Last updated: March 2026
Will a Mattress Fit Up the Stairs?
Enter your mattress size and staircase measurements to plan the move — landings, ceiling clearance, and turns included.
Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.
Key Measurement
Mattress thickness (on edge) vs. stair width, and mattress length vs. landing depth at turns
Standard Dimensions
Item: Queen: 60" × 80" × 10–14" thick. King: 76" × 80" × 10–14" thick
Space: Standard residential staircase: 36" wide, 80" ceiling clearance, 36" landing depth minimum
Actual clear openings are usually 1–2″ smaller than the labeled size.
Your exact dimensions probably aren't "standard." Small measurement errors cause big problems — 1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
Related Resources
Verdicts are calculated by comparing all 6 item orientations against the space dimensions using verified building code standards. See our methodology
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1 inch can be the difference between fitting and getting stuck.
“Wish I'd used this before trying to force a fridge up the stairs.” — Lesson learned
Standards Referenced
- IRC R311.7Stairway width, headroom, and riser/tread dimensions View source
- IBC Chapter 10Means of egress — commercial corridor and door widths View source
Measurements verified by the ItemFits engineering team · Based on IRC R311.7, IBC Chapter 10 · Our methodology
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Related Reading
How to Measure Your Staircase for Moving: Every Dimension That Matters
Most people measure stair width and call it done. The landing, ceiling height, and turning angle are where furniture actually gets stuck.
When to Hire Professional Movers for Stairs
Not every stair move needs professionals. But some absolutely do. Here's the line between "you can handle this" and "call the pros."
Complete Guide to Measuring Furniture for a Move
Most people measure width and call it done. Moving requires 6 measurements per item — plus path measurements. Here's the complete measurement protocol.
Related Item Guides
Complete Moving Scenarios
Multi-step guides for real-world moves
Related fit checks
What to Measure
- 1Mattress type (foam, innerspring, or hybrid) — foam can bend to a ~24-inch radius for tight turns, while innerspring and hybrid are rigid and must be carried flat or on edge
- 2Mattress width vs. stair clear width — a king at 76 inches must go on edge (only 10–14 inches thick), while a twin at 38 inches may fit flat
- 3Landing depth at turns — a queen mattress on edge (80 inches tall) must pivot within the landing footprint without hitting the ceiling
- 4Mattress bag dimensions — a protective bag adds 1–2 inches per side and increases slipperiness, so factor bag bulk into every measurement
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming a king mattress can be carried flat through a 36-inch stairway — at 76 inches wide it must go on edge, reducing the passing width to just 10–14 inches
- Not knowing your mattress bend radius — innerspring coils lock at roughly 36 inches of curve, while all-foam bends to 24 inches, making foam dramatically easier on tight landing turns
- Forgetting that a mattress on edge stands 76–80 inches tall and needs matching ceiling clearance at every soffit drop along the staircase
- Skipping the mattress bag — bare mattresses snag on banister brackets and collect wall dust, but a bag increases slipperiness so use moving straps to maintain grip
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fold a foam mattress to fit up the stairs?
Yes — all-foam and memory foam mattresses can be folded or rolled for short carries. Use ratchet straps to keep it compressed. This dramatically reduces the size for tight stairways. Do not leave it folded for more than a few hours. Innerspring mattresses cannot be folded.
Which mattress sizes fit up standard stairs?
Twin (38" wide) and full (54" wide) mattresses fit up most staircases when carried on edge — they're only 10–14" thick in that orientation. Queen (60") fits on edge but needs careful maneuvering at landings. King (76") is the hardest and often requires a foam fold or banister removal. See our furniture dimensions reference for exact measurements by size.
How do I get a mattress around a stair landing turn?
Stand the mattress on its long edge (it's only 10–14" thick that way). At the landing, pivot it around the inside corner. For foam mattresses, you can flex the mattress slightly around the turn. For innerspring, you may need to tilt at varying angles.
Should I use a mattress bag when carrying it upstairs?
A mattress bag protects against wall scrapes, dirt, and banister scratches, but it adds slipperiness. Use a bag for protection, but grip the mattress through the bag or use moving straps. Never slide a bagged mattress on stairs — it can slip and cause injury.