will ensure you bring home the perfect size comforter for your bed.

Comforter Size Overview

Comforter sizing is not standard; however, they do come in common widths and lengths. The chart below lists the comforter measurements you are most likely to find for each mattress size.

How to Choose the Right Size Comforter

Since comforter sizes vary from brand to brand,  you will need to do some research to ensure that you select the right one. The standard mattress size labels attached to all bedding are an excellent place to start, but you will want to check the dimensions, too, and compare them to your bed before purchasing.

As we mentioned above, some brands will label their comforters as “full/queen.” These comforters can range in width from 81 to 88 inches and length from 86 to 100 inches—this is a wide range and can often lead to sizing issues. If you have a full-size bed, these comforters may be too long and drag on the floor. If you have a queen-size bed, a comforter with a “full/queen” label may not be long enough to cover the sides of the mattress. Therefore, those with full mattresses should opt for a comforter with less width, between 81 and 84 inches. Those with queen beds should consider one with more width, between 86 and 88 inches.

Twin size comforters may not fit well on a twin XL mattress. Twin XL beds are 5 inches longer than standard twin mattresses, so these beds should have a comforter at least 90 inches long to accommodate the extra length. King and California king comforters are also not interchangeable. Cal king mattresses are longer and have less width than a standard king. Placing a king comforter on a California king bed may result in the bedding touching the floor and less coverage at the foot of the bed. Additionally, using a Cal king comforter on a king size bed may leave extra fabric at the end of the mattress.

Down comforters tend to fluff up quite a bit once they are placed on the bed. This expansion may result in less coverage on the sides and foot of the mattress. If you plan to purchase a down comforter and duvet cover, you may want to opt for an oversized comforter or size up.

Consider Thickness

The thickness of your mattress will also determine how well the bedding fits your mattress. Most mattresses have a thickness between 9 and 12 inches. Anything 12 inches or less should work well with the sizes outlined above.

However, adding a pillow top or an additional comfort layer can increase the thickness of your bed up to 15 to 20 inches. If your mattress is on the thicker side (over 12 inches), you will want a comforter with more width. But, if you have a thinner mattress, between 6 to 8 inches, you should opt for a comforter on the lower end of the width scale—this will prevent the bedding from hitting the ground.

How to Measure Your Mattress

Before you start shopping, you may want to measure your mattress. You can discover the right width for your comforter by adding the length and the thickness on each side of your bed.

For example, a queen size mattress is 60 inches wide. If your mattress is 12 inches high, you should choose a comforter that is at least 84 inches wide. Taking a quick measurement will ensure your new bedding covers both sides of the mattress comfortably. If the comforter is on the thicker side, it is best to add two more inches in width.

FAQs

How should a comforter fit on a bed?

Ideally, your comforter should hang equally on the sides and foot of the bed. If you have your mattress placed on a box spring with a bed skirt, the comforter should cover the mattress and the top of the bed skirt. The general rule of thumb is that about one-third to a half of the bed skirt should be visible. If you don’t have a box spring, the comforter should cover the sides of the frame without touching the floor.

Should you get an “oversized” comforter?

As you shop, you will notice that some bedding is labeled as “oversized.” These comforters are designed to accommodate mattresses with pillow tops and additional comfort layers. Oversized comforters typically have more width. For example, a queen comforter will usually measure 86 to 88 inches wide, while an oversized queen comforter will measure about 115 inches wide. If you have a thicker mattress but do not want the extra length that comes with sizing up|, you may want to opt for an oversized comforter.

Conclusion

The right size bedding will make your bed more visually appealing and more comfortable for you. If your bedspread is too short for your mattress, you and your spouse may not have enough coverage during sleep—resulting in a tug-of-war with the comforter. If it is too long, it will look disproportionate and may cover up decorative bed skirts or drag on the floor. Using the simple steps outlined above, you can choose the perfect comforter size for your mattress.