Futon Dimensions (Size Guide)

Here’s our futon dimensions guide, including different covers and twin, full, queen, and king mattress sizes. Many families are discovering the joys and benefits of the Japanese futon sleep system. This Oriental sleep essential ensures a more comfortable sleep, improves circulation, and minimizes muscle and back pain. It is sufficiently versatile to serve as a sofa during the day.

People also love using futons to reclaim their living space for special occasions. They can lay the mattress directly on the floor or adjust them open, depending on the style, for much-needed sleep and rest.

However, one must consider the correct futon dimensions if the family desires optimum comfort and unmatched versatility for their interiors.

Standard Futon Size

The traditional Japanese futon consists of three crucial elements or parts,

• Shikibuton – the mattress,

• Kakebuton – the duvet, and

• Makura – the pillow.

Traditional Japanese houses are not as spacious as their Western counterparts. That is why futons are the perfect solution. People can lay it on the tatami floor at night, allowing them to enjoy a restful sleep. They can fold the mattress and stow it away in the wardrobe.

Unfortunately, Western interpretation is quite different. Many Westerners use futons primarily as a loveseat or chair, replacing a conventional sofa. Hence, Western products often have a chair or frame (mostly wood) where people can place the Shikibuton and serve as a sofa-like cushion.

In ancient Japan, sizes came in shaku units, equivalent to 36 to 38 centimeters or about 14 to 15″. However, Western influence prompted the Japanese to adopt international measurement standards.

Today, the standard Japanese futon size is 39 x 78 inches. One must know that the sizing only reflects the fabric size without the stuffing. Filling the mattress with cushioning materials can reduce the width and length by as much as 4 inches.

The standard sofa bed size specifications in Western markets is 32 x 75 inches, suitable for standard platform beds. 

Average Futon Length

The Japanese futon’s length can range from 78″ to 82″, although the Super Long can extend up to 86″.

On the other hand, Western or American futons can be as short as 75″ or as long as 84″, putting the average at 80″.

One must realize that many furniture manufacturers can customize their offerings to suit customers’ needs.

Folded Sofa Bed Size Specifications

A futon’s folded dimensions depend on its size and number of folds. For example, a bi-fold Twin with an unfolded sizes of 39 x 75 inches can only be 39 x 37.5 inches when folded. On the other hand, the same product with a tri-fold design is only 39 x 25 inches when folded. 

One must also consider the thickness or height. Unfortunately, there are no standard futon thickness measurements because everything depends on the user’s preferred comfort levels. 

The Japanese often find thinner mattresses more comfortable to sleep on, while Westerners prefer a thicker mattress. Hence, one only needs to double or triple the unfolded thickness measurement to determine its bi-fold or tri-fold thickness.

For example, four-inch-high futons can be 8 inches when bi-folded or 12 inches when tri-folded.

Futon Mattress Dimensions

The Shikibuton (futon mattress) can be as small as 33 x 51 inches for babies and young children or as large as 62 x 82 inches for adults. 

On the other hand, American (Western) mattresses range in size from 39 x 75 inches (Twin) to 72 x 84 inches (California King). As mentioned, families can order a custom-size product for their needs.  

For example, a seven-foot-tall person might feel the California King futon’s mattress is barely sufficient for comfort. It would be best to order a longer mattress (i.e., 96″). Check out our article about the types of mattresses here.

Twin Futon Sizes

American Twin futons have a standard size of 39 x 75 inches, although it is not uncommon to find a longer version (Twin XL at 35 x 79 inches). 

The Japanese call their Twin-size a Single, closely resembling the American Twin XL sizes at 39 x 78 inches. They also have a Single Long (39 x 82 inches) and a Single Super Long (39×86 inches).

The Super Long is excellent for converting into a couch or sofa, allowing the person to have a higher and more comfortable seat. 

Full-Sized Futon Measurements

Also called Double-size, Full-size futons are 54″ wide and 75″ long. A Full XL version has the same width but is longer by 4 inches than the Full-size product.

In Japan, the Double futon is narrower, wider by an inch, and longer by 7 inches than its Western equivalent. They also have a Semi-Double, which closely resembles the American measurements (49 x 82 inches).

Shikibuton Dimensions (Queen Size)

The Shikibuton measures 62″ wide and 82″ long. It is similar in length to the Double but is twice as wide as the Baby-size product.

Westerners design and manufacture their Queen-size futons, about 2 inches smaller than the Shikibuton, measuring only 60 x 80 inches. 

Dimensions for a King Size Futon 

The Japanese Queen-size mattress is sufficiently large for most people. That is why they no longer feel the need for another size.

Meanwhile, Western futons have California King-size and Eastern King-size versions. The former measures 72″ wide and 84″ long, while the latter is wider but shorter by 4 inches. 

Futon Cover Dimensions

Traditionally, futons do not require any cover because people fold and store them in wardrobes or cupboards when not in use. However, Western products are essential seating furniture for accommodating guests or relaxing during the day, requiring stylish designs. You may need covers if you expect a lot of use, and combine them with sheets if you want to use them in the guest bedroom.

Many Western manufacturers always add a wooden frame to their products. Making a cover for these requires considering the frame’s outside sizes with the mattress cushion folded or in couch mode.

It would be best to measure the item by placing the mattress on the frame and measuring its outside dimensions. For example, one can fold the mattress and rest it on the frame. Next, measure the seat height from the floor. Additionally, measure the armrest and backrest sizes.

Generally, futon mattress slipcover sizes are: 

• Twin 39” by 75”

• Full 54” by 75”

• Queen 60” by 80”

• Loveseat 54” by 54”

Cover fabricators can use the measurements to create a cover with a perfect fit. The good news is that people who buy a complete futon (mattress with frame) can expect the manufacturer to have a ready-to-use cover.

Futons are one of the most versatile room furnishings one can ever have. Traditionally, it is a foldable bed people can stow during the day and unfold at night. However, Western ingenuity transformed the Japanese version into sofa-like furniture, ready to accommodate a tired body.

Knowing the different dimensions makes it easy for anyone to buy the best multi-functional furniture for the family. For more related topics, visit our futon vs sleeper sofa comparison here.