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.

AU vs UK vs US bed sizes compared

This is where international brands cause the most confusion. The same size name means different dimensions depending on the country. Here is a direct comparison:

Key things to note: UK King is the same as AU Queen. US King is 10 cm wider than AU King. King Single is an Australian and NZ-specific size with no direct equivalent in the UK or US. All SCANDALINEN bedding is sized to Australian and NZ dimensions.

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.

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.

FAQ

What size is a King Single in Australia?
King Single is 107 x 203 cm. It is an Australian and NZ-specific size with no direct equivalent in the UK or US. If you are ordering from an international brand, you will need to check their measurements carefully as they may not stock this size.

Is Australian Queen the same as US Queen?
Yes. Both are 153 x 203 cm. This is one of the few sizes that matches directly between Australia and the US.

Is Australian King the same as UK King?
No. Australian King is 183 x 203 cm. UK King is 150 x 200 cm, which is closer to Australian Queen. This is one of the most common sizing mistakes when ordering from UK brands.

What is Super King size in Australia?
Super King is 203 x 203 cm — a square mattress. It is larger than US King (193 x 203 cm) and significantly larger than UK Super King (180 x 200 cm). If you have an Australian Super King, always verify dimensions before ordering from international stores.

What pocket depth do I need for my fitted sheet?
Measure your mattress from base to top surface. If it is 30 cm or under, a standard pocket depth works. If it is over 30 cm, look for at least 35 cm pocket depth. Our fitted sheets have a 35 cm pocket depth to fit most modern Australian mattresses.

Do NZ bed sizes match Australian sizes?
Yes, New Zealand uses the same bed size dimensions as Australia. King Single, Queen, King, and Super King are all the same measurements in both countries.