Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Senior Editor
The different sizes of beds seem easy enough to understand, right? The truth is that choosing the right size for your mattress can be more complex than you may think. Does it fit comfortably in my bedroom? Is there enough legroom? The list goes on.
To help you decide on the right mattress size, we’ve put together a summary of the most common measurements you will see online and in a store so you can have an idea if it’s a perfect bed for you and your bedroom.
Mattress Size Dimensions
| Bed Size | Size (Inches) | Suitable For |
| Small Single or Cot | 30 x 75 | Babies and toddlers |
| Twin | 38 x 75 | Kids that have outgrown their cribs and single adults living in smaller apartments. It’s also great for a daybed or bunk bed. |
| Twin XL | 38 x 80 | Kids, taller adults, and those who want to use an adjustable bed frame |
| Full | 54 x 75 | Good for a single sleeper, someone with children or pets, and couples that do not require a lot of legroom. |
| Full XL | 54 x 80 | More than enough for a single sleeper. Also good for couples that need more legroom but can not accommodate queen size due to bedroom limitations. |
| Queen | 60 x 80 | Frequent choice and a perfect size for most couples that do not need a lot of sleeping space. If you plan to sleep alone this is more than enough. |
| Olympic Queen | 66 x 80 | Six Inches wider than a standard queen, it makes it nice for someone who doesn’t want to upgrade all the way to a King. |
| King | 76 x 80 | Great choice for couples who want maximum personal sleeping space. Check our room dimensions scale guide to ensure it will fit in your bedroom. |
| California King | 72 x 84 | 4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower than a standard king type. Good for taller individuals. |
Best Twin Mattress
DreamCloud Original Mattress
Luxurious hybrid at a great price with a lifetime warranty.
Best Queen Mattress
Saatva Mattress
Coil-on-coil structure gives this elevated innerspring bed a luxurious feel and versatility.
Best King Mattress
Nectar Mattress
Nectar provides a premium memory foam bed backed up by a year-long trial and a Forever warranty.
Sleep Advisor’s Lead Product Testers Explain Mattress Sizes
Small Single Bed (Cot) Dimensions
This is the size of crib mattresses. They can also serve as toddler beds in most cases once your baby outgrows the cot. Typical measurements are 30 inches wide by 75 inches long
On their own, these beds should fit nicely into a room that’s 7 feet by 9 feet. This is small enough that it won’t make the bed look out of place, and when your child is ready for a Twin bed, this is still enough room to accommodate that size too.
.If this is what you’re looking for, check out our Best Crib Mattresses here.
Twin Bed Dimensions
A typical single, twin, or bunk mattress is 38 inches wide by 75 inches long. You’d be hard-pressed to find a bed that is any smaller than this one, other than a toddler bed or crib.
Typically, a twin mattress is ideal for children who have outgrown cribs and toddler beds, and who are now ready to graduate to a larger mattress.
Additionally, it works well for those who sleep in tight quarters, have small rooms, or share a room with a sibling or roommate. Twin beds are often used as day beds, bunk beds, dorm room beds, and guest room beds.
Like the crib and toddler beds, a twin bed should fit well into a room that’s 7 feet by 9 feet.
Explore Now: Best Twin Mattress
Twin XL
There are subcategories of Double beds to consider as well. The twin XL is typically 80 inches long while still maintaining the 38-inch width. If you’re an adult looking for a bed that saves space and still is a comfortable choice, a twin XL mattress may be perfect for you.
Twin XL beds are slightly bigger and will likely be used by someone taller. In this case, it’s best to go with a room 8 feet by 10 feet.
Find Out More: Twin XL vs. Twin
Can I Use a Twin XL Mattress on a King Size Bed Frame?
Yes, you can use two double/twin XL beds on a king frame. If you are in a relationship where one partner requires a different firmness than the other, two separate mattresses could be a helpful solution.
Explore the best twin XL beds and best bed frames.
Full Bed Dimensions
Full-size mattresses measure 54 inches wide by 75 inches long, and these are also sometimes referred to as “standard double.” The Full size is sufficient for adults who need more room than what a twin can offer.
If you are in a relationship, this may not be the best choice for you, as the fit will be more snug. However, some couples that need to save money may prefer the price tag of a full bed compared to the king and queen models. Additionally, if you have a pet or child that sleeps next to you, you may want to consider a wider option.
The recommended room size for a full bed is 10 feet by 12 feet.
We suggest the Helix Kids for a great full-size mattress. The Helix Kids is specifically designed for children, and getting this bed in full size allows the parent to lie next to the child in the event of nightmares or difficulty sleeping.
We also suggest the WinkBeds Original for a great full-size mattress. Some couples may opt for a full-size mattress, and the WinkBed’s versatility for multiple sleep positions combined with solid edge support is ideal for partners.
Full (Double) XL
A full XL option is 54 inches by 80 inches, giving you an extra 6 inches of leg space. If you do not require extra width but want some more room for your legs, this is a perfect option.
A full XL should still fit nicely in a room that’s 10 feet by 12 feet.
Want to read more? Check out our Double vs. Full mattress comparison.
Queen Bed Dimensions
Queen mattresses are 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. They are typically long and wide enough to suit most sleepers. For those who sleep with their spouse, child, or pet, a queen bed might be perfect.
When looking at these larger sizes, it becomes necessary to consider the living space. Queen sizes and up take up more room than the twin or the full, and your ability to freely move around the bedroom may become restricted. If you have a larger bedroom, then this won’t be a factor. A good bedroom size for a queen mattress is going to be 12 feet by 12 feet.
Check out some queen mattress options here.
We suggest the DreamCloud Original for a great queen-size mattress. Most shoppers who get a queen bed are adults, and the DreamCloud offers a luxurious design that includes a cashmere blend cover, pillowtop surface, gel memory foam, and pocketed coils.
We also love the Emma Hybrid Comfort. It features 7 layers of hybrid support and comes at a great price.
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Looking for more info? View our in-depth Queen vs. Full bed comparison.
Olympic Queen
Contrary to the title, an Olympic queen isn’t something designated for top-tier athletes. Rather, it’s a variation of the traditional queen size.
Olympic queen mattresses are slightly wider and measure 66 inches wide by 80 inches long. An Olympic queen is perfect for those who don’t want to upgrade all the way to a king but could use more width. An Olympic queen should still fit well into a 12-foot by 12-foot room.
King Bed Dimensions
A standard king-size mattress is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. We recommend avoiding this size unless your room is at least 12 by 12 square feet. This is a perfect mattress for couples who sleep with their kids or pets and want more room for themselves.
If you want to compare this to other options, a king is the same as two twin XL beds.
Like the queen size, a king bed can fit well into a room that’s 12 feet by 12 feet. However, these are still big enough that they can work in slightly larger rooms too.
We suggest the Saatva Classic for a great king-size bed. The Saatva’s construction includes premium support thanks to the dual coil unit, so those sharing a bed or who carry more weight shouldn’t experience much sagging.
We also suggest the Nolah Evolution for a great king-size mattress. The Evolution is equipped with multiple advanced cooling features, so couples are less likely to overheat during the night.
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Looking for more details? Read our full King vs. Queen bed comparison.
California King Bed Dimensions
The California king mattress is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long, making it one of the biggest options on the market. This size is perfect for active sleepers, tall people, and couples with kids or pets. A California king is 4 inches longer but 4 inches narrower when compared to a standard King.
We recommend you have a large room of at least 12 by 12 square feet for a California king mattress.
View Our Full Comparison: California King vs. King mattress size
Find our expert’s picks for the best mattresses of 2024 here.
How to Choose the Right Mattress Size
There are certain things to keep in mind when choosing your mattress size. Here, we’ll look more closely at these factors to help you decide which mattress size is right for you.
Bedroom Size
If the bedroom you’re working with is small, it makes sense to buy a smaller mattress so you’ll have more floor space in the room. The smallest mattress is the twin mattress, followed by the twin XL, and then the full.
If you have a larger room, you won’t have to worry about using a small bed. Most people opt for a queen-size bed, but if you have plenty of space, you can go for a king — especially if you want some space when sharing the bed.
Just make sure you are carefully measuring the room with the bed’s dimensions in mind. You’ll need to have at least 2-3 feet on each side of the bed so you can comfortably move around the space.
If you have limited space in your room, consider a Murphy bed – they can fold up into the wall, plus you don’t have to compromise on mattress quality. Find our favorite Murphy bed mattresses here.
Budget
Generally speaking, the smaller the bed, the lower the price will be; the larger the bed, the higher the price will be. This will also be true of the sheets and bedding you’ll use on the bed since smaller bedding will be less expensive than larger bedding.
If you’re on a tight budget, you may want to opt for the smallest bed you’d feel comfortable sleeping on to save money on the bed itself, as well as the bedding. However, if budget is not a concern, we’d recommend getting whatever size bed works best for you and your bedroom.
If you’re being budget conscious with your next mattress purchase. Check out our expert tested picks in our Best Budget mattress list.
The Age of the Sleeper
Certain mattress sizes tend to work better for different ages. For example, a small or single mattress is designed for toddlers, and a twin is often used for children or teens. A twin XL can be a great choice for taller teenagers or single adults with limited bedroom space (these are often used in dorms), and a full is a great choice for both children and adults who are sleeping solo.
This is not only because children tend to have smaller bedrooms than their parents, but also because children will have smaller bodies as well. The general rule is that the bigger a person’s body, the bigger their mattress will need to be.
More: Best Mattress for Kids and Beds for Teenagers
Couple or Solo Sleeper?
The mattress size you choose will depend heavily on whether you’re sharing the bed or sleeping alone.
For those sleeping alone, anything from a twin to a queen should be comfortable. Keep in mind that if you’re on the taller side, you’ll need to choose a mattress that’s at least 80 inches in length.
For couples sharing a bed, either with a partner, a child, or perhaps your pets, you’ll want more space. Some people can comfortably share a full bed, but it is a tight squeeze. We’d recommend going for at least a queen if you’re sharing the bed; if you each want more space to spread out, a king would be even better.
Body Size
You want to make sure the mattress you get works for your body. For example, if you’re well over 6 feet tall, the last thing you probably want is a teeny-tiny twin bed.
You should consider both your height and overall body type when selecting the right mattress size. While twin beds could work for older children and teens, people who have a larger body frame will likely need something closer to a queen.
If you’re well over 6 feet tall, start with a longer mattress that’s at least 80 inches long. We recommend giving yourself a few extra inches of mattress length so that your feet aren’t dangling over the bed – we recommend a California king mattress specifically.
If you have a wider body frame and love to spread out, a queen or king would provide more space to comfortably accommodate you and your sleep style.
Mattress Setup
Unfortunately, setting up the mattress is something a lot of people don’t think about until the mattress arrives on their doorstep and they have to somehow get it into the room.
If the journey to the bedroom is extremely narrow or awkward or the doorway is small or at an angle, this might impact the size of the mattress you can get. Additionally, the bigger the mattress is, the heavier and more cumbersome it will be to move.
Luckily, several companies offer white glove delivery, either for an additional charge or with the cost of the mattress. If your mattress doesn’t come with this option, just be sure you have one or two people to help you move it into the room and set it up – especially if it is larger and heavier. When ordering your mattress you should not only look at the dimensions, but also its weight, to determine how much setup help you’ll need.
Mattress Size FAQs
What size bed is best for couples?
The best bed size for couples is a queen. These beds measure 60 inches by 80 inches, and they should offer enough space for most couples to sleep comfortably without taking up too much space in a standard bedroom. This is also the most popular mattress size sold.
A king-size bed is an excellent option for couples who want even more. At 76 inches by 80 inches, these beds will give couples an additional 16 inches of width to stretch out on.
What is the largest mattress size?
The Alaskan king is the largest mattress size available, measuring a whopping 108 inches by 108 inches. Kings and California kings are the biggest mass-produced beds available.
Is a Full mattress the same as a Double?
A double bed and a full bed are the same size, measuring 54 inches by 75 inches. The two names can be used interchangeably.
How much bigger is a Queen bed than a Full?
A full mattress is 54 inches by 75 inches, and a queen bed is 60 inches by 80 inches. With a queen, you will have 6 additional inches of width and 5 more inches of length. Couples and those over 6 feet tall may feel more comfortable in a queen than a full.
Final Word of Advice
Now that you know the important factors to consider in a mattress size, this can help make the ordering process smoother when you finally find that dream mattress. If you’re interested in viewing more beds, check out our list of the best mattresses, which includes a variety of options for all kinds of sleepers.
The Advisor Says
The best place to start is to confirm your bedroom dimensions if you don’t already know what they are. Once you know that, it’ll be easier to narrow down an appropriate mattress size.
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