If you’re buying a pickup or trying to determine whether it will fit in your garage, you may wonder: how many feet is a short bed truck?
The answer is:
Most short bed trucks have a bed length between 5.5 and 6.5 feet.
The exact size depends on the manufacturer and the truck model. Full-size pickups, midsize trucks, and heavy-duty trucks can all have different short-bed dimensions.
In this guide, you’ll learn the standard measurements of short bed trucks and how they compare with standard and long beds.
Quick Answer: Short Bed Truck Length
Typical short truck bed sizes include:
| Bed Type | Length |
|---|---|
| Compact short bed | 5–5.5 feet |
| Standard short bed | 5.5–6 feet |
| Full-size short bed | 6–6.5 feet |
Most modern full-size pickup trucks use beds that are 5.5 feet or 6.5 feet long.
What Is Considered a Short Bed Truck?
A short bed truck is any pickup with a cargo bed shorter than a standard or long bed.
Manufacturers generally classify beds as:
- Short bed
- Standard bed
- Long bed
Although the exact measurements vary, short beds are designed to improve:
- Maneuverability
- Parking
- Passenger space
Common Short Bed Sizes
The most common short-bed dimensions are:
| Length | Feet |
| 67 inches | 5.6 ft |
| 69 inches | 5.75 ft |
| 70 inches | 5.8 ft |
| 78 inches | 6.5 ft |
These dimensions differ by truck brand and cab configuration.
Short Bed Dimensions on Popular Trucks
Here are examples of common short-bed pickups:
| Truck Model | Short Bed Size |
| Ford F-150 | 5.5 ft |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 5.8 ft |
| Ram 1500 | 5.7 ft |
| Toyota Tacoma | 5 ft |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 5.8 ft |
Many trucks also offer optional longer beds.
How Long Is the Entire Truck?
The bed length is only part of the truck’s total size.
A pickup with a short bed usually measures:
- Approximately 18–20 feet overall.
The exact length depends on:
- Cab style.
- Wheelbase.
- Manufacturer.
Converting Inches to Feet
Truck beds are often measured in inches.
To convert inches into feet, use:
For example:
67 inches ÷ 12 = 5.58 feet
Therefore:
67 inches equals approximately 5.6 feet.
Short Bed vs. Standard Bed vs. Long Bed
| Bed Type | Length |
| Short bed | 5.5–6.5 ft |
| Standard bed | 6.5–7 ft |
| Long bed | 8 ft |
Long beds provide more cargo capacity, while short beds are easier to drive and park.
Advantages of a Short Bed Truck
Short bed trucks are popular because they offer:
- Easier parking.
- Better maneuverability.
- More passenger space.
- Improved city driving.
- Lighter weight.
They are especially common among drivers who use their trucks for commuting.
Can a Short Bed Truck Carry Full Sheets of Plywood?
Most plywood sheets measure:
- 4 feet × 8 feet.
Because short beds are shorter than 8 feet, full sheets usually:
- Extend beyond the tailgate.
- Require support.
- Need straps for transport.
Long-bed trucks handle large materials more easily.
Is a Short Bed Truck Right for You?
A short bed may be ideal if you:
- Drive mostly in cities.
- Need extra cabin space.
- Park in garages.
- Rarely haul large equipment.
For heavy hauling and construction work, a longer bed may be more practical.
FAQs
How many feet is a short bed truck?
Most short bed trucks have beds measuring 5.5 to 6.5 feet long.
What is the shortest truck bed available?
Some midsize pickups have beds as short as 5 feet.
Is a 6.5-foot bed considered short?
Yes. Many manufacturers classify 6.5 feet as a short bed.
How long is a Ford F-150 short bed?
The Ford F-150 short bed is approximately 5.5 feet long.
Can a short bed truck fit plywood?
Yes, but the material will often extend past the tailgate.
What is the difference between a short bed and a long bed?
Long beds provide more cargo space, while short beds offer easier handling.
How long is the entire truck with a short bed?
Most short-bed pickups measure approximately 18–20 feet overall.
Quick Facts
- Short truck beds usually measure 5.5–6.5 feet.
- Some midsize pickups use 5-foot beds.
- Full-size trucks commonly offer 5.5-foot beds.
- Short beds improve maneuverability and parking.
- Most short-bed trucks are about 18–20 feet long overall.
Final Thoughts
A short bed truck typically measures between 5.5 and 6.5 feet long, although the exact dimensions vary by manufacturer and model.
Short beds are popular because they combine cargo capability with easier handling, making them an excellent choice for everyday driving and light-duty hauling.
