Is a Double Bedsheet the Same as King Size? (Pakistani Sizes Explained)
Quick answer: Is a double bedsheet and king size the same? Usually not. In Pakistan a double mattress is commonly around 54–60 inches wide and a king around 72–78 inches, so a true king sheet is noticeably wider. The confusion comes from shops that sell sheets cut to queen or even king width and still call them “double”.
So the label alone will not tell you. This article explains why the two names get mixed up, how to tell which one you are actually buying, and what happens if you pick the wrong one.
Are double and king size bedsheets the same? A short size summary
- Double mattress: commonly around 54–60 x 75–78 in. Flat sheet commonly about 90 x 100 in.
- King mattress: commonly around 72–78 x 78–80 in. Flat sheet commonly about 100–108 x 100–108 in.
These are typical market ranges and vary by maker. For every size, plus a step-by-step way to measure, see our complete bedsheet size guide. If your bed is narrower than a double but wider than a single, our 3/4 bed sheet size guide explains which sheet fits.
Why “double” and “king” get mixed up in Pakistan
There is no single national standard
Many beds in Pakistan are built by local carpenters or furniture makers to their own sizes. A “double bed” from one workshop in Faisalabad may be 60 inches wide, while one from another city is 66 or even 72 inches. Sheet makers then cut sheets to suit what their customers ask for.
“Double” is often used to mean “for two people”
In everyday Urdu and English, a double bed simply means a bed for a couple. Many families call their king bed a “double bed” too. Sellers follow that habit, so a sheet sold as “double” might be sized for a queen or a king mattress.
Imported size names add another layer
Some imported products use US or UK names such as “full”, “queen” and “king”, which do not map neatly onto local sizes. If you want to see how queen and king compare, read king vs queen bedsheet: which is bigger.
How to tell which size you are really buying
Ignore the size name for a moment and look at the numbers.
- Find the measurements of the sheet in inches or centimetres on the product page or label. If there are none, ask the seller before you buy.
- Measure your mattress width, length and depth.
- Compare: for a flat sheet, the width should be about the mattress width plus twice the depth plus 12–16 inches for tucking.
- For elastic sheets, the listed size should match your mattress exactly, with a pocket that covers the depth.
A quick worked example: your mattress is 72 x 78 inches and 8 inches deep. You need a flat sheet around 72 + 16 + 12 to 16 = 100 to 104 inches wide. A 90-inch “double” sheet will not be enough, even if the seller calls it large.
Depth is the number people forget most often. Our guide to bedsheet depth shows how to measure it and why it matters so much for thick mattresses.
What happens if you choose the wrong one
| Mistake | What you will notice |
|---|---|
| Double flat sheet on a king mattress | Covers the top but not the sides, no tuck, pulls loose overnight |
| King flat sheet on a double mattress | Lots of spare fabric, bulky tuck, can look untidy |
| Double elastic sheet on a king mattress | Will not stretch over the corners at all |
| King elastic sheet on a double mattress | Baggy, wrinkles and slides around |
Too big is easier to live with than too small, especially for flat sheets. But the right size always looks neater and lasts longer, because the fabric is not being stretched or bunched every night.
When a “double” sheet really is king-sized
Some sellers do make their “double” sheet generously, close to king size, so it fits more beds. That can be handy if you have a wide double bed or a thick mattress. It is simply a question of checking the width before you order.
If you are buying for a new home or a wedding, with furniture ordered from a carpenter, get the final mattress size in writing first. Sheets are much easier to choose once the mattress is actually in the room.
Frequently asked questions
Is a double bed the same as a king bed?
Not by standard sizes. A king mattress is usually around 12–18 inches wider than a typical double. Some families still call a king bed “double”, which is why it is worth measuring.
Is a double bed the same as a queen bed?
In Pakistan the two are often treated as the same size, with queen sometimes slightly wider. Always check the width in inches.
Can I use a double bedsheet on a king mattress in an emergency?
A flat double sheet can cover the top for a night or two, but it will not tuck in properly. For regular use, buy a king or a generously sized double that matches your measurements.
Our cotton fitted bedsheet sets come in king size only: a fitted sheet of 72 x 78 inches with 10-inch sides and elastic all round, plus two 19 x 29 inch pillow covers, in 16 solid colours such as navy blue. A 10-inch pocket suits most mattresses up to about 8 inches thick. Delivery is free across Pakistan, with Cash on Delivery and a 7-day exchange on unused items in original packing if the size is not right. If you have any size question, message us on WhatsApp at +92 327 1336144.
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