Bed Size Guide: GCC, US, and UK Sizes Compared
The Complete Bed Size Reference for the Gulf Region
One of the most common questions we get from customers in Bahrain and the wider GCC is: "Will these sheets fit my bed?" The answer depends on where your mattress was made. Bed sizes vary significantly between GCC, US, UK, and European standards — and getting the wrong size means fitted sheets that pop off corners or flat sheets that don't tuck properly.
Here's the definitive reference guide from our factory.
Mattress Size Comparison Table
| Size Name | GCC (cm) | US (cm) | UK (cm) | US (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single / Twin | 90 x 190 | 99 x 191 | 90 x 190 | 39 x 75 |
| Single XL / Twin XL | 100 x 200 | 99 x 203 | — | 39 x 80 |
| Small Double | 120 x 200 | — | 120 x 190 | — |
| Double / Full | 140 x 200 | 137 x 191 | 135 x 190 | 54 x 75 |
| Queen | 160 x 200 | 152 x 203 | 150 x 200 | 60 x 80 |
| King | 180 x 200 | 193 x 203 | 150 x 200 | 76 x 80 |
| Super King | 200 x 200 | 193 x 203 | 180 x 200 | 76 x 80 |
| California King | — | 183 x 213 | — | 72 x 84 |
Key Differences to Watch
- GCC "King" ≠ US "King": A GCC King (180 x 200cm) is narrower than a US King (193 x 203cm). If your mattress was purchased locally in Bahrain, it's likely GCC sizing. If it was imported from the US, check the label.
- GCC "Queen" is wider: A GCC Queen (160 x 200cm) is actually wider than a US Queen (152 x 203cm) but shorter. Sheets designed for US Queen will be slightly long and slightly narrow on a GCC Queen.
- UK "King" = US "Queen": This causes the most confusion. A UK King (150 x 200cm) is essentially the same as a US Queen. If you're buying UK-branded mattresses in Bahrain (common with brands like Silentnight), use Queen-size sheets.
- Small Double is GCC-common: The 120 x 200cm size is popular in the Gulf for children's rooms and guest rooms. It doesn't exist in standard US sizing.
Mattress Depth — The Hidden Size Problem
Mattress depth is just as important as length and width when buying fitted sheets. Modern mattresses are significantly thicker than traditional ones:
| Mattress Type | Typical Depth | Sheet Pocket Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Standard spring | 20-25 cm (8-10") | Standard (30 cm / 12") |
| Pillow-top | 28-35 cm (11-14") | Deep pocket (38 cm / 15") |
| Memory foam | 25-35 cm (10-14") | Deep pocket (38 cm / 15") |
| Hybrid (spring + foam) | 30-40 cm (12-16") | Extra deep (45 cm / 18") |
| Mattress + topper | 30-45 cm (12-18") | Extra deep (45 cm / 18") |
How to measure: Place a ruler or tape measure vertically from the bottom of the mattress to the top of the highest point. Add 5cm to your measurement — that's the minimum pocket depth you need for a snug fit.
Flat Sheet Sizing
Flat sheets (top sheets) need to be large enough to tuck under the mattress on three sides with enough overhang. Here's what we recommend:
| Bed Size | Flat Sheet Size (cm) | Flat Sheet Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Single / Twin | 180 x 260 | 71 x 102 |
| Double / Full | 230 x 260 | 91 x 102 |
| Queen | 250 x 275 | 98 x 108 |
| King | 275 x 275 | 108 x 108 |
| Super King | 300 x 275 | 118 x 108 |
Duvet / Comforter Sizing
| Bed Size | Duvet Size (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 150 x 200 | Standard single duvet |
| Double | 200 x 200 | Adequate overhang for double beds |
| Queen | 230 x 220 | Generous coverage, recommended |
| King | 260 x 220 | Full coverage for GCC King beds |
| Super King | 280 x 235 | Maximum coverage |
Pro tip: In the Gulf, many people prefer a duvet one size up from their bed for that luxurious overhang look. A King duvet on a Queen bed gives a generous, hotel-like drape on both sides.
Pillow Sizes
| Type | Size (cm) | Common In |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 50 x 75 | US, GCC |
| Queen | 50 x 80 | US |
| King | 50 x 90 | US, GCC |
| European Square | 65 x 65 | GCC, Europe |
| Body Pillow | 50 x 150 | Various |
GCC note: European square pillows (65 x 65cm) are very popular in Bahrain and the Gulf, often used as decorative shams propped against the headboard. Make sure your pillowcases match your pillow size — standard and European require different cases.
Shopping Tips for Bahrain
- Check the label first: Before buying sheets, note your mattress brand and country of origin. This tells you which sizing standard to follow.
- Measure your mattress: Don't assume. Measure length, width, and depth with a tape measure.
- When in doubt, size up: Slightly oversized sheets are better than undersized. A flat sheet that's too small won't tuck properly; a fitted sheet that's too small will pop off the corners.
- All our products list dimensions: We include exact cm measurements on every product page — not just "Queen" or "King" labels. Match the numbers, not the name.