To accurately measure a bed mattress, remove all bedding and follow a simple step-by-step process to determine its length and width.
Materials You'll Need:
- Retractable measuring tape
- Notebook
- Pen
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Mattress: Remove all bedding, including sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors. This ensures you get an accurate measurement of the mattress itself.
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Measure the Width:
- Place the end of the measuring tape at the far left corner of the mattress.
- Extend the tape straight across to the far right corner.
- Ensure the tape is taut and level to avoid inaccurate readings.
- Record the measurement in your notebook.
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Measure the Length:
- Place the end of the measuring tape at the top corner of the mattress.
- Extend the tape straight down to the bottom corner.
- Again, ensure the tape is taut and level.
- Record the length measurement in your notebook.
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Verify Measurements: It's a good idea to measure each dimension twice to ensure accuracy.
Important Considerations:
- Sagging: Be mindful of any sagging in the mattress, as this can affect the measurements. Try to measure along the flattest surface.
- Curved Edges: If your mattress has rounded or curved edges, try to estimate the measurement as accurately as possible by extending an imaginary straight line.
- Metric vs. Imperial: Decide whether you want your measurements in inches/feet or centimeters/meters and be consistent.
- Thickness: While not a length or width measurement, the mattress's thickness (height) can also be important, especially when buying fitted sheets. Measure from the top to the bottom seam.
By following these steps, you can accurately measure your bed mattress and have the correct dimensions when buying new bedding or a replacement mattress.
