Twin and Twin XL beds may not have the biggest differences between the two – they’re really just separated by 5″ in length. However, there are factors to take into consideration that can help you decide if one is a good fit for your room over the other. Read on for our full comparison between the Twin vs Twin XL bed to decide which size may be the more appropriate fit for you.
Twin vs. Twin XL Comparison
For a quick summary of the differences between a twin and twin XL bed, check out our comparison chart below.
| Criteria | Twin Mattress | Twin XL Mattress |
| Size | 38″ x 75″ | 38″ x 80″ |
| Best For | Children, smaller bedrooms, bunk beds | Taller children, college students, those looking to create a split king bed |
| Price | $300 – $600 | $400 – $700 |
| Ideal room | Children’s bedrooms, smaller bedrooms, guest rooms | Children’s bedrooms, smaller bedrooms, college dormitories |
| Pros | More affordable than a twin XL, easy to find accessories for | Comfortably fits taller sleepers |
| Cons | Too small for couples and taller sleepers | Too small for couples, more expensive than a twin |
Twin-Size Bed
A Standard Twin is also known as a Single bed, and twin mattresses and beds are often the next steps for children who have outgrown their cribs. They’re also a great option for smaller bedrooms like guest rooms. Bunk beds also traditionally come in Twin size.
RELATED: Best Mattress For Guest Rooms
| Width | 38″ |
| Length | 75″ |
Pros
- An affordable mattress option
- Great for children outgrowing their cribs
- Fits in small bedrooms
- Easy to find accessories for
- Fits traditional bunk beds
Cons
- Too small for couples to share
- Too short for taller sleepers
- Some may prefer a larger option
Twin XL
The Twin XL is the same width as a Standard Twin but it’s about 5″ longer, making it the same length as a Queen or King (80″). It can be referred to as Twin XL, TXL, Extended Twin, or Extra Long Twin. It is a nice option for college dormitories or taller children who may have smaller bedrooms but have outgrown their crib, and you may also see them if you stay in hostels when traveling.
| Width | 38″ |
| Length | 80″ |
Pros
- Comfortably sleeps taller individuals
- Two can be combined into a king-sized bed
- Fits in smaller rooms
Cons
- More expensive than a twin
- Too small for couples to share
- Some may prefer a wider bed
You Might Choose
Twin If…
- You’re buying a bed for a child – As we mentioned earlier, Twin-sized beds are sort of the next step up from a crib mattress, with a standard Twin being 38″ x 75″ (sometimes it’s measured at 74″). This could be a tight fit in both directions for an adult without question. Our best mattresses for kids page has more options if you’re shopping for a child.
- You’re trying to save the most money possible – There is a small price increase when you go from a Twin to Twin XL bed. When you need to buy a frame, mattress, protector, sheets and duvet cover, that price difference could add up quickly, so if you don’t need to have the extra length, a Twin might be the way to go.
Twin XL If…
- You’re sleeping alone – While both the Twin XL and the Queen have the same length (80″) the Twin XL is only 38″ (sometimes measured at 39″) wide, which makes it fairly narrow and a better fit for single adult sleeping by themselves.
- You need the extra length – The Twin XL is a popular bed for college dorm rooms and in hostels, where space is limited but the beds will be filled with adults who need the extra length. They can be lofted or bunked as well.
- You want to be creative and create a king-size mattress – Two Twin XL beds placed together are the same dimensions as a King-sized bed. In some cases, it may be cheaper to buy two Twin XL frames (or mattresses) for that matter and put them together to get your King.
Things To Consider
No matter what size bed you are looking for, do your research in advance – measuring and planning out your space – will ensure that your final choice will be the absolute best bed for you.
- Measure your space and leave room for movement – Even though the main difference between these two beds are 5″ in length, for smaller rooms that can affect the flow and furniture placement of a small bedroom. An article from Th!ngz Contemporary Living says that most designers will recommend 30″ of space around your bed for movement.
- Shop around Back-To-School time – There are times during the year that mattresses and beds will go on sale, and if you’re on a budget but a Twin or Twin XL bed, it might be worth waiting to make a purchase during that time. For mattresses, Labor Day weekend is often a good time for sales, as well as President’s Day weekend, Memorial Day weekend, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
RELATED: Mattress Sizes And Dimensions Guide
Overall
The main factors behind picking a Twin vs. a Twin XL is really the additional length and the small but not insignificant added cost of going with a Twin Xl over a Twin. For some, that may be an easy jump, but for others, saving the cost and the space may be the reason to go with a Twin.
Images: MNStudio/Shutterstock. Elnur/Shutterstock
