European vs Canadian Bed Sizes: The Complete Conversion Chart

Key takeaways

• European beds are sized in centimetres and are usually 200 cm long; Canadian beds come from inches.
• A 90 x 200 cm single is not a twin. It is about 9 cm narrower and 9 cm longer than a Canadian twin (99 x 191 cm).
• 120 x 200 cm has no Canadian equivalent. It sits between a twin and a double.
• 160 x 200 cm is close to a queen, not the same. It is 8 cm wider and 3 cm shorter than a Canadian queen (152 x 203 cm).
• A 180 x 200 cm king is 13 cm narrower than a Canadian king (193 x 203 cm).
• Match the mattress to the frame, not to the name, and buy sheets labelled with the same size in centimetres.

Why don't European and Canadian bed sizes match?

They come from different measuring systems. European and Turkish makers size beds in round centimetres, almost always 200 cm long with widths in 10 or 20 cm steps, while Canadian sizes come from inches, such as the 60 x 80 inch queen. When one system is converted into the other, the numbers rarely land in the same place.

Names make it more confusing. "Single", "double", "queen" and "king" exist in both systems, but they do not mean the same size. A European king can be narrower than a Canadian king, and the same 160 x 200 cm mattress may be called a queen by one maker and a king by another. The only safe way to compare is by the measurement in centimetres or inches.

This matters most when you buy a European or Turkish bed in Canada, or bring a bed with you when you move here: the mattress, the fitted sheets and sometimes even the bed base must match the European size.

European and Canadian bed sizes: the conversion chart

Here are the common Canadian mattress sizes next to the closest European size, with the difference in centimetres. Widths are listed first. Canadian sizes are rounded to the nearest centimetre, and some Canadian makers build twins 38 instead of 39 inches wide.

And the other way round: the common European sizes in inches, with the Canadian size they are closest to.

Inches are rounded to one decimal place. For bed planning in the room itself, our queen bed size guide explains how much floor space each size needs.

Is a European single the same as a Canadian twin?

No. A European single is usually 90 x 200 cm, while a Canadian twin is about 99 x 191 cm, so the European single is about 9 cm narrower and 9 cm longer. The extra length is useful for tall teens, but it means a twin mattress will leave a gap at the foot of a 90 x 200 cm frame, and a 90 x 200 cm mattress will not lie flat inside a twin frame.

The Canadian twin XL (99 x 203 cm) is the right length but still about 9 cm too wide for a 90 cm frame. In an upholstered frame such as our grey single storage bed or cream wingback single bed, that extra width simply will not fit between the sides.

What is a 120 x 200 cm bed in Canadian sizes?

There is no Canadian equivalent. A 120 x 200 cm bed, called a small double or three-quarter bed in Europe, is about 21 cm wider than a twin and 17 cm narrower than a double. It gives one sleeper a lot more room than a twin without taking the floor space of a double, which is why it is popular for teens, single adults and guest rooms.

The catch is that most Canadian mattress stores do not carry this size. That is why we stock our own 120 x 200 cm Turkish mattress for our 120 cm storage beds: the pink tufted wingback bed and the royal blue velvet bed.

Is a European double the same as a Canadian double?

Nearly, but not quite. A European double is usually 140 x 200 cm, and a Canadian double, also called a full, is 137 x 191 cm. The European double is about 3 cm wider and 9 cm longer, so a Canadian double mattress on a European frame leaves a gap at the foot, and a European mattress may not fit inside a Canadian frame.

What is a European queen size in cm?

There is no single standard. Many European and Turkish makers sell 160 x 200 cm as a queen, others call the same size a king, and some use 150 x 200 cm. A Canadian queen is 152 x 203 cm (60 x 80 in).

Against a Canadian queen, a 160 x 200 cm mattress is about 8 cm wider and 3 cm shorter. That is enough for it to sit on top of the sides of a Canadian queen frame instead of inside it, and for a Canadian queen mattress to leave visible gaps in a 160 cm frame. Whenever you see the word "queen" on a European bed, ask for the size in centimetres.

Is a European king the same as a Canadian king?

No. A Canadian king is 193 x 203 cm (76 x 80 in). The two common European large sizes sit on either side of it: 180 x 200 cm is about 13 cm narrower, and 200 x 200 cm is about 7 cm wider. Both are 3 cm shorter.

Our 180 x 200 cm Turkish king mattress is made for 180 x 200 cm frames. It is a roomy mattress for couples, but it will not fill a Canadian king frame, so please do not buy it for one.

Which bed size should you choose for each sleeper?

Choose the size for the person and the room first, then pick the system: if you buy a European or Turkish bed, buy its mattress and sheets in the same European size. This table puts the two systems side by side for the most common choices.

Notice that European beds are almost all 200 cm long, while the Canadian twin and double are only 191 cm. If anyone in the family is tall, that extra 9 cm is one of the real advantages of a European-size bed.

Whichever you choose, keep the whole bed in one system. Mixing a European frame with a Canadian mattress, or Canadian sheets with a European mattress, is where most fit problems begin.

What happens if the mattress and the frame don't match?

Even a few centimetres cause problems you notice every night. These are the common ones:

• Mattress too small: it slides around, leaves gaps where pillows and phones fall, and wears unevenly at the edges.
• Mattress too large: it will not drop into an upholstered or box frame, or it bulges over the sides and puts stress on the edges.
• Wrong length: a short mattress leaves a gap at the foot; a long one pushes against the headboard.
• Sheets that do not fit: fitted sheets pop off the corners or bunch up, because they are made for the other system.

A common mistake is buying the mattress by its name. A customer has a "queen" or "king" frame from Europe, buys a Canadian mattress with the same name, and finds it does not fit. Always compare the size in centimetres or inches.

Do Canadian sheets fit European mattresses?

Usually not well. Fitted sheets are made for one mattress size, so a sheet from the other system is either too short or too loose. Here is how Canadian fitted sheets fit our European sizes:

The best fit is a sheet labelled with the same size in centimetres. Depth matters too: all of our mattresses are 30 cm (about 11.8 in) thick, so choose deep-pocket fitted sheets made for a 30 cm mattress.

Which mattress fits each of our Turkish beds?

Each of our single and 120 cm beds has a matching mattress made in exactly its size, so the fit is never a guess. Prices are in Canadian dollars, before HST.

All of these beds have a built-in storage base. You can see every bed and mattress we carry online.

Shop the look

Cream Wingback Single Bed 90 × 200From $350 CAD Grey Single Storage Bed 90 × 200From $350 CAD Pink Storage Bed 120 × 200From $350 CAD Royal Blue Storage Bed 120 × 200From $350 CAD

How do you measure a mattress or bed frame correctly?

Measure in centimetres, measure the inside of the frame, and write down all three numbers. It only takes a tape measure:

1. Mattress width: measure across the top, side to side, from seam to seam.
2. Mattress length: measure from the head end to the foot end along the middle.
3. Thickness: measure the height from the bottom seam to the top seam. This decides the depth of your fitted sheets.
4. Frame: measure the inside of the frame, between the side rails and from the headboard to the foot, where the mattress will sit.
5. Compare: the mattress should match the inside of the frame. A difference of a centimetre or two is normal; more than that is worth asking about.

How we match beds and mattresses at our Hamilton showroom

At Home Centre Green, Hamilton, Ontario, most of our beds are made in Türkiye in European sizes. Because those sizes are hard to find in Canadian mattress stores, we stock mattresses made in the same sizes, so you can buy the bed and the mattress together and know they fit.

1. We match the mattress to the frame by size in centimetres, never by name.
2. We confirm the size of each queen frame when you visit or order.
3. We check your own mattress if you already have one: bring its width, length and thickness and we will tell you whether it will work in the frame you like.

Our own team delivers inside the City of Hamilton only, and pickup from the showroom is free. Delivery is free on orders of $1,000 or more, and orders under that pay a flat $49 per order, not per piece. See our delivery policy. Assembly is not included; our bedroom set installation service is a paid extra on request. We accept credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and we do not offer payment plans or financing.

Visit us at 110 Lancing Dr, Unit 2, Hamilton, ON L8W 3A1, with free parking outside, to try the mattresses and see the beds in person. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 am – 6:00 pm and Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. We are closed on Sundays. You can also call or WhatsApp us on (905) 253-0202 or send us your measurements.

Bed size checklist

• I know the size of my bed frame in centimetres, not just its name.
• I measured the inside of the frame, where the mattress sits.
• The mattress is made for exactly that size.
• I know the mattress thickness, and my fitted sheets are deep enough for it.
• My sheets are labelled with the same size in centimetres.
• I checked with the store before buying a mattress for a European frame.

Frequently asked questions

Is a European single the same as a Canadian twin?

No. A European single is usually 90 x 200 cm, while a Canadian twin is about 99 x 191 cm (39 x 75 in). The European single is about 9 cm narrower and 9 cm longer, so a twin mattress will not fit a 90 x 200 cm frame properly, and the reverse is also true.

What is a European queen size in cm?

There is no single European queen size. Many European and Turkish makers sell 160 x 200 cm as their queen or king, and some use 150 x 200 cm. A Canadian queen is 152 x 203 cm (60 x 80 in), so always check the size in centimetres rather than trusting the name.

Can I put a Canadian mattress on a European bed frame?

Only if the sizes are close and the frame allows it. A mattress that is too small slides and leaves gaps, and one that is too large will not drop into an upholstered frame or will bulge over the edges. Measure the inside of the frame and choose a mattress made for that size.

Is 120 x 200 cm a double bed?

In Europe, 120 x 200 cm is usually called a small double or three-quarter bed. In Canada there is no matching standard size: it is wider than a twin (99 cm) and narrower than a double (137 cm). It suits teens, single adults and guest rooms, and needs a mattress made in the same size.

Do Canadian sheets fit a 90 x 200 cm mattress?

A Canadian twin fitted sheet is made for a 191 cm long mattress, so it is too short for a 200 cm European single. A twin XL sheet (99 x 203 cm) is long enough but a little wide, so it fits loosely. The best fit is a sheet labelled 90 x 200 cm, deep enough for your mattress.

Which mattress fits your Turkish beds?

Our 90 x 200 cm single beds take our 90 x 200 cm Turkish mattress, and our 120 x 200 cm storage beds take our 120 x 200 cm mattress. Both are 30 cm thick. For our queen beds, our team confirms the exact mattress size for each frame when you visit or order.

Written by

Home Centre Green Design Team

The team behind our Hamilton showroom. We help customers choose Turkish-made sofas, beds and carpets every day, and we write these guides to answer the questions we hear most in store.

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