Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor
Are you looking to purchase a smaller mattress but not sure whether to choose a Twin or a Full? There’s a lot of confusing lingo out there in the mattress world, but our Twin vs. Full comparison guide is here to help. So what is the difference?
Twins, sometimes called Singles, are the smallest standard beds out there. Fulls, also known as Doubles, are a bit wider overall but smaller than a Queen. We will break down the exact dimensions, pros and cons, and considerations below so that you can decide which is the winner for you.
Twin vs. Full Mattress Comparison Chart
| Twin | Full | |
| Width | 38” | 54” |
| Length | 75” | 75” |
| Price | Least expensive | More expensive than Twin XL |
| Best For | Children and teens, solo sleepers, guest rooms, extra-small bedrooms | Solo sleepers who want to spread out, guest rooms, bedrooms with a bit more space |
Sleep Advisor’s Testers Discuss Mattress Sizes
What to Consider When Choosing a Twin or Full Mattress
Dimensions
Twin
Twin mattresses are around 38 inches wide and 75 inches long. This is the smallest standard mattress size, and Twin beds are commonly used in children’s rooms and guest rooms, and among single sleepers.
See more: Best Twin Mattress
Full
Full-size beds are 54 inches wide and 75 inches long, though some brands have Full mattresses 53 inches wide. A Full is smaller than a Queen — the most commonly purchased bed — but is 16 inches wider than a Twin, giving sleepers some extra wiggle room. Couples sometimes sleep on this size, but they are more commonly used by singles.
Learn More: Best Full Mattress
Price
Twins are usually cheaper than Full beds because of their smaller size. Also, accessories like sheet sets, bed frames, and pillows (you will probably want two on a bigger bed) will be more expensive on a Full.
Find the best bed frames and best pillows here.
Comfort
Another key factor is the person sleeping in the bed and how comfortable they’ll be. A child or average-size adult should fit just fine on a Twin, but bigger children and most adults would probably be more comfortable on a Full. Those who are taller, especially, would benefit from the extra 5 inches that the XL options offer.
Bedding
Sheets, comforters, and other bedding accessories can add style and comfort to your bed, and since Twin and Full are popular mattress choices, you shouldn’t have a problem finding items you like. Full XL is the least common of these sizes, though, so you may have a harder time finding sheets that line up with this size.
Room Size
The size of the room matters almost as much as the mattress size; you don’t want a bed that’s going to overpower the space, but you also don’t want one that will look too small.
Fulls generally work best in a room 10 feet by 12 feet or 10 feet by 10 feet. Twins can accommodate smaller rooms or even allow for more furniture in rooms that are 10 feet by 10 feet and bigger. However, we recommend avoiding using a Twin in a much larger master bedroom since this could look out of place.
Related: Best Murphy Bed Mattress
Twin Bed Pros and Cons
Full-Size Mattress Pros and Cons
When It’s Good to Use a Twin Bed or a Full Bed
Twin
Twin beds are useful for children transitioning out of the crib into a “big kid bed.” Bunk beds, which are popular for kids, typically accommodate Twin mattresses. They are also the ultimate space saver for those living in apartments or who have kids sharing a room.
Twin-size beds are easier to move because of their size and weight compared to other mattresses, which means that flipping or rotating your mattress to prolong its lifespan is not as much of a chore.
You may commonly see Twin XLs in college dorms and hostels because they do not take up too much space but are long enough for taller adults to sleep on comfortably. They can also be great for couples who want an adjustable bed frame because two Twin XLs pushed together are the size of a standard King.
Full
Full-size beds are helpful for single adults who are larger or simply want more space to spread out. Although couples could potentially sleep on this size, it would be a squeeze. If your master bedroom is smaller, this could be a good option.
While Twin beds are great mattresses for guest rooms, Full-size beds are more versatile for all different types of guests. Also, parents looking to get more longevity from their kid’s mattress may choose to skip the Twin option and move straight into this size because of how versatile it is, allowing their kids to move into their teens with the same sleeping space.
This size will look great in the majority of rooms and should still leave plenty of space for other furniture.
Related: Best Beds for Teenagers
Twin vs. Full Bed FAQs
Is a Twin or Full mattress better?
Yes! Twin beds are a perfectly suitable mattress choice for many adults sleeping alone. With a width of around 38 inches, most average size adults should be able to find comfort on a Twin bed. However, adults who are taller or heavier may prefer a larger mattress size that can better accommodate their body type.
When should I switch from a Twin to a Full bed?
The timing for switching from a Twin to a Full bed is largely dependent on your circumstances. When children move on from their crib, it is often into a Twin bed. However, as kids grow, they may want more room to move around and stretch out when they sleep. At this time, you may want to consider a Full-size bed.
This isn’t a mandatory or necessary change. If a Full bed doesn’t work for your budget or your room, a Twin bed is suitable for most children, teenagers, and even adults. However, if you’re going with a Twin and the sleeper is over 6 feet tall, you’ll likely want to opt for a Twin XL as it will better accommodate their height.
Are Twin beds okay for adults?
Yes! Twin beds are a perfectly suitable mattress choice for most adults who are sleeping alone. With a width of around 38 inches, most average size adults should be able to find comfort on a Twin bed. However, adults who are taller or heavier may prefer a larger mattress size that can better accommodate their body type.
Are Twin beds good for toddlers and kids?
Either would work great for toddlers and kids. A Full would leave quite a bit of room for a toddler, but if you are looking for something to keep for years, it would be a great option to grow into.
Learn More: Mattress for Kids
What are the dimensions of Twin beds in centimeters?
A standard Twin is 96.52 centimeters wide and 190.5 centimeters long. Twin XLs are the same width and 203.2 centimeters long.
Standard Fulls are 137.16 centimeters wide and 190.5 centimeters long. Full XLs are also 137.16 centimeters wide and 203.2 centimeters long.
How big is a Full bed vs. Twin?
Full beds typically measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, though some Fulls may be 53 inches wide, depending on the brand. Twin beds measure 38 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Final Word of Advice
Both Twin and Full beds are ideal for certain situations, but the differences between the two are pretty clear. In general, these sizes work best for single sleepers, children, guest rooms, or small spaces. Making your decision based on room size, the person sleeping in the bed, and expense is probably your best bet for a comfortable night’s rest.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Senior Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the senior editor for Sleep Advisor and a certified sleep science coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach