UK Bed Linen Sizes, A Clear Guide to a Perfect Fit
UK bed linen comes in six standard sizes: cot, single, double, king, super king and emperor. The trick to a perfect fit is matching your sheet, duvet cover and pillowcases to the mattress and duvet, not just to the bed frame.
A fitted sheet should match the mattress width, length and depth. A duvet cover should match the duvet itself. Pillowcases should suit both the pillow size and the way you want the bed to look.
For a complete bedding refresh, explore our bed linen collection, including sheets, duvet covers and pillowcases in fine cotton, Egyptian cotton, linen and other luxury fabrics.
Complete UK bed linen sizes chart
Dimensions below are typical UK standards. Always check the product page before ordering, as fitted sheet depths and individual product sizing can vary.
| Bed size | Mattress and fitted sheet size | Inches | Typical flat sheet | Typical duvet cover | Pillowcase guidance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cot | 60 x 120 cm | 24 x 47 in | Check product page | 120 x 150 cm | Cot pillowcase only where suitable |
| Single | 90 x 190 cm | 35 x 75 in | 180 x 275 cm | 135 x 200 cm | Standard 50 x 75 cm |
| Double | 135 x 190 cm | 53 x 75 in | 230 x 275 cm | 200 x 200 cm | Standard 50 x 75 cm |
| King | 150 x 200 cm | 59 x 79 in | 275 x 275 cm | 225 x 220 cm | Standard or king 50 x 90 cm |
| Super king | 180 x 200 cm | 71 x 79 in | 305 x 275 cm | 260 x 220 cm | King pillowcases for balance |
| Emperor | Usually 200 x 200 cm | 79 x 79 in | 320 x 290 cm | 290 x 235 cm | King or large pillowcases |
How to measure your bed
Measure the mattress itself, not the bed frame. Start with the width, then the length, then the depth from the top sleeping surface of the mattress to the base. This final measurement is especially important for fitted sheets, because a deep mattress, mattress topper or pillow top can make a standard fitted sheet feel too tight.
For a smooth, secure fit, choose fitted sheets by mattress size and depth. A good fitted sheet should sit neatly over each corner without straining, slipping or pulling the mattress out of shape.
Choosing the right duvet cover size
A duvet cover should match the duvet, not the mattress. This is where many customers make the wrong choice. If you use a king duvet on a double bed for extra drape and comfort, you still need a king size duvet cover.
The same applies if you prefer a larger duvet for a more generous hotel style look. Match the cover to the duvet size first, then consider how much overhang you want at the sides of the bed.
Browse duvet covers in classic UK sizes across luxury cotton, Egyptian cotton, percale and sateen finishes.
Choosing pillowcases
Most UK beds use standard pillowcases measuring 50 x 75 cm. These suit most single, double and king beds. Larger king pillowcases, usually 50 x 90 cm, can give a wider bed a more balanced and luxurious appearance, especially on king and super king beds.
Housewife pillowcases give a neat, tailored finish, while Oxford pillowcases add a decorative border around the pillow. Both can work beautifully, depending on whether you prefer a clean hotel look or a more dressed, layered bed.
Complete the bed with pillowcases that coordinate with your sheets and duvet cover.
At a glance summary
Single mattresses are 90 cm wide. Double mattresses are 135 cm wide. King mattresses are 150 cm wide. Super king mattresses are 180 cm wide. Emperor mattresses are usually 200 cm wide.
Buy sheets to match the mattress size and depth. Buy duvet covers to match the duvet size. Choose standard pillowcases for most beds, or king pillowcases if you want a fuller, more balanced look on a wider bed.
Choosing the Right Size for Lasting Comfort
Woods Fine Linens has been a name in fine British homeware since 1733, and that long heritage is reflected in the way we think about bed linen today. Beautiful bedding is not only about fabric, finish or appearance. It also depends on fit. A sheet that is too shallow, a duvet cover that is the wrong size, or pillowcases that do not suit the scale of the bed can make even the finest linen feel less comfortable than it should.
Knowing your exact bed linen size is the first step towards a bed that looks elegant, feels settled and performs properly night after night. Fitted sheets should sit securely around the mattress without straining at the corners. Duvet covers should match the duvet itself, giving the right amount of drape and movement. Pillowcases should complement the width of the bed, whether you prefer a neat standard arrangement or the fuller look of larger king pillowcases.
Good linen should not be guessed. It should be chosen carefully, fitted properly and enjoyed every night. When the size, depth and fabric are right, the bed feels calmer, smoother and more luxurious. It also helps the linen last longer, because correctly fitted pieces are less likely to pull, twist or wear unevenly.
For more personal guidance on fibres, weaves, bed linen sizes and seasonal pairings, join the Heritage Partnership for expert help and early access. Members receive considered advice on choosing pieces that suit their home, their bed and the way they sleep.
