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A bedspread should cover the top of the mattress and hang down the sides far enough for the look you want. To measure the right size, measure the mattress width, length, and height. Then decide how much fabric should hang down on each side, called the drop.
For a floor-length bedspread, measure from the top of the mattress to the floor. Add that drop twice to the mattress width. Add it once to the mattress length if the bedspread will hang only at the foot.
What You Need to Measure a Bedspread
Use a flexible measuring tape rather than a ruler or stiff construction tape. You may also want:
- Paper or a phone for recording measurements
- A second person for wide beds
- The pillows you normally keep on the bed
- Any mattress topper, pad, or protector you plan to use
For broader side coverage, compare bedspreads designed for easy layering and better drape before choosing by color alone.
After measuring a king bed, compare those numbers with king-size bedspreads built for adequate side coverage.
Make the bed before measuring. Include all normal mattress layers. A thick topper can add several inches to the height and change how far the bedspread hangs.
Do not measure an old bedspread unless you want the new one to fit exactly the same way. Measuring the actual bed is usually more reliable.
The Three Main Bed Measurements
1. Mattress Width
Measure straight across the mattress from one side to the other.
Do not wrap the measuring tape around the mattress. Measure only the flat top width.
2. Mattress Length
Measure from the head of the mattress to the foot.
If the mattress has rounded corners, measure along the center rather than following the curved edge.
3. Mattress Height
Measure from the bottom edge of the mattress to the highest point on top.
Include anything that stays on the mattress, such as:
- A mattress topper
- A thick mattress pad
- A padded protector
- A featherbed
Mattress height matters because a bedspread that fits a thin guest-room mattress may look too short on a deep mattress.
Decide How Far the Bedspread Should Hang
The hanging part of a bedspread is called the drop. Your preferred drop determines the finished size you need.
Short Drop
A short drop may cover only the mattress or extend a few inches below it. This works well when:
- You use a bed skirt
- The bed has storage drawers
- You want to show the bed frame
- The bedspread is mainly a decorative top layer
- You have pets and want to keep fabric off the floor
Mid-Length Drop
A mid-length bedspread hangs below the mattress but stops above the floor. It often covers the mattress and part of the foundation or box spring.
This is a practical choice for everyday beds. It is easier to keep clean than a floor-length spread and is less likely to catch under vacuum cleaners or pet paws.
Floor-Length Drop
A traditional bedspread often reaches close to the floor on both sides and at the foot.
Measure from the top of the mattress to the floor. Take this measurement on both sides because some floors and bed frames are not perfectly level.
Leaving the bedspread slightly above the floor can help prevent dust collection and dragging.
Bedspread Size Formula
Once you know the mattress measurements and your preferred drop, use these formulas.
Bedspread Width
Mattress width + left-side drop + right-side drop = bedspread width
When both sides need the same drop:
Mattress width + twice the drop = bedspread width
For example, suppose a mattress is 60 inches wide and you want a 20-inch drop on both sides:
60 + 20 + 20 = 100 inches wide
Bedspread Length
For a bedspread that hangs only at the foot:
Mattress length + foot drop = bedspread length
If you want extra fabric at the head for a pillow tuck:
Mattress length + foot drop + pillow-tuck allowance = bedspread length
A pillow tuck means pulling part of the bedspread over the pillows and folding it underneath or around them. The amount needed depends on the number and fullness of the pillows.
How to Measure for a Pillow Tuck
Arrange the pillows as you normally would. Then use the measuring tape to follow the path the bedspread will take.
Start at the point where the bedspread would otherwise end flat at the head of the mattress. Measure up and over the pillows, then down to the final tuck or fold point.
Add only this extra pillow path to the mattress-length-plus-foot-drop calculation. Do not add the mattress length a second time.
Do not guess based only on pillow size. Firm, full pillows need more fabric than flat pillows. Two rows of pillows also need more length than one simple sleeping pillow.
A pillow tuck is optional. Many modern beds use a bedspread that ends near the head of the mattress, with pillows placed on top.
Measure the Bed, Not Just the Mattress Size Name
Labels such as twin, full, queen, and king are useful starting points, but they do not guarantee a good bedspread fit.
If you prefer a lighter, tidier top layer, the coverlet options for everyday beds show how less bulk changes the finished look.
Two queen beds can need different bedspread sizes because of differences in:
- Mattress depth
- Topper thickness
- Frame height
- Foundation height
- Desired drop
- Pillow arrangement
- Footboards or side rails
Product dimensions also vary. Always compare your calculated measurements with the current product listing before ordering.
Common Mattress Sizes as a Starting Point
The following are common US mattress dimensions. They are only reference points. Measure your own mattress because sizes can vary by product, country, and specialty bed type.
| Mattress type | Common width | Common length |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 38 inches | 75 inches |
| Twin XL | 38 inches | 80 inches |
| Full | 54 inches | 75 inches |
| Queen | 60 inches | 80 inches |
| King | 76 inches | 80 inches |
| California king | 72 inches | 84 inches |
These measurements do not include the drop. A bedspread must be wider and longer than the mattress if you want it to hang over the edges.
Measuring a Bed With a Footboard
A footboard changes how a bedspread can hang.
You have three common options:
- Tuck the bedspread behind the footboard.
- Let it stop at the top of the footboard.
- Fold the bedspread across the lower part of the bed.
Do not automatically add a floor-length foot drop when a tall footboard blocks the fabric. Measure to the point where the bedspread will actually end.
A bulky bedspread may be hard to tuck into a narrow gap. Check the space between the mattress and footboard before choosing a thick quilted style.
Measuring a Platform Bed
A platform bed often has a visible frame around the mattress. A long bedspread may hide the frame or bunch on top of it.
Measure from the mattress top to the point where you want the spread to stop. This may be:
- The top edge of the platform
- The bottom edge of the frame
- A few inches below the mattress
- Just above the floor
A shorter drop usually works better when the platform includes drawers or open storage.
Measuring a Daybed
A daybed may sit against a wall and have rails on three sides. A standard bedspread may not fit neatly because it cannot hang freely at the back or ends.
Measure:
- The exposed front drop
- The mattress width and length
- The space between the mattress and side rails
- Any areas you plan to tuck
Some daybed covers are made with split corners or fitted sections. Check the product shape as well as its listed dimensions.
Measuring an RV or Camper Bed
RV mattresses often use nonstandard dimensions. A mattress may be shorter, narrower, rounded, or cut to fit a corner.
Measure the exact mattress rather than buying by a label such as “RV queen.” Also check:
- Whether one side touches a wall
- Whether the foot has rounded corners
- Whether the mattress sits over storage
- Whether the bedspread could block a walkway
- Whether extra fabric will interfere with slide-outs or cabinets
A shorter, washable bedspread is often easier to manage in a small RV bedroom.
Measuring a Dorm Bed
Many dorm beds use twin XL mattresses, but this is not universal. Check the housing information and measure the bed after any topper is added.
When matching pieces matter, coordinated bedspread sets reduce the guesswork.
Dorm beds may be raised high for storage. A floor-length bedspread can hide bins, but it may also collect dust or get caught when items are pulled out.
Measure each side separately if the bed is against a wall. You may need a full drop only on the visible side.
When the Bed Is Against a Wall
A bedspread does not always need equal drops.
For a bed placed against a wall, you may want:
- A short drop on the wall side
- A longer drop on the open side
- No drop at the head
- A full drop at the foot
Use separate left-side and right-side measurements instead of doubling one number.
This is helpful in kids’ rooms, dorm rooms, guest rooms, and small bedrooms where the bed is pushed into a corner.
Allow for Shrinkage Carefully
Some washable fabrics may shrink, especially when washed or dried with heat. However, you should not automatically buy a much larger bedspread.
First check:
- The care label
- The listed fabric
- Manufacturer washing instructions
- Whether the item is described as preshrunk
- Whether machine drying is allowed
An oversized bedspread can become difficult to wash and may drag on the floor. Follow the care label before washing, drying, bleaching, ironing, or using heat.
Check Your Washer and Dryer Size
Large bedspreads can be bulky even when they fit the bed correctly. Before choosing a heavy or oversized style, consider whether it can move freely inside your washer.
Packing a large spread tightly into a small machine may prevent even washing and rinsing. It can also make drying slow.
Check the product care instructions and your appliance guidance. A lightweight coverlet may be easier for frequent washing in homes with children, pets, or guest-room turnover.
A coverlet is a light decorative bed cover. It is usually thinner and shorter than a traditional floor-length bedspread.
Common Bedspread Measuring Mistakes
Measuring Only the Mattress Top
This gives you the mattress size, not the bedspread size. You still need to add the side and foot drops.
Forgetting the Mattress Topper
A topper raises the top of the bed and makes the drop look shorter.
Assuming Both Sides Are Equal
The bed may be against a wall, the floor may slope, or the frame may sit differently on each side.
Ignoring the Footboard
A long foot drop may bunch up or be impossible to tuck behind a close footboard.
Buying Only by the Size Label
A queen bedspread may fit one queen mattress and look too short on another. Compare actual measurements.
Letting the Fabric Drag
Floor contact can lead to more dust, pet hair, and wear. Measure for a small amount of clearance when practical.
Forgetting About Pillow Coverage
A spread used over pillows needs more length than one that ends flat at the head of the mattress.
A Simple Measuring Checklist
Before choosing a bedspread, record:
- Mattress width
- Mattress length
- Finished mattress height
- Left-side drop
- Right-side drop
- Foot drop
- Extra length for a pillow tuck
- Footboard or platform limits
- Washer and dryer capacity
Then compare your calculated width and length with the product’s actual listed dimensions.
The broader bedspread, quilt, and coverlet guide helps when you have not settled on one top-layer type.
When a perfect match is not available, think about which measurement matters most. Width is often the priority when you want even side coverage. Length matters more when you want a floor-length foot drop or a pillow tuck.
After measuring, use the bedspread size-selection guide to compare the calculated dimensions with the coverage you want.
If the product names feel interchangeable, start with what makes a bedspread distinct.
The coverlet and bedspread comparison explains the practical difference in drop, weight, and layering.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate the width of a bedspread?
Add the mattress width to the drop needed on each side. For equal drops, add twice the drop to the mattress width. A 60-inch-wide mattress with a 20-inch drop on each side needs a bedspread about 100 inches wide.
How do I calculate the length of a bedspread?
Add the mattress length to the desired foot drop. Add more length if you plan to cover or tuck around the pillows. A footboard may reduce the amount of extra length you need.
Should a bedspread touch the floor?
It does not have to. Traditional bedspreads often reach close to the floor, but a shorter drop can be easier to clean and less likely to collect dust or pet hair. Leaving a little clearance above the floor is practical for many bedrooms.
Do I measure the box spring when sizing a bedspread?
You do not need its full measurement unless you want to cover it. Measure from the top of the mattress to the point where you want the bedspread to end. This may include all or part of the box spring.
How much extra length do I need for a pillow tuck?
The amount depends on the size, number, and fullness of your pillows. From the flat head-end point, measure the extra path up and over the arranged pillows to the tuck or fold point. Add only that extra path to the mattress-length-plus-foot-drop calculation.
Can I use a king bedspread on a queen bed?
You can, but it may hang much lower on the sides and may be too long at the foot. This can work for a tall bed or a floor-length look. Compare the king bedspread’s actual dimensions with your measured bed before choosing it.
What should I do when my bedspread measurement falls between two sizes?
Choose based on the look and function you need. The larger option may give better side coverage, while the smaller one may stay off the floor and fit the washer more easily. Check the product’s actual dimensions rather than relying only on its size name.
The right bedspread should cover the mattress, hang down both sides, and reach the foot of the bed. A bedspread, quilt, and coverlet are all top layers for a bed, but they do not do the same job. A practical bedspread clearance is 1 to 3 inches above the floor, but traffic, pets, bed height, and your preferred look should decide the final drop.
