Standard Bed Height
A standard bed is about 20–25 in (51–64 cm) high, measured from the floor to the top of the mattress. The most comfortable height is close to your knee height: sitting on the edge, your feet rest flat on the floor and your knees are at about 90°. Low platform beds are 16–20 in, tall and antique beds 25–36 in. The average bed height is about 24 in, and a normal range is 20–25 in.
Bed heights
| Bed | Top of the mattress | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Low platform bed | 16–20 in (41–51 cm) | Modern rooms, children, low ceilings |
| Standard bed | 20–25 in (51–64 cm) | Most adults |
| Tall bed | 25–30 in (64–76 cm) | Tall people, storage underneath |
| Antique or very tall bed | 30–36 in (76–91 cm) | Needs a step for most people |
| Accessible bed | 20–23 in (51–58 cm) | Elderly, transfers from a wheelchair |
How the height adds up
| Part | Typical height |
|---|---|
| Frame or platform | 6–16 in (15–41 cm) |
| Box spring or foundation | 5–9 in (13–23 cm), if used |
| Mattress | 8–14 in (20–36 cm) |
| Topper | 2–4 in (5–10 cm) |
To reach a target height, subtract the mattress (and box spring) from it: a 22 in bed with a 10 in mattress on a platform needs a 12 in frame.
Choosing the height
- Knee height is the best guide: measure from the floor to the back of your knee while sitting, and add an inch for the mattress to compress.
- Lower beds make a small room look bigger and are safer for children.
- Higher beds leave room for storage boxes and are easier to get out of for tall people.
- Match the nightstands to the top of the mattress: see nightstand height.
Building a bed at the right height
Our platform bed plan lets you set the frame height for your mattress; for raised beds, see the loft and bunk bed plans and bed frame dimensions for the footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard height of a bed?
About 20–25 in (51–64 cm) from the floor to the top of the mattress. Measured with a box spring and a 10–12 in mattress, many beds come out near 25 in.
How high should a bed be for the elderly?
About knee height, usually 20–23 in (51–58 cm) to the top of the mattress, so the feet stay flat on the floor when sitting on the edge.
How tall is a bed frame without the mattress?
Low platform frames are 6–10 in (15–25 cm), standard platform beds 10–16 in (25–40 cm), and frames for a box spring about 7–9 in plus the box spring.
Are queen and king beds taller than twin beds?
No. Height depends on the frame and the mattress, not the bed size.