Sheet size for your mattress

Short answer: Measure the width, length and depth of the mattress. Depth is the measurement most people forget, and it decides whether the sheet stays on.

The three measurements

Width and length are the easy ones. Depth is measured from the base of the mattress to the top edge, and a mattress topper counts too. A fitted sheet needs a corner depth at least as large.

Common sizes

The most frequent mattress widths are ninety, one hundred and forty and one hundred and eighty centimetres, with lengths usually two hundred or two hundred and twenty. Always check your own measurement rather than assuming a standard. See bamboo fitted sheets.

Adjustable beds

A bed that adjusts needs a sheet that can follow the bend. Split sheets and envelope sheets are made for exactly that. See bamboo split sheets and bamboo envelope sheets.

Allow for shrinkage

New bedding shrinks a little in the first wash. Never choose a sheet that only just fits in depth, because it will come off after the first wash. See bamboo sheets.

Frequently asked questions

What if my mattress is very deep

Look for sheets with an extra deep corner. They exist for mattresses over thirty centimetres.

Can an oversized sheet be used

Yes, but it folds and slides. Sheet grippers help some of the way.

Does the topper count

Yes. The sheet has to cover mattress and topper as one layer.