About a few decades ago, the futon sizes were based on the unit of shaku (one shaku=36-38cm), which was originally used for the kimono sizes. Partly influenced by the Western culture, the futon sizes became later modified.
Here are the standard sizes of Japanese futon. They are based on standard fabric sizes. When we refer to the sizes, we use the sizes of the fabric habitually. They’ll get short 2 to 4 inch (5 to 10 cm) when cotton filling is stuffed.
Dimensions and names vary considerably around the world, with most countries having their own standards and terminology. Please check well before you order.
【The Fabric Size of Futon Mattress – Shikifuton】（unit：inch / cm）
Baby 33 x 51 / 85 x 130
Small Single 35 x 74 / 90×190
Single 39 x 78 / 100×200
Single Long 39 x 82 / 100×210
Super Long 39 x 86 / 100×220
Semi Double 49 x 82 / 125×210
Double 55 x 82 / 140×210
Queen 62 x 82 / 160×210
Please note that what we show on our site is the size of the futon fabric. If it is filled with cotton, it will be about 4 inches (10 cm) shorter in length and width.
Example : Futon Mattress – Single 78” x 39” (200 x 100 cm) will be 74″ x 35″ (190 x 90 cm) when you receive.
If you are planning to place the futon mattress on your bed, and want to fit them perfectly, please be aware of it and select carefully.
in inch
in centimeter
Length
It is said it fits the best if the length of futon is 12” (30 cm) longer than your height to place pillow.
FAQ - We want to sleep with my family together and would like a futon larger than a queen size., what should we do?
The largest shikifuton we can produce is queen size (Fabric size 82" x 62" / 210 cm × 160 cm Finished size 78" x 58" / 200 cm x 150 cm).
In Japan, when two or more people sleep together, they often use several single-size futons side by side.
Large futons are not often used because they are heavy and difficult to lift and move.
If two parents and a small child are sleeping together, two single-size futons are laid out side by side like this. The child often sleeps closer to one of the parents rather than in the middle. Children moves while sleeping. Although since children weigh less, the difference between the two futons is not really disturbing for them. Adults are heavier and may find it uncomfortable to sleep.
Two Single size shikifutons
finished width approx. 35" +35" / 90 cm + 90 cm
Two Single size tatami mattresses
width 39" + 39" / 100 cm + 100 cm
COMPARISON
One Queen size shikifuton
finished width approx. 58" / 150 cm
Two Single size tatami mattresses
width 39" + 39" / 100 cm + 100 cm
【The Fabric Size of Futon Quilt – Kakefuton】（unit：inch / cm）
Baby 41 x 53 / 105 × 130
Single 59 x 78 / 150 × 200
Single Long 59 x 82 / 150×210
Semi Double 66 x 82 / 170×210
Double 74 x 82 / 190×210
Queen 82 x 82 / 210×210
Sizes of Futon Covers
When you buy a futon cover, be sure to measure the futon size that you are using.
Since the kake-futon (quilt) is usually thinner, you can use a futon cover which is similar in size to the kake-futon.
Since the shiki-futon (bottom mattress) has the thickness, you can use a little bigger futon cover with its dimensions 5 centimeters longer and wider.
As for a pillowcase, the size may vary depending on each item, so it might be good to buy a set of a pillow and a pillowcase.