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Last updated: March 2026

How Wide Do Stairs Need to Be for a Mattress?

Mattresses are flexible and stand on edge (8–14" thick). Even king mattresses fit most 36" stairways. See tips for tight landings.

STAIR WIDTHMATTRESSFLEXIBLE

Whether it fits depends on measurements most people get wrong.

Key Measurement

Mattress on edge = 8–14" wide. Any stair width works. Landing turn: mattress width (60–76") must negotiate the corner.

Standard Dimensions

Item: King: 76"W × 80"L × 10–14" thick. Queen: 60"W × 80"L. On edge: width = thickness.

Space: Standard stairs: 36"W (31" clear). Well above mattress-on-edge width.

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.

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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Related fit checks

Will a King Bed Fit in a 10×10 Room?Find out if a king bed (76"×80") fits in a 10×10 foot bedroom. Only 22 inches of clearance per side — see if it works for your layout.Will a Queen Bed Fit in a 10×12 Room?A queen bed fits perfectly in a 10×12 room — 30" side clearance, 64" at the foot. Room for nightstands, dresser, and walking paths.Will a King Bed Fit in a 10×12 Room?Check if a king bed (76"×80") fits in a 10×12 foot bedroom. With 22" side clearance and 64" at the foot, this layout works — if you plan it right.Will a Double Bed Fit Up the Stairs?Check if a double (full-size) bed frame and mattress will fit up your staircase. Account for stair width, landing turns, and headboard clearance.Will a King Mattress Fit Through a 36-Inch Door?Check if a king mattress will fit through a 36-inch door. On its side, a king easily clears a 36" entry door.

What to Measure

1Mattress thickness — this is the only width dimension when on edge: 8–14" for standard mattresses
2Stair clear width between handrails — most stairs give 28–32" clear, well above mattress thickness
3Landing dimensions — the mattress must bend around corners; measure the landing length and height
4Ceiling height at stair top and bottom — mattresses on edge are 60–80" tall and need headroom

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Carrying a mattress flat on the stairs — always stand it on edge; a flat mattress blocks your view and is impossible to grip safely
Forgetting the box spring is rigid — memory foam and innerspring mattresses flex, but traditional box springs don't bend; consider a split box spring
Not using a mattress bag — stairway walls are dirty and have nail heads; a $10 mattress bag prevents stains and tears

Frequently Asked Questions

What stair width for a king mattress?

A king mattress on edge is 10–14" wide (the thickness). Any stairway with 16"+ clear width handles it. The real challenge is the landing turn — a 76"-wide king mattress must bend around the corner.

Can a mattress go up spiral stairs?

Flexible mattresses (memory foam, innerspring) can bend around spiral stairs if the stair width is 28"+ and the radius is gentle. Hybrid mattresses with thick coil layers are stiffer and may not bend enough for tight spirals.

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