Linen bedding size guide for Australia: what size do you actually need?

Buying linen bedding online in Australia is straightforward until you get to sizing. Australian bed dimensions do not always match what international brands call standard, and the difference between a fitted sheet that fits perfectly and one that pops off at 3am often comes down to a centimetre or two in the wrong direction.

Here is everything you need to know before ordering.

Standard Australian bed sizes

The mattress depth problem

Standard mattress depth used to be 20 to 25 cm. Modern mattresses, especially those with pillow tops or memory foam layers, often run 30 to 38 cm deep. A fitted sheet designed for a 25 cm mattress will not stay on a 35 cm one.

Before ordering, measure your mattress depth from the base to the top surface. If it is over 30 cm, look for sheets with a pocket depth of at least 35 cm. Our fitted sheets are designed with a 35 cm pocket depth to accommodate most modern Australian mattresses.

Australian sizing vs US and UK sizing

This is where international brands cause problems. US Queen is 153 x 203 cm, same as Australian Queen. But US King is 193 x 203 cm, wider than Australian King at 183 x 203 cm. If you order a US King fitted sheet for an Australian King bed, it will be 10 cm too wide and will not fit correctly.

UK sizing is different again. UK Double is 135 x 190 cm, slightly narrower and shorter than Australian Double. UK King is 150 x 200 cm, which is closer to Australian Queen than Australian King.

When ordering from international brands, always check that the measurements match Australian dimensions, not just the size label. If you are also comparing fabric weights, our GSM guide for linen bedding explains what to look for.

Duvet cover sizing for Australian duvets

Australian duvet cover sizing generally follows the same bed size names, but the actual dimensions are designed to accommodate the duvet with some overhang. A Queen duvet cover typically measures around 210 x 210 cm to cover a Queen duvet that is slightly smaller than the cover.

If you have a European-made duvet, check the dimensions carefully. European duvets are often sized differently from Australian ones with the same name.

Pillowcase sizing in Australia

Standard Australian pillowcase size is 48 x 73 cm, which fits a standard pillow of 45 x 70 cm. European pillowcases are square at 65 x 65 cm or 80 x 80 cm and do not fit standard Australian pillows.

Our pillowcases are made to standard Australian sizing and fit pillows up to 50 x 75 cm comfortably. If you are deciding between linen and bamboo linen, our guide to linen softness covers what to expect from each fabric.

How to measure before you order

Measure your mattress length, width, and depth. Write down all three numbers before ordering. Check that the fitted sheet pocket depth matches or exceeds your mattress depth. For flat sheets, add at least 30 to 40 cm to each dimension of your mattress to allow for tucking.

If you are between sizes or have a non-standard mattress, contact us before ordering and we can advise on the best fit.