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How to Choose the Right Comforter Size for Your Bed, According to an Expert

Here are the best dimensions for any size mattress

By
Melissa Epifano
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Melissa Epifano
Melissa is a news writer for The Spruce. She covers a wide range of topics including trends, decor ideas, and design tips.
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Updated on 11/13/24
Fact checked by Marcus Reeves
Comforter Size Guide

The Spruce

In This Article

Finding the right size comforter for your bed isn't as simple as selecting the first bundle you see on the shelf. Buying the right comforter is a little more involved but taking these steps ensures you won't be left tangled up in a monstrous blanket or shivering while your partner hogs the too-small option you bought on a whim.

Learn how to choose a comforter that'll perfectly fit your bed with these expert-backed tips and pointers. We've also included a handy chart to discern which dimensions will lay on your mattress best depending on its size.

Meet the Expert

Hafiz Shariff is the CEO and founder of the bedding and sleep brand Owl + Lark.

What Is a Comforter?

A comforter is a large blanket meant to cover the full length of your bed, adding warmth and style. They're usually filled with feathers, polyester, or wool for comfort—this differs from a duvet, which involves an insert placed into a cover.

Comforter Size Guidelines, Explained

Hafiz Shariff of Owl + Lark notes that having the right size of comforter makes all the difference in your sleep quality and the look and style of your bedroom.

"This simplifies making the bed, provides cleaner lines, and allows you to integrate other accessories like duvet covers more easily," Shariff says.

Mattress sizes are standardized, but comforter sizes are a little more hit-and-miss. To find one that works with your bed size, use the chart below to compare.

Fluffy comforters, such as those filled with down, can be puffier and offer less coverage than the dimensions listed on the package, so be wary of this when browsing.

Bed Size Mattress Size Ideal Comforter Width Ideal Comforter Lengths
Crib 28 x 52 inches 28 to 36 inches 46 to 52 inches
Twin 39 x 75 inches 66 to 68 inches 86 to 88 inches
Double/Full 53 x 75 inches 81 to 84 inches 86 to 88 inches
Queen 60 x 80 inches 86 to 88 inches 96 to 100 inches
King (Standard/Eastern) 76 x 78 x 80 inches 102 inches 86 to 88 inches
California King 72 x 84 inches 107 to 110 inches 96 to 98 inches
person placing a comforter on top of a mattress
​The Spruce / Erica Lang

How to Choose the Right Size Comforter

The most important thing to do when shopping for a comforter is always check the dimensions, as different brands vary slightly. Once you have those down pat, Shariff suggests a comforter with quality construction, even stitching, and a sufficient fill that will stay plump and comfortable.

While the wrong-size comforter doesn't sound like a big deal, it can quickly become a major nighttime annoyance. Shariff explains that a comforter that's too small could fall off the bed while you sleep, whereas one that's too large can bunch up, feeling uncomfortable and hot.

So how do you ensure you get it right? Start by measuring your mattress length and width, says Shariff. Always double-check the dimensions of a comforter and compare them to the measurements you take of your mattress. Shariff recommends adding 12 inches to the mattress width for the best coverage comforter. For example, if you have a standard queen (a 60-inch x 80-inch mattress), look for a queen comforter about 72 inches x 92 inches.

If you have a queen or full-size bed, this requires extra measuring and checking. Companies often offer a full/queen-size comforter that is meant to fit either mattress size. However, these comforters may be far too long for full-size mattresses and a few inches too short for a queen-size one.

A slightly oversized comforter is almost always better than one too small. These have been a popular choice in recent years thanks to the thicker, pillow-top mattresses on the market. This is a great alternative if you want a wide comforter but don't want to go the next size up.

tag showing an oversized comforter
​The Spruce / Erica Lang 

How to Measure Your Mattress

If you're scoping out the best comforter for your bed, measuring your mattress is a must. This will prevent any chances of buying a comforter that swallows your bed whole or can barely cover the surface. With the right measurements, you can ensure you'll get the right size—here's how to do so.

Step #1: Start by Measuring the Top Length and Width

Get a measuring tape and take the top dimensions of your mattress, measuring both the length and width.

Step #2: Measure the Mattress' Depth

Then measure the sides (or the depth) of the mattress as they will add to the volume of your bed. You'll want a comforter to cover the sides, as well—not just the surface of the bed.

Step #3: Add These Up and Find a Matching Comforter Size

Combine these measurements to find an ideal size to cover the whole bed. For example, a twin bed mattress that is 39 inches wide, 75 inches long, and 12 inches thick will need a comforter that is 63 inches wide (12 inches on each side) and 87 inches long to fully cover the sides and the bottom end of the mattress. A few extra inches might be even better, especially if the comforter is on the puffy side.

Pillowtop mattresses may need an oversized queen or king comforter to do the job.

person taking a mattress measurement
The Spruce / Erica Lang

Best Comforters Roundup

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FAQ
  • How should a comforter fit on a bed?

    A comforter should cover the entire top of the mattress and drape over the sides without touching the floor, and exposing the bed skirt or ruffle.

  • What is an oversized comforter and should you get one?

    An oversized comforter offers more width so it drapes more generously over the sides of the mattress.

  • What's the difference between a duvet and a comforter?

    A duvet is an insert that goes into a removable and washable duvet cover. This is a two-piece bedding item. A comforter is a one-piece bedding item that does not have a cover and while some comforters are machine-washable, others need to be professionally dry cleaned.

  • How far should a comforter hang down?

    Your comforter should hang an equal distance on each side as well as the foot of the bed and should cover the entire mattress plus about one-third of the bed skirt.