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Side view of a bed on a light-colored wooden floor: the distance from the floor to the top edge of the mattress is shown in full in the picture.

Guide

The ideal height for getting out of bed—here's how to calculate it correctly

Sit on the edge of the bed: If your feet are flat on the floor and your knees form a right angle, the height is correct. Depending on your height, this is usually 45 to 55 cm from the floor to the top of the mattress. Here’s how to correctly determine which height is right for which bed and how to correct an incorrect height.

  • Test Drive in 30 Seconds
  • 45–55 cm for most people
  • Overall height matters

Overview

The answer in 30 seconds.

The exit height is the distance from the floor to the top edge of your mattress. It determines whether you can sit up easily in the morning and lie down comfortably at night. Four points are enough to determine the right height:

  • Seating Test: Feet flat, knees at a right angle
  • 45–55 cm from the top edge of the mattress for most body heights
  • 55–65 cm, if you have trouble standing up from a low position
  • Always measure the total dimensions: frame plus mattress plus topper

Measurement

Here's how to measure your exit height.

All you need is a measuring tape and a minute. Always measure the bed once it's made up and you're lying in it, just as you would when you sleep.

1

Sit on the edge of the bed

Sit upright on the edge of the bed without your shoes on, with your feet hip-width apart on the floor. Slide forward until your thighs are suspended in the air.

2

Check your knees and feet

If two things are right, the height is right: the soles of your feet are flat on the floor, and your knees form roughly a right angle. If your feet are hanging in the air, the bed is too high; if your knees slip significantly below hip level, it’s too low.

3

Measure the total height

Measure from the floor to the top edge of the mattress and add the height of a topper. The frame, slatted base, mattress, and topper all add up: No single component alone determines how high you’ll be sitting.

4

Classify

Anything under 45 cm is too deep for most people; 45 to 55 cm suits most body heights; above that, the comfort range begins, extending all the way up to a box spring bed. The sections below explain what each height means.

Measure once, then compare: The altitude ranges below will tell you where you'll end up.

The right foundation includes the right slatted bed bases: Compare them in the Mara Vital store.

Elevations

Which height goes with which bed?

All measurements are from the floor to the top edge of the mattress. The chart summarizes the three straps; the table below tells you who each strap is suitable for.

Three height bands measured from the floor, next to a schematic bed shown in side view A scale in centimeters measured from the floor, alongside three colored columns representing the standard height ranges: classic beds 40 to 50 cm, comfort beds 55 to 65 cm, and box-spring beds 60 to 75 cm, including the topper. On the right is a schematic diagram of a bed consisting of a frame, mattress, and headboard, showing the step-over height from the floor to the top edge of the mattress. cm 0 25 50 75 40–50 55–65 60–75 classical Comfort Box Spring includes topper Bed Frame Mattress Exit Height
The heights are drawn to scale; the bed is shown schematically. All measurements are from the floor to the top edge of the mattress.

Classic beds, 40–50 cm

CharacterLow, visually light beds with slender frames
This is a good fit ifyou have no trouble getting out of bed and prefer a low bed

Comfort Beds, 55–65 cm

CharacterRaised frames, often combined with a firmer mattress
This is a good fit ifyou have trouble standing up from a low position and want to stand up comfortably

Box-spring beds, 60–75 cm, including topper

ConstructionBase plus a mattress measuring 18–24 cm plus a topper measuring 5–10 cm
This is a good fit ifyou're looking for a high step-in height; 65 cm is a comfortable average

Rule of thumb: A mattress height of 50 to 60 cm is ideal—roughly the height of a chair seat. This way, you can sit down and stand up without having to take a running start.

Adjustment

Adjust the height without a new bed.

If your measurements are off, you rarely need to replace the entire bed. Usually, just one component is enough: a mattress topper adds 5 to 10 cm in height, a thicker or thinner mattress adjusts the height by the difference in thickness, and a lower frame or slatted base can lower a bed that’s too high.

If a different mattress height affects your total, you'll find the selection organized by height in the category.

When assembling the bed, make sure the mattress sits flush with the frame: it shouldn’t stick out. A gap of 1 to 2 cm is fine, but if it sticks out significantly, it will put strain on the edges. If in doubt, measure and compare different setups in the showroom.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Exit Price.

How high should a box spring bed be?

The total height is usually between 60 and 75 cm, including the topper. This makes it easier for you to sit down and stand up. 65 cm is a comfortable average that you can use as a guide.

How thick is a box spring mattress?

Box spring mattresses are usually 18 to 24 cm high, plus a topper that is 5 to 10 cm thick. The sleeping surface alone is therefore about 25 to 32 cm thick, not including the base.

How high is a bed?

Standard beds have a sleeping height of 40 to 50 cm, comfort beds 55 to 65 cm, and box-spring beds 60 to 75 cm. Taller beds make it easier to get out of bed, while lower ones look more airy.

How high should a bed be?

The recommended height is one at which, when seated, your knees are at roughly a right angle and the soles of your feet rest flat on the floor. Depending on your height, this ranges from 45 to 55 cm. If you have trouble standing up, a height of 55 to 65 cm is more comfortable.

How high should a bed with a mattress be?

The ideal total height of the bed—including the bed frame, mattress, and topper—is between 50 and 60 cm. This is roughly the same as the seat height of a chair, allowing you to sit down and stand up comfortably.

How far can the mattress extend beyond the edge?

It should not extend beyond the bed frame. A gap of 1 to 2 cm is not a problem, but if it extends significantly beyond the frame, it puts strain on the edge and damages the material.

Consulting

Not sure which size is right for you?

Bring your height with you: In Volketswil and Dagmersellen, you can sit and lie down at different heights to try them out, and we'll put the setup together with you.

If no standard bed fits your measurements, the bed configurator will help you put together your bed with expert guidance in the showroom.

Sources

up to 100

Trial Sleep Nights

Try it at home; returns or exchanges are accepted.

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Delivery in Switzerland

Packages are delivered by a parcel service; large items are shipped via a freight carrier.

up to 10

Years of Warranty

Product Terms and Conditions.

2

Showrooms

Volketswil and Dagmersellen, free consultation.