Mattress Size Guide
Choosing between bed sizes ultimately boils down to personal preference, but there are a few guidelines to keep in mind
Kelsey Roadruck
February 26, 2018
Houzz Contributor
Shopping for a new mattress is a decision that can affect your mood and health for the next decade. When choosing between bed sizes, don’t forget to measure your bedroom, doors and passageways to determine what size can realistically fit in your house. Then, ask yourself who will be sleeping here (including spouses, kids and pets) and reflect on their individual sleeping habits (ex: sprawlers versus snugglers). Read on to learn more about each mattress size.
How Wide is a Twin Bed?
A twin bed is 38 by 75 inches. You’ll commonly find twin beds in children’s rooms, but they can work for adults too. Adults who prefer to sleep separately might invest in two twin beds for their master bedroom.
Twin vs. Twin XL: Need some more leg room? An extra long twin is five inches longer than a twin mattress, measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. This is the universal size for beds in college dormitories.
Twin vs. Full: A full-size bed is a great solution for younger siblings who share a room. They’ll love the additional play space that would be compromised by squeezing in two twin beds. Older kids will also appreciate the smooth transition from a twin to a full, as they can revel in their growth spurt and sprawl out comfortably.
Twin vs. Twin XL: Need some more leg room? An extra long twin is five inches longer than a twin mattress, measuring 38 inches wide and 80 inches long. This is the universal size for beds in college dormitories.
Twin vs. Full: A full-size bed is a great solution for younger siblings who share a room. They’ll love the additional play space that would be compromised by squeezing in two twin beds. Older kids will also appreciate the smooth transition from a twin to a full, as they can revel in their growth spurt and sprawl out comfortably.
How Wide is a Full-Size Bed?
Also called a double bed, a full-size bed is 53 by 75 inches. The added width gives parents more space to snuggle up and read to their child during bedtime. For reference, most hotels use double bed mattresses.
Full vs. Full XL: A full bed might be too small for you if you’re taller than five-foot-five-inches, since a mattress should be about six inches longer than its tallest sleeper. An extra long full bed is five inches longer than a standard full, measuring 53 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Full vs. Queen: A full works well for couples who like to cuddle or those furnishing a narrow bedroom. Bedding is also generally more affordable for double beds. However, if you’re an active sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, your partner will benefit most from a queen-size bed. Test drive your mattress by having both partners lay down on their back and rest their hands behind their head. If your elbows touch, you should opt for the next size up.
Full vs. Full XL: A full bed might be too small for you if you’re taller than five-foot-five-inches, since a mattress should be about six inches longer than its tallest sleeper. An extra long full bed is five inches longer than a standard full, measuring 53 inches wide and 80 inches long.
Full vs. Queen: A full works well for couples who like to cuddle or those furnishing a narrow bedroom. Bedding is also generally more affordable for double beds. However, if you’re an active sleeper who tosses and turns throughout the night, your partner will benefit most from a queen-size bed. Test drive your mattress by having both partners lay down on their back and rest their hands behind their head. If your elbows touch, you should opt for the next size up.
How Wide is a Queen-Size Bed?
Queen-size beds are the most common mattress size in the world with dimensions of 60 by 80 inches. You’ll need sufficient space to bring this bed home, but it gives both sleepers optimal room to catch some quality Z’s undisturbed.
King vs. Queen: If you want something in the middle you could consider an Olympic or California queen bed, which are available but not as popular and more difficult to find bedding for.
King vs. Queen: If you want something in the middle you could consider an Olympic or California queen bed, which are available but not as popular and more difficult to find bedding for.
How Wide is a King-Size Bed?
A king-size bed is a whopping 76 by 80 inches. If you prefer to have your own personal space at night, this is the bed for you. You’ll enjoy this royally sized mattress if kids and pets tend to invade your bed.
California King vs. King: A California king bed is 72 by 84 inches. This is the longest bed you’ll find on the market without having to custom order a mattress. If you and your partner are both tall or if you have an adjustable bed, a California king might be a better choice than the standard king size.
California King vs. King: A California king bed is 72 by 84 inches. This is the longest bed you’ll find on the market without having to custom order a mattress. If you and your partner are both tall or if you have an adjustable bed, a California king might be a better choice than the standard king size.
Recap of Bed Dimensions
That was a lot of info! Here’s a quick recap of standard bed sizes:
Design the bed of your dreams on Houzz:
13 Simple Steps to a Perfectly Made Bed
Memory Foam Mattresses
Queen-Size Mattresses
Bed Frames
Headboards
- Twin Bed: 38 by 75 inches
- Twin XL Bed: 38 by 80 inches
- Full or Double Bed: 53 by 75 inches
- Full XL Bed: 53 by 80 inches
- Queen Bed: 60 by 80 inches
- King Bed: 76 by 80 inches
- California King Bed: 72 by 84 inches
Design the bed of your dreams on Houzz:
13 Simple Steps to a Perfectly Made Bed
Memory Foam Mattresses
Queen-Size Mattresses
Bed Frames
Headboards