Alaskan King Bed Guide: Dimensions, Room Size, Bedding and Is It Worth It?
An Alaskan king is the biggest standard mattress size most people will ever shop for. It is a huge, square bed that gives a family, a couple with pets or very tall sleepers a giant sleep surface. It also needs a big room, special bedding and more planning than a regular king. Before you fall in love with the idea of sleeping on a bed the size of a small room, it helps to know the numbers.
This article is part of our bed sizes chart, where you can compare related options.
An Alaskan king mattress measures 108 by 108 inches, which is 9 feet by 9 feet. It is square, so it is as long as it is wide. On these numbers. This guide explains how it compares with other sizes, how much room you need, what the bedding and frame situation looks like, who it suits and what to check before buying.
Alaskan King Dimensions
| Size | Width x length | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 x 75 inches | Single sleeper |
| Full | 54 x 75 inches | One adult or small couple |
| Queen | 60 x 80 inches | Most common couple size |
| Standard (eastern) king | 76 x 80 inches | Larger couples |
| California king | 72 x 84 inches | Taller, narrower |
| Alaskan king | 108 x 108 inches | Biggest standard size |
The Alaskan king is 32 inches wider and 28 inches longer than a standard king. Its surface area is 11,664 square inches. Because it is square, you can sleep sideways, lengthwise or across it.
A few sources mention even bigger beds, such as a “family bed XL” at 144 by 84 inches or a “double king” at 152 by 80 inches. Those claims were inconsistent, and the sizes seem to be special-order or non-standard. Confirm with the seller if you see them.
How Much Room Do You Need?
One guide suggests a room of at least 15 by 15 feet. Another notes that the bed is about the same size as a small bedroom. A good rule is to leave at least two to three feet of walking space on the sides and foot of the bed, plus room for nightstands, dressers and doors.
Remember that the frame adds to the footprint. A bed with a headboard, footboard or storage drawers is bigger than the mattress. A platform bed with a wide ledge may add several inches on each side.
How to check your room:
- Measure the room’s length and width.
- Subtract the bed’s size, including the frame.
- See how much space remains for walking, doors and furniture.
- Tape the bed’s outline on the floor.
- Open doors, closets and drawers to test clearance.
- Check ceiling fans, windows and vents.
If the room feels tight, consider a standard king or California king instead. See the how to choose a mattress guide.
Delivery and Moving
A mattress this size may not fit through a standard doorway, hallway or staircase. Measure your doors, halls, stairs and elevators. Foam and hybrid mattresses that ship compressed in a box are easier to move than rigid innerspring models. Some mattresses can be split into pieces. Ask the seller about the delivery size and policy. Plan for at least two or three people to move it.
Bedding and Frames
This is where the Alaskan king gets tricky. Sheets, comforters, protectors and frames for Alaskan king are not sold everywhere. They are often special-order or custom-made, and they usually cost more than standard king bedding.
Things to check before buying the mattress: Sheets and protectors. Are fitted sheets available in Alaskan king? Check pocket depth. See the best bed sheets and mattress cover guides. Comforters and duvets. A king comforter may look small on a 108-inch bed. Bed frame. Alaskan king frames may be custom. Check weight capacity and center support. Headboard. You may need a custom size. See the headboard guides. Toppers. See the mattress topper guide. Return policy. Large mattresses can be costly to return.
Some people use two twin XL mattresses side by side with a king-size frame, or two full-length mattresses together. These create different shapes and sizes, so they are not a true Alaskan king replacement. See the twin vs twin XL guide.
Who Should Buy an Alaskan King?
Families who share a bed with kids. Couples with large pets. Restless sleepers who want space. Tall people. Tall sleepers appreciate the length, but note that a California king is also long. People with large bedrooms who want a luxurious feel.
Who Should Skip It?
Key points: people with small or average bedrooms; people who move often; people who like easy-to-find bedding; budget shoppers.
If you simply want more room than a standard king, an Alaskan king may be more than you need. A California king gives extra length without as much width.
Alaskan King vs Other Large Sizes
Alaskan king vs standard king: the Alaskan king adds 32 inches in width and 28 inches in length. It is far larger. Alaskan king vs California king: the California king is narrower and 84 inches long, while the Alaskan king is 108 by 108. Alaskan king vs queen: the queen is 60 by 80 inches, which is far smaller.
Cost and Value
I did not find reliable price figures in my sources. Compare mattress prices, plus frame, bedding and delivery. A custom size often costs more at every step. Ask about trial periods and warranty terms. See how to choose a mattress for warranty advice.
How to Choose and Plan
Measure your room and doorways. Check that bedding and a frame are available. Choose a mattress type that suits your sleep style. Plan delivery and moving. Compare the price with a standard king and a California king. Check the trial and warranty. Think about resale or moving later.
What mistakes should you avoid?
A few common mistakes are worth avoiding: not measuring doorways (the mattress will not get in); forgetting about bedding costs; buying without room to walk around; confusing it with a California king; ignoring the frame’s center support; not checking the return policy.
Further reading: the Sleep Foundation mattress information hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is an Alaskan king?
108 by 108 inches, or 9 by 9 feet.
How big a room do I need?
One guide suggests at least 15 by 15 feet.
Is an Alaskan king bigger than a king?
Yes, much bigger in both width and length.
Can I buy regular king sheets?
No. Alaskan king bedding is a separate size.
Is an Alaskan king worth it?
Only if you have the room and need the extra space.
Does an Alaskan king fit through a door?
Not always. Measure your doors, halls and stairs.
Are Alaskan king frames easy to find?
They are less common and often special-order.
Conclusion
An Alaskan king gives you a huge, square bed that can fit the whole family. Make sure the room, doorways, bedding and frame all work before you buy.
If they do, it can be the roomiest bed you ever own. If not, a standard king or California king may be the smarter choice.
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