What Size Is A Queen Quilt​? - QL Textiles

Let’s be honest—shopping for a queen quilt should be simple.  But then you start shopping and see a dozen different dimensions: 88 

′′ ×92 ′′ , 90 ′′×95 ′′ , 98 ′′×98 ′′ . Suddenly, what seemed like a straightforward purchase becomes a confusing mess.

This guide will demystify queen quilt dimensions once and for all. We’ll walk you through a simple, three-step process to find the exact size you need, whether you’re buying a new quilt or planning a DIY project. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to look for to get that perfectly dressed bed you’ve been picturing.

First, let’s quickly break down the common bedding types you’ll encounter:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Queen Quilt Size

Consider these three factors as the recipe for determining your quilt’s final dimensions.

• Mattress Depth: This is the number one reason for size variations. A standard mattress from 20 years ago was about 9 inches deep. Today, with pillow-tops and multi-layer foam, mattresses can easily be 16 inches deep or more. A quilt that fits a vintage bed will look comically small on a modern, deep mattress.
• Desired “Drop”: This is a stylistic choice. The “drop” refers to the distance you want the quilt to hang down from the top of the mattress. Do you prefer it to cover just the mattress sides, hang halfway to the floor, or puddle elegantly? Each look requires a different size.
• Brand Standards: Every brand has its own idea of what ‘queen’ means, as there is no single industry-wide regulation. This variation is common since brands often work with a diverse range of global suppliers, including leading bedding manufacturers in China, each following their own production specifications.

A 3-Step Guide to Finding Your Perfect Quilt Size

Step 1: Measure Your Bed’s True Dimensions

• [ ] Measure the Width: A standard queen mattress is 60 inches wide.
• [ ] Measure the Length: A standard queen mattress is 80 inches long.
• [ ] Measure the Depth (The Game-Changer): Place your tape measure at the bottom edge of your mattress and measure up to its highest point (the crown). Do not press down. This number is your mattress depth.

Note: This guide is based on a standard US queen mattress (60″ x 80″). If you have a non-standard size, such as an Olympic Queen (66″ x 80″), be sure to use your mattress’s specific width and length in the formula below.

Step 2: Choose Your Desired Look or “Drop”

[Helpful Tip: A simple diagram showing a short, medium, and long drop on a bed can make this choice even easier!]

Step 3: Calculate Your Ideal Quilt Dimensions

• Ideal Quilt Width = (Your Mattress Width) + (2 x Your Desired Drop)
• Ideal Quilt Length = (Your Mattress Length) + (1 x Your Desired Drop)

Example: You have a 14-inch deep mattress and want a classic drop that hangs 4 inches below that. Your desired drop is 18 inches.

• Width: 60′′+(2×18′′)=96′′
• Length: 80′′+(1×18′′)=98′′
• Your ideal quilt size is 96 inches × 98 inches.

Want a Pillow Tuck? If you like to tuck your quilt over your sleeping pillows, simply add 10 to 12 inches to your final quilt length.

Related Reading: How to Find the Right Size Bed Sheets

A Practical Comparison of Common Quilt Sizes

Decoding Labels: A Queen Quilt Size Chart

Use this chart to understand which category of quilt you should be looking for.

Pro Tips for Buying and Making Your Quilt

• [ ] For Buyers: Always prioritize the listed dimensions in inches or centimeters, not just the word “Queen” on the packaging. When in doubt, opt for a slightly larger size.
• [ ] For DIYers: Remember to account for 3-5% fabric shrinkage after the first wash. Also, choose the right batting size; queen-size batting often comes pre-packaged at 90″ × 108″, giving you plenty of extra room for quilting and trimming.
• [ ] Styling Tip: Using a king-size quilt (typically around 108″ × 95″) on a queen bed is a popular designer trick to achieve an extra-luxurious, floor-sweeping drape.
• [ ] Troubleshooting Tip: If you fall in love with a quilt that’s a bit too short, don’t despair! A decorative bed skirt is the perfect solution to hide the box spring and complete the look.

How to Customize a Queen Quilt for Your Bed

1. Measure Your Foundation: Go Beyond the Label

Standard “queen” dimensions are only a starting point. Your bed’s unique measurements are the key to a custom fit.

• Mattress Top: Begin with the standard queen mattress dimensions: 60 inches wide x 80 inches long.
• Mattress Depth: This is the most critical measurement. Measure from the bottom seam to the top crown of your mattress. Modern mattresses can range from 9 to over 16 inches deep, and this single factor dictates how much coverage you need.

2. Define Your Style: The “Drop”

The “drop” is the length the quilt hangs down from the top of the mattress. This is your primary aesthetic choice.

• Coverlet Style (Short Drop): The quilt hangs just enough to cover the mattress sides, providing a snug fit. This creates a clean, modern look ideal for platform beds.
• Standard Style (Medium Drop): The quilt covers the mattress and part of the box spring or bed frame. This is the most common and balanced look.
• Bedspread Style (Long Drop): The quilt hangs all the way to the floor, providing a traditional and luxurious feel that can eliminate the need for a bed skirt.

3. Calculate Your Custom Dimensions

Use your measurements and desired style to calculate your perfect quilt size with this straightforward formula:

• Custom Width = (Mattress Width) + (2 x Desired Drop Length)
• Custom Length = (Mattress Length) + (1 x Desired Drop Length)

Additional Customization Details:

• Pillow Tuck: For a traditional look where the quilt covers pillows, add 10-12 inches to your final calculated length.
• Oversized Drape: For an intentionally dramatic and enveloping feel, consider using a standard king-size quilt on your queen bed, especially if your mattress is very deep.

By following this three-step process—measure, define, and calculate—you can move beyond the guesswork of generic sizing and specify the exact dimensions for a truly customized quilt fit that perfectly complements your bed.

Related Reading: What is a Bespoke Bed?

FAQs

1. What’s the average size of a queen quilt?

While there’s no official standard, the most common “off-the-shelf” queen quilt size is approximately 90 inches × 95 inches. However, this is often too small for modern, deep mattresses.

2. Should I buy a king quilt for my queen bed?

You absolutely can! It’s an excellent strategy for ensuring full coverage on a very deep queen mattress or for achieving an intentionally oversized, luxurious drape that puddles on the floor.

3. How much should a quilt hang over the side of a bed?

For a classic look, a quilt should hang down enough to cover the full depth of your mattress plus an additional 4-6 inches. For a bedspread look, it should hang all the way to the floor.

4. What’s the difference between a quilt, a coverlet, and a bedspread?

It’s all about the size and drop. A coverlet is the smallest, designed just to cover the mattress. A quilt is in the middle, providing a medium drop. A bedspread is the largest, designed to hang all the way to the floor.

5. How do I account for a pillow tucked in my quilt size?

A pillow tuck requires extra length, not width. After you’ve calculated your ideal quilt length based on your desired drop, simply add 10 to 12 inches to that number.

In Conclusion

By following the simple 3-step process of measuring your mattress depth, defining your desired drop, and calculating your ideal size, you have taken control. You are now equipped to decode any product label or plan a DIY project confidently. Whether you’re clicking “add to cart” on a new purchase or cutting the first block for a handmade treasure, a quilt that fits your bed and your style perfectly is now within your reach.