Mattress Size Guide

Choosing what size mattress to buy is not an easy thing with such a wide range of options available these days.

Although the size of a mattress is an individual preference, understanding your own needs and preferences and all the specific dimensions will help you narrow down your choice to one that will suit your needs best.

There are some crucial factors that you should consider when looking for the perfect mattress size such as whether or not you share your bed with a partner, your kids or pets, whether you are on the taller or shorter side, how large is your bedroom, etc.

Measure your bedroom before you shop to get an idea of the space you have and then do the research.

In this guide we will outline everything you need to know about each mattress size so you can easily find what you need once you are ready to buy.

Standard Mattress Sizes

Modern mattress models are usually manufactured in the following sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King. Although not all models are made in every size, many of them are.

Each of the following mattress sizes is designed to meet specific needs, with factors like the size of the room, whether you are an active sleeper or not, and whether you share your bed with a partner, kids or pets or sleep alone determining which size would be the best fit for your needs.

Twin Mattresses

A Twin mattress also known as a single mattress is the smallest mattress size, with 38” x 75” dimensions, and, therefore, it is the least expensive of the standard mattress sizes. It is suitable for kids from toddlerhood through the teen years and for adult sleepers of a smaller frame.

Its smaller size also makes it easy to move around and fit side-by side in shared kids bedroom or stacked as a bunk bed.

Twin XL Mattresses

Twin XL mattresses are 38” x 80”, which means that they are of the same width as the Twin, but a bit longer to give taller sleepers more room to stretch their legs during the night.

As they are made with saving space in mind, they are easy to move and can fit almost anywhere regardless of whether you are looking to give your growing kids more space to stretch out in a small bedroom or you are outfitting your college student’s dorm room.

So, although Twin XL mattress are designed for those who are not active sleepers, and although they are not wide enough to be shared, they are a perfect option for growing teens or taller adults who want to save some money and space.

Full Size Mattresses

At 54” x 75”, a Full size mattress offers a significant upgrade in space from a Twin. They are designed for single sleepers who want something a bit more spacious than a Twin.

Not long ago, mattresses of this size were the standard for couples, but with the introduction of the Queen, their popularity dropped. Some couples may still find certain Full size models suitable, but the small price difference between a Full and a Queen is never worth getting less comfort, unless you don’t have enough space for the Queen to fit.

Full mattresses are perfect for active sleepers and teens who have outgrown their childhood beds and come at a reasonable range of prices.

Full size mattress

Queen Mattresses

With their 60” x 80” dimensions Queen mattresses are the most popular bed size in the US. Regardless of whether you are a single sleeper or you share your bed with a partner, you won’t outgrow this mattress size.

They provide couples enough individual space necessary for a comfortable sleep while they still fit in small bedrooms which means that Queen mattresses have the most versatile size.

So, Queen mattresses can easily accommodate most bedrooms, and their increasing popularity means that they are now available at a wide range of price points, styles and materials so you can certainly find what you are looking for.

King Mattresses

If you find Queen mattress lacking in space and you need something better and larger for you and your partner, then the King mattress will be the right choice for you.

King mattresses measure 76” x 80” and offer a luxurious amount of space which makes them ideal for couples. They provide plenty of space for one person to move without disturbing the other and is also perfect for single sleepers who like large beds and don’t want to compromise on their comfort.

As King is one of the largest standard mattress sizes, you can expect it to be a bit more expensive than the other models, but the extra cost is definitely worth the spacious comfort in the long run.

However, before making any purchase, be sure to measure out how much space you have in your bedroom and how much space a King will take up.

If you are considering using a mattress on an adjustable base, then you can get two Twin XL beds and use them on split adjustable bases pushed together.

When placed together, they are about the same size as a King, and if you use them on split adjustable bases, you and your partner can adjust each side individually according to your own needs and sleep preferences.

California King Mattresses

California King mattresses take four inches of width from a conventional king and add it to their overall length. They measure 72” x 84” and are perfect for tall sleepers, especially those who are over 6’ tall and who need a mattress long enough to allow them to sleep comfortably, and still provide them with 12 more inches of width that they would get from a standard Queen.

King size mattresses offer plenty of space for couples to share without making their feet hang off the end of the bed, and their slightly narrower dimensions make them fit more easily in certain rooms than a conventional King size models.

Custom Size Mattresses

Besides these standard mattress sizes that we have mentioned above, some mattress companies also offer you a possibility to choose certain mattress features and customize the mattress according to your individual needs and sleep preferences.

So, regardless of whether you are looking for a mattress for the room of an unusual size, or for your RV, boat or semi-truck, you can custom order a mattress that will be of specific size, materials and firmness to suit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Twin and Single mattress?

The words “Twin” and “Single” are used to describe the same size mattress, and there is not any difference between the two. Twin is usually considered to be a standard name in the US for the 38” x 75” mattresses while other parts of the world rather use the term Single for the bed of the same dimensions.

Are Full size and Double beds the same?

Yes, these are the same. Both terms refer to 54” x 75” mattresses, but Double is an older term and mattress manufacturers mostly replaced it with the term Full.

What size mattress do two side-by-side Twin mattresses make?

Two twin or Twin XL beds provide approximately the same amount of space like a King or California King mattress. Their close measurements allow you to support King and California King mattresses using two side-by-side Twin or Twin XL box springs or adjustable bases, so you won’t have to worry about dragging a 76” x 80” box spring upstairs.

Is a Full size bed big enough for 2 people?

Like we tend to mention, mattresses aren’t one size fits all and what may work for some sleepers may not work for others. Whether a Full size bed is big enough for two people largely depends on your and your partner’s weight and body constitution.

A Full mattress provides each person with only 27 inches of space and it may be too small for you if you are larger sleepers. However, if you are considering a Full bed because of your budget constraints or a limited space in your bedroom, then you can test one with your partner and see how well it works for you.

What’s the most popular mattress size?

Definitely, the most popular mattress size in the US is a Queen. It works perfectly for most people as it offers an ideal balance of space for two people with a size that is easier to move around and through narrow staircases and doorways. It is also a cheaper option compared to a King or Cal King size mattresses.