Mattress Sizes and Dimensions

There are so many things to consider when shopping for a mattress – firmness, feel, construction, budget – it’s a lot! However, one of the most important decisions shoppers have to make is what mattress size they are going to go with.

Finding the right mattress size is important to ensure people have enough sleeping surface area for themselves and their partner (if they have one). It’s also important to make sure that there is enough extra room in the bedroom so that the person can move around, hang out, and relax.

We’re here to break down the standard mattress sizes and bed sizes, how they compare, and how to find the perfect fit – read on to find the right mattress size!

Mattress Sizes

While there are some specialty size mattresses out there, let’s focus on the six standard mattress sizes:

These are the sizes one will find when shopping online or in the store. While there might be some small variations of an inch or two, mattress sizes are pretty much consistent across the board. Please note that these are US mattress sizes, and sizes and names may be different in other countries.

Twin Size Mattress & Dimensions

A twin mattress measures 38” x 75”, officially making it the smallest size available. Twin mattresses are great for children or adults who are smaller in stature or who live in cramped bedrooms. 

Twin mattresses are not a recommended size for those sleeping with a partner.

Who will like the Twin?

• Smaller adults or children, as we mentioned earlier, are a good match for Twin-sized beds because they are generally the next step up from a crib mattress. A Standard Twin is 38″ x 75″ (sometimes it’s measured at 74″), which could be a tight fit in both directions for an average adult and nearly impossible for a couple to sleep comfortably together.
• People who need a bed for a smaller room. A Twin bed will look pretty small in a Master Bedroom, which are usually one of the most sizable bedrooms in a house. A Twin will probably fit well as a replacement for a crib in a nursery or a smaller room that maybe two people share – like a child’s room.
• Shoppers looking to save cash. After a crib, the Twin bed is the logical next step up and the least expensive option for a bed. Some people consider skipping a Twin and heading straight to a Double/Full-size mattress, or even a Twin XL mattress, for the additional length, but shoppers save the most money going with the standard Twin.

RELATED: Best Mattress for Kids

Twin XL Size Mattress & Dimensions

Twin XL mattresses measure 38” x 80”. Twin XL mattresses are 5″ longer than a twin but they have the same width, which makes these beds ideal for children who are taller or for adults who have constraints with the width of their bedroom but not the length of their bedroom. 

It is also a very popular size found in most college dorm rooms.

Who Will Like the Twin XL?

• People looking for a bed for a young adult or college student. A Standard Twin is 38″ x 75″ (sometimes it’s measured at 74″). This could be a tight fit in both directions for an average adult, but the Twin XL offers 5″ of additional length which gives everyone room to grow making it a popular bed for college dorms or hostels.
• Those who need a bed for a smaller room, will find that Twin XL beds are usually a good fit for a second bedroom (not a Master) because they tend to be smaller and save space for additional furniture. This mattress size can also be preferable to a Full because there’s additional length.
• Buyers who want to save money will find the Twin XL to be affordable. After the Twin, the Twin XL bed is the next step up and is typically the second least expensive option for a bed. Some people consider skipping a Twin and heading straight to a Full/Double or even a Twin XL for the extra length, where they can save more money on the Twin XL over a Full bed.

Full Size Mattress & Dimensions

Full size mattresses measure 54” x 75”. A full-size mattress has the same length as a twin mattress, but it is 16″ wider. The full mattress can be ideal for someone sleeping alone who wants a little more room or for couples who are smaller in stature.

Queen Size Mattress & Dimensions

Queen mattresses measure 60″ x 80”. Queen mattresses are wider and longer than a full-size mattress. A queen mattress is great for a single person who really likes that extra space and can fit it in his/her bedroom. It’s also a big enough mattress for most couples.

The only reason to step up from a queen is if your bedroom is big enough to handle something larger or if you just really want the extra surface area to sleep on.

King Size Mattress & Dimensions

King mattresses measure 76″ x 80”. King mattresses are the same length as a queen but 16″ wider. Couples who really want that extra space to sleep might do well with a king, but it’s probably unnecessarily large for a single person. See our best king-size mattresses for some great options.

Who who will like a king size bed?

A King bed is typically best suited for couples. In fact, a King mattress is the equivalent of each individual sleeping in their own Twin XL bed (pushed together). The King bed offers each sleeper 8 additional inches of space compared to a Queen sized bed, which makes it ideal for Master Bedrooms, but potentially too large for some individuals.

California King Size Mattress & Dimensions

California king mattresses measure 72” x 84”. A California king mattress is 4″ longer than a standard king but 4″ narrower.

Many people wonder whether they should choose a king or a California king mattress. Keep in mind, king mattresses are wider, while California king mattresses are longer. King size mattresses are good for couples who want more space, and California king mattresses are good for taller people. You will also want to consider the size of your bedroom.

What’s the Difference Between a King and California King Mattress?

A California king mattress is longer and narrower than a standard king-size mattress. A California king measures 72″ x 84″ while a king mattress is 76″ x 80″.

Who will like the California King?

• For people who are looking for a Master Bedroom mattress that is longer than it is wide, a simple and effective way to compare the differences between a King and CA King is to remove 4″ of width on a king and add 4″ of length to the bottom of the bed. And since the CA King is longer than the King, it’s a great option for narrow bedrooms, where people want as much width as possible but prefer a little additional length for their space.
• Sleepers with a dedicated budget for this size might find the California King worth the money. King beds and mattresses aren’t rare but also aren’t as popular as the Queen bed. Interested buyers can usually find a CA King size mattress with most brands, but they won’t be able to re-use their King-size frame, sheets or protector – the dimensions are different and they won’t fit, so shoppers will need to purchase new ones.

Mattress Sizes Comparisons

A lot of times, it is going to come down to choosing between just two mattress sizes. Is a Queen size mattress enough for a taller individual or are they going to need to splurge for a King? Can a smaller couple get the room they need on a Full mattress or will they need to pay more for a Queen?

Let’s look at how some of these mattress sizes compare so that we can make it easier on all those shoppers out there!

• Twin vs. Twin XL – A Twin mattress is going to be smaller than a Twin XL mattress and, because of this, it should work better for smaller children. Larger children, teenagers, and even some small adults should get the space they need on a Twin XL mattress.
• Twin XL vs. Full – Smaller adults who sleep alone should be able to save some money by going with a Twin XL mattress. It is also a better fit for smaller bedrooms. A Full mattress will be more ideal for regular-sized adults and some smaller couples as well.
• Full vs. Double – A full and a double mattress are actually the same size! These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to a mattress that measures 54″ x 74″.
• Full vs. Queen – A Full mattress should be a good choice for regular-sized adults who sleep by themselves. Larger individuals and some couples are going to want to upgrade to a Queen mattress.
• Queen vs. King – Between these two mattresses, a Queen is going to work better for individuals, smaller couples, and those with a smaller bedroom. A King will be a better choice for larger couples and those who have a larger bedroom.
• King vs. California King – A King mattress is wider than a California King, so it is better for couples who want more room to move around and those who have a wider bedroom. Taller couples and those with a narrower but longer bedroom might want to consider a California King.

Looking for more comprehensive mattress size comparison guides? Check out our latest resources below!

Additional Mattress Size Comparisons Guides

What Size Bed Is Two Twin Beds Put Together?

There are tons of reasons to put two twin beds together. For instance, if you sleep with a partner who has completely different mattress preferences…

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Full vs Double Bed

Sleepers often get confused about the difference between full vs double beds. These two standard mattress sizes have a lot in common! In fact, they…

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King vs. California King – What’s The Difference?

In the world of King sized beds, the Standard King and the California King are particularly popular – the California King is narrower and slightly…

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Full vs Twin XL Bed: What’s the Difference?

Shoppers in the market for a new bed who are considering a Twin size mattress may want to look at a Twin XL. While the…

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Non-Traditional Mattress Sizes

While we’ve covered the most common mattress sizes above, we also wanted to highlight some other sizes you may come across in your mattress research. Of the ones included in the table below, Split King and Split California King are most common.

Which Mattress Size Is Best For Me?

Before taking out that credit card and confirming the order, people should do a little leg work to make sure they are choosing the right size mattress. Mattress shoppers should keep the following in mind when shopping and finally moving their new mattress into the bedroom.

Measure the Bedroom

It is so important to know how much space one is working with before buying a mattress. Taking out a tape measure and getting the exact dimensions of the bedroom can help one decide what mattress size will fit best. If someone lives an apartment, they can also talk to their leasing office about the exact size of their room.

This is one of the main things that will determine what mattress size to choose, so people should consider their height and weight as well as that of their partner and then decide what mattress size will give them the right amount of space.

Research the Trial Period & Warranty Information

When someone is shopping online, it is pretty much impossible to try out the mattress before purchasing, and that is why it is a good idea to choose a mattress that comes with a long sleep trial. This will allow people some time to find out if the mattress is really the right size for them or if they want to go with something smaller or larger. Also, they should make sure the mattress comes with a good warranty in case there are any defects or other issues.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one right answer because it typically comes down to personal preference. People looking at buying a mattress should take a look at this overview and make sure they are getting the right sized mattress that is appropriate for them.

Featured image: LightField Studios/Shutterstock

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