The Edit — Bedding
What Weight of Weighted Blanket? The 10% Rule, Explained
The 10% rule says a 150-pound adult wants a 15-pound blanket. Where the rule comes from, what to do between sizes, why 2 people rarely share one, and why no rule makes a weighted blanket safe for a small child.
This guide is research-led: we have not handled these units ourselves. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission — it never changes a pick.Research-led, nothing handled. We may earn from links; it never changes a pick. How we choose
This page works through the 10% rule for choosing a weighted blanket, then lists 3 blankets at the weights the rule points to most often, as How we choose describes. The rule is a rule of thumb, not a medical guideline. Nothing here was handled or tested.
YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket, Bamboo Viscose
Good fit A lighter adult, or anyone who sleeps hot
Not for A sleeper of 180 pounds or more
YnM Weighted Blanket, 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
Good fit An adult of 140 to 165 pounds
Not for A couple sharing a bed
Yescool Weighted Blanket, 20 lbs, Queen
Good fit An adult of 190 pounds or more
Not for Anyone under about 170 pounds
The rule: about 10% of body weight
A weighted blanket should weigh about 10% of the person under it. Wikipedia’s Weighted blanket article gives that figure, and adds that the blanket should cover the body from toes to chin. Blankets are sold in steps of a few pounds, so round to the nearest size on sale.
| Sleeper’s weight | 10% | Size to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs | 12 lbs | 12 lbs |
| 140 lbs | 14 lbs | 12 or 15 lbs |
| 150 lbs | 15 lbs | 15 lbs |
| 180 lbs | 18 lbs | 15 or 20 lbs |
| 200 lbs | 20 lbs | 20 lbs |
Between sizes, choose the lighter blanket
A blanket that is too heavy is the commoner mistake. Wikipedia’s article says that if a blanket at the 10% weight still feels wrong, it is more likely too heavy than too light. So a 140-pound sleeper choosing between 12 and 15 pounds should start at 12.
The YnM cooling blanket takes the guesswork out: its listing sizes it for one person of 140 pounds. YnM also covers the cooler-sleeper problem with a bamboo viscose cover.
YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket, Bamboo Viscose
A bamboo-covered blanket whose listing sizes it for one person of 140 pounds.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Sized for | One person of 140 lbs, per the listing |
|---|---|
| Cover | Bamboo viscose |
Sized by its listing for one person of 140 pounds.
Buy it if
- A lighter adult, or anyone who sleeps hot
Don't buy it if
- A sleeper of 180 pounds or more
15 pounds is the weight most adults land on
For an adult of around 150 pounds, the rule gives 15 pounds. The YnM 15-pound blanket pairs it with a 48 by 72 inch size, which lies on one person rather than draping over the bed.
YnM Weighted Blanket, 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
15 pounds in a one-person 48 by 72 inch size, the weight the 10% rule gives most adults.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Weight | 15 lbs |
|---|---|
| Size | 48 x 72 inches |
15 pounds in the one-person 48 by 72 inch size.
Buy it if
- An adult of 140 to 165 pounds
Don't buy it if
- A couple sharing a bed
A larger adult needs 20 pounds, and a bigger blanket
At 200 pounds, the rule reaches 20. The Yescool 20-pound queen spreads that over 60 by 80 inches, and Yescool sells a king at the same weight.
Yescool Weighted Blanket, 20 lbs, Queen
20 pounds over a 60 by 80 inch queen size, for a larger adult.
Current price shown on Amazon. We may earn a commission.
| Weight | 20 lbs |
|---|---|
| Size | 60 x 80 inches |
20 pounds over a queen bed, for a sleeper of about 200 pounds.
Buy it if
- An adult of 190 pounds or more
Don't buy it if
- Anyone under about 170 pounds
2 sleepers rarely suit 1 blanket
The 10% rule is personal, so a shared blanket is right for at most 1 of the 2 people under it. A 130-pound and a 200-pound partner want 13 and 20 pounds. A queen blanket also spreads its weight across both, so neither gets the pressure they bought it for.
No weight makes a blanket safe for a small child
The 10% rule was never written for children. Wikipedia’s article records that improper use of a weighted blanket has been responsible for at least one child’s death, and that safety studies in adults cannot be applied to children. Every blanket on this page is sized for an adult; put none of them in a crib or a toddler bed.
Weighted blankets compared has 5 blankets by weight, fill and cover, and the throw blanket guide covers a lighter winter layer.
Prices, savings and deal badges are Amazon's own, read from Amazon within the last hour. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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