Your Guide to Finding the Right-Sized Bed Sheets

Shopping for bed sheets can be pretty confusing for first-time buyers. Sheets labeled 'standard' by one brand may differ slightly in measurement from another, and how do you know if you require fitted or flat sheets? Our bed sheet size guide is packed full of tips, tricks and advice on sheet sizes and helps you to find your perfect fit.

Check the Chart: Standard Bed Sheet Sizes

Standard bed sheet sizes vary between producers but they tend to be close to the sizes found in the chart above. Note that fitted sheets will usually have the measurements of the mattress type they're meant to fit (they're typically measured as they fit across the top of a mattress). Make sure you always check the size of sheets before purchasing to ensure they're your preferred dimensions.

How to Pick the Right Size Bed Sheets

Believe it or not, picking the right bed sheet size is all about the mattress size. When you’re picking out bed sheets, the first thing you should do is measure your mattress, including width, length and depth. Here are a few steps you can follow:

Step 1: Take off the sheets and pillows. Before you begin, make sure that all linens are removed from your mattress so you can measure accurately.

Step 2: Measure the width. Using a tape measure, measure across your mattress. Since your mattress curves at the top, take this measurement from the middle of your bed to find the widest point.

Step 3: Measure the length. Measure from the top to the bottom of your mattress to determine the length. Once again, do this in the middle of your bed to avoid the curved sides of the mattress.

Step 4: Measure the depth. Start at a corner of your mattress and measure vertically from the top seam to the bottom seam. If you’re using a mattress topper, measure from the top seam of the topper to the bottom seam of the mattress. We measure depth as some mattresses are much deeper than others and require special deep-pocket sheets.

Once you've determined the dimensions of your mattress, you can begin searching for a set of bed sheets.

Check the Chart: Fitted-Sheet Pocket Depth

It’s important to consider pocket depth before buying fitted sheets. If your fitted sheets are too shallow for your mattress, they won't be able to tuck under the sides and stay in place. Keep in mind that pocket size varies between manufacturers and you should always check both your mattress' dimensions and the sheet’s pocket size before you purchase.

Pocket depth can be a little tricky, since the term describes the dimensions of the sheet instead of the mattress depth it will fit. To determine if a pocket depth will fit your mattress, subtract 2" from the pocket depth. If the remaining size is larger than or the same as your mattress depth, the sheet will fit.

Tip: If the description of the sheet contains information about 'mattress height' or 'mattress depth' instead of pocket depth, then those sheets will fit a mattress of the given height – no subtraction needed.

Consider Sheet Overhang

Make sure you think about how much you want your flat sheets to hang off your mattress. You can determine how wide and long you'd like your sheets to be with a few simple equations. These equations can be used to find a sheet that will perfectly hang over the bottom end of your mattress and the two sides. If you'd like to be able to tuck your sheets on three sides, add a few inches to the mattress depth in the equation as you see fit.

Pillowcase Sizes

Pillowcase sizes can range depending on manufacturer. Don’t be afraid to mix and match pillow sizes – stacking a variety of sizes on a queen or king-size bed can have a lavish effect.

Standard (50 x 75cm): Standard pillowcases are typically meant for single, small double and double beds. These pillowcases are just the right size to fit two on a double bed.

King (50 x 90cm): King pillowcases are wider than queen pillowcases, and two can fit snuggly side by side on a standard king-size bed.

Tip: Hate flat pillows? Buy a roomier pillowcase in the next size up so your pillow can fully fluff up. If you like slim pillows, choose the same size pillowcase to keep it in place.

If you’d like to learn more about bed, blanket, pillow and quilts, check out our pillows buying guide and our guide to buying bed spreads.