Quilt Sizes
California King Quilt Size
Standard California king quilt dimensions: 104″ wide × 114″ long (264×290 cm, or 8.67×9.50 ft).
California King Quilt at a Glance
Who Is a California King Quilt For?
California king is the long, narrow alternative to standard king — 72×84" mattress vs 76×80". The bed is 4 inches narrower but 4 inches longer, which means the quilt dimensions flip: 104×114" instead of 108×108". If you have a Cal king, do NOT make a standard king quilt — it'll hang too far on the sides and be short at the foot.
- ✓California king beds (common in West Coast US homes)
- ✓Tall sleepers (6'4" and over)
- ✓Showpiece heirloom quilts
California King Quilt Size Variations
Not every California king quilt is the same size. These are the common variations published in modern quilt pattern books:
| Variation | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cal king | 104″ | 114″ |
| Generous Cal king | 110″ | 118″ |
The History of the California King Quilt
The California king mattress was introduced in Los Angeles in the early 1960s as a 'celebrity bed' — sized to accommodate the height of taller Hollywood clients. It never became as popular as the Eastern king nationally, but it dominates the West Coast US market and remains the bed of choice for tall sleepers. Pattern books only began standardizing California king quilt dimensions in the 2000s.
Sizing Considerations
- 1104×114" is NARROWER and LONGER than a standard king — it's not interchangeable
- 2Check before cutting: a Cal king mattress measures 72×84", an Eastern king measures 76×80"
- 3Use 108" wide-back fabric for backing — same as standard king
- 4Cal king quilts are the longest standard size — make sure your design wall and longarm can handle 114" of length
International California King Quilt Sizes
United Kingdom
~264 × 290 cm
104×114" converts to ~264×290 cm. There's no direct UK equivalent — the UK 'super king' is 180×200 cm, which is closer to the US Eastern king.
Australia / NZ
~264 × 290 cm
Australia doesn't have a true California king size. The Australian 'super king' (203×203 cm mattress) is closer to a US Eastern king.
California King Quilt Fabric Needs
Use the yardage calculator for an exact estimate by pattern type, or the backing calculator to see whether you need pieced backing or 108″ wide-back fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard size of a California king quilt?+
A standard California king quilt measures 104 inches wide by 114 inches long (104×114"). This fits a California king mattress (72×84") with about 16 inches of drop on each side and 30 inches at the foot, plus a pillow tuck.
Can I use a standard king quilt on a California king bed?+
Not ideally. A standard king quilt is 108×108" — 4 inches wider but 6 inches shorter than the 104×114" Cal king quilt. On a California king bed, a standard king quilt will hang too far on the sides and leave the foot of the bed exposed. The dimensions need to flip — narrower and longer.
What are the dimensions of a California king quilt in inches?+
104 inches wide by 114 inches long is the standard. Some pattern books use 100×112" for a coverlet version or 110×118" for a floor-length variant.
Related Quilt Sizes
Plan Your California King Quilt
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Compare all standard quilt sizes — wall hanging to king — on the master quilt sizes chart.
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