If you’ve ever tried to buy a double bed in Australia only to find that UK or US sizes don’t quite line up, you’re not alone. The standard Australian double bed measures 138 cm wide by 188 cm long, according to Bedbuyer (Australian bed-size specialist). This guide breaks down exactly what those numbers mean for your frame, mattress, and overall buying decision.
Standard double bed width: 138 cm ·
Standard double bed length: 188 cm ·
UK double width: 135 cm ·
US double width: 137 cm
Quick snapshot
- Australian double mattress: 138 cm × 188 cm (Bedbuyer)
- UK double: 135 cm × 190 cm (Ecosa comparison guide)
- US double: 137 cm × 191 cm (Ecosa)
- Whether 140 × 200 cm is considered a double or a small queen across all Australian retailers
- Exact dimensions of custom-bed frames
- Australian double-bed standard remains unchanged in 2026 (Bedbuyer 2026 update)
- Always check frame and mattress compatibility before buying from international retailers
What is the standard size of a double bed in Australia?
Double bed dimensions in cm
- Australian double mattress: 138 cm wide × 188 cm long (Sienna Living (bedding specialist))
- Australian double frame: same as mattress — 138 cm × 188 cm (Bedbuyer)
Double bed dimensions in inches
- Approximately 54 in wide by 74 in long (Wikipedia (general reference))
Double bed mattress vs frame size
- For standard double beds, the frame length and mattress length are the same: 188 cm (Bed Shed (mattress retailer))
The pattern: Australia’s 188 cm length is shorter than both the UK (190 cm) and US (191 cm), meaning a foreign mattress will likely overhang an Australian frame.
Is a UK double the same as an Australian double?
UK double bed dimensions
- UK double: 135 cm × 190 cm (Ecosa)
- UK duvet cover size: 200 cm × 200 cm, larger than the mattress (T3 (tech & lifestyle guide))
US double bed dimensions
- US Full/Double: 137 cm × 191 cm (FloBeds (mattress manufacturer))
- US duvet cover approx. 201 cm × 201 cm (T3)
Australian double bed dimensions
- Australian double: 138 cm × 188 cm (Bedbuyer)
No, they are not the same. The UK double is 3 cm narrower and 2 cm longer; the US double is 1 cm narrower and 3 cm longer. Nectar Sleep (mattress brand) confirms the UK double is slightly smaller than the US Full.
The implication: Australian frames and mattresses are not interchangeable with UK or US ones. Trying to fit a UK mattress on an Australian frame will leave a 2 cm gap in width.
Importing a bed frame from the UK may save money, but you’ll likely end up with a mattress that doesn’t fit. The 3 cm width difference means your bedding will look sloppy and the mattress may shift.
The pattern: cross-border bed purchases introduce real fit risks that no padding can fix.
How long is a double bed frame in Australia?
Standard double bed frame length
- Frame length: 188 cm, identical to the mattress length (Bed Shed)
Is the frame length different from mattress length?
- For standard double beds, frame and mattress have the same internal length. Some platform beds may have a slightly longer external frame, but the internal support area remains 188 cm (Sienna Living)
The catch: always measure the internal length of a bed frame, not the external. A frame sold as “double” should have an 188 cm internal length, but decorative headboards can reduce usable space.
A frame that’s even 2 cm too short will force the mattress to bow, damaging both the mattress and the frame over time. Australian standard dimensions are your safest bet.
What this means: even small measurement errors can turn a new bed into a long-term headache.
What is the biggest size bed you can buy in Australia?
Super king bed dimensions
- Super King: 203 cm × 203 cm (or 183 cm × 203 cm) (Bedbuyer)
King bed dimensions
- King: 183 cm × 203 cm (Sienna Living)
Extra long options
- There is no standard “Long Double” in Australia. Custom sizes are available from specialist retailers like Bedbuyer.
- The Queen (153 cm × 203 cm) is the most popular size, used by about 10% of Australian adults (Bedbuyer).
What this means: if you need more length than a standard double (188 cm), look at Queen or King. A double won’t work for taller sleepers.
What is the most popular bed size in Australia?
Queen size popularity
- The Queen (153 cm × 203 cm) holds the top spot across Australian retailers (Bedbuyer).
- Double beds are used by about 10% of Australian adults, making them a niche choice for solo sleepers or guest rooms (Bedbuyer 2026 update).
Why queen is most common
- Queen offers 15 cm more width and 15 cm more length than a double, giving couples comfortable space without requiring a massive room.
- Most Australian bedding sets, mattress protectors, and frames are manufactured to queen dimensions, making replacement easier.
The pattern: Queen dominates because it balances floor footprint with sleeping comfort better than any other standard size.
What bed size is 240×220 cm?
240×220 cm bed classification
- No standard Australian bed size matches 240 cm × 220 cm. The largest standard, Super King, is 203 cm × 203 cm (or 183 cm × 203 cm) (Bedbuyer).
- A 240 × 220 cm mattress is a custom order. Some specialist retailers can produce it, but frame compatibility must be verified separately.
Common sizes for oversized beds
- Custom sizes are available from retailers such as Bedbuyer (specialist retailer).
- Sheets and duvets for 240 × 220 cm are not stocked in standard Australian linen ranges and will need to be custom-sewn.
The catch: 240 × 220 cm sits outside every Australian standard, so expect higher costs and longer lead times for mattress, frame, and bedding.
Is 140×200 cm a double bed?
140 × 200 cm in Australian sizing
- The standard Australian double is 138 cm × 188 cm. A 140 × 200 cm mattress is 2 cm wider and 12 cm longer (Ecosa).
- Some retailers label 140 × 200 cm as a “double” or “small queen” — there is no official classification (Bed Shed).
Comparison to standard double
- 140 × 200 cm is closer to a European double. In Australia, it will not fit a standard double frame without modification.
The trade-off: choosing a 140 × 200 cm mattress gives you extra length but you’ll need to source a custom frame or accept overhang on a standard double base.
Six dimensions, one takeaway: the Australian double is a unique standard that doesn’t exactly match any other region’s.
| Metric | AU Double | UK Double | US Double |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width (cm) | 138 | 135 | 137 |
| Length (cm) | 188 | 190 | 191 |
| Width (in) | 54 | 53 | 54 |
| Length (in) | 74 | 75 | 75 |
Seven dimensions, one takeaway: the Australian double is a unique standard that doesn’t exactly match any other region’s.
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AU double mattress | 138 cm × 188 cm | Bedbuyer |
| AU double frame | 138 cm × 188 cm | Bed Shed |
| UK double | 135 cm × 190 cm | Ecosa |
| US double | 137 cm × 191 cm | FloBeds |
| Queen (AU) | 153 cm × 203 cm | Ecosa |
| King (AU) | 183 cm × 203 cm | Sienna Living |
| Super King (AU) | 203 cm × 203 cm | Bedbuyer |
“The standard Australian double bed measures 138 cm wide and 188 cm long.”
— Forty Winks (Bed Size Guide)
“Australian double beds are not cross‑compatible with US or UK frames due to size variances.”
— Ecosa (Australian‑UK‑US bed size comparison)
“Double beds are used by about 10% of Australian adults.”
— Bedbuyer (Australian Bed Sizes 2026 update)
For Australian shoppers, the choice is clear: stick with locally sized frames and mattresses, or face the hassle of mismatched bedding and potential damage from improper fit. The 3 cm difference to the UK and 1 cm to the US may sound trivial, but in practice it means your mattress won’t sit centred on the frame, sheets will bunch, and you may void warranties.
For a complete overview of all standard mattress sizes, refer to this comprehensive Australian bed size chart that includes comparisons with international measurements.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a double and a queen bed in Australia?
A double is 138 cm × 188 cm, while a queen is 153 cm × 203 cm. The queen is 15 cm wider and 15 cm longer, making it the most popular size for couples.
Can I use an Australian double mattress on a UK double frame?
No. The Australian mattress is 3 cm wider than the UK frame, so it will overhang. You would need a custom frame or risk instability.
What is the smallest bed size available in Australia?
The smallest standard size is the Single: 92 cm × 188 cm.
Are double bed frames the same size as double mattresses?
For standard Australian doubles, the internal frame dimensions match the mattress: 138 cm × 188 cm. Always measure the internal support area before buying.
How do I measure my room for a double bed?
Add at least 60 cm of walking space on each side. Minimum room size for a double: about 260 cm × 260 cm.
Is a double bed suitable for a couple in Australia?
It’s tight for two adults, especially if one is tall. Most couples choose a queen (153 × 203 cm) for comfort.
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Ethan Fraser is Senior Reporter at Oz Briefly, covering breaking stories and explainers.